Sonic Theater’s New Take on the Audio Book

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The audio book is an art that has existed officially since 1931 but essentially, probably from the beginning of time. People have always enjoyed reading books aloud and hearing someone’s voice express a truly beautiful thought. In 1931 Congress established talking-book program, which was originally intended to help adults who were blind. One year later the first talking books in America were produced. One of the most notable audio books released in early times was the work of author and oral historian J.P. Harrington, who recorded histories of Native American tribes on aluminum discs.

As the decades passed, audio books became popular among the entire population. Though at one point limited to school and public libraries, by the 1980s there was a focused effort to attract book retailers. Readers were excited to hear the vocal inflections of their favorite narrative so that scenes would come alive all the more so. Some books in the modern age may feature merely a narrator’s voice, while others are dramatic products complete with sound effects and multiple character voices.

The newest technological jump when it comes to audio books will be in Satellite Radio. Whereas most readers probably do enjoy the idea of listening to a great book, few are willing to pay full price for one, especially when they can listen to the radio for free. XM Satellite Radio offers the perfect compromise: subscribe to a network with numerous channels of original programming and get audio dramas for free. XM’s contribution to great aural literature is in Sonic Theater, a channel devoted to playing audio books and radio dramas. The channel is broadcast on weekdays Monday through Friday.

Listening to audio books on satellite radio is the creative person’s alternative to news talk, music and weather. Imagine reliving your favorite scene from Sherlock Holmes or episodes of the Twilight Zone? Ever wanted to read new classics like The Joy Luck Club but lacked the time? Need some romance in your life with a Harlequin Romance read aloud? This is the advantage of XM’s Sonic Theater, a full channel of audio books that you don’t have to pay extra for and for which you can always find the time to listen. After all, what’s the better way to spend the afternoon-catching up on some old classics or listening to commercials for California avocados?

What are some of the audio books and other audio-lit content that have been read at Sonic Theater? Among others enjoyed have been The Ancient World, Orson Scott Card’s Universe, L.A. Theatre Works, “The Play’s The Thing”, Random House Audio, Writers on Writing, The Night Kitchen Radio, Kinetic City, Comedy-O-Rama and Imagination Theater. Some people have particularly found self-help audio books to be helpful, as vital points can be repeated for the best retention.

If you are interested in catching up on your informative reading, as well as great literature appreciation, then tune into the Sonic Theater. You can catch up on reading while never losing a minute of your time, thanks to XM Satellite Radio.

Bob Maines is a satellite radio specialist with several years of experience selling and installing SIRIUS Radio

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