“Hearing” and “listening” are different:
Hearing is passive, like a gentle breeze brushing against your skin. It’s the neighbor’s dog barking, waves crashing on the shore, leaves rustling in the wind, and the distant wail of a siren in traffic. These sounds surround us, unbidden and fleeting.
Listening, however, is an art—an active and engaging endeavor. Imagine sitting in a classroom, hanging on every word of a passionate teacher, or attending a conference where the presenter’s voice weaves a tapestry of ideas. Picture catching up with a friend, their voice a comforting melody. And then there are audiobooks—the ultimate immersion. They transport us to other worlds, wrap us in narratives, and invite us to be fully present.
Recently, Rebecca Stern, the talented narrator behind the Sean McPherson novels, and I embarked on a unique adventure. Our destination? The inaugural BYOHH (Bring Your Own Headphones and Handcrafts) Audio Book Club, hosted by our hometown’s beloved independent bookstore, Rediscovered Books.
I don’t knit or crochet, so I took my “Bloom” coloring book and a set of vibrant pencils. As the evening unfolded, I immersed myself in One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware—a psychological thriller narrated by the captivating Imogen Church.
The room was a hush of creativity, a symphony of softly clacking needles and whispered stitches. Crafters—some perched in chairs, others cross-legged on the floor—wore headphones or earbuds, lost in their chosen audiobooks, creating a sense of community and shared experience. The room was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop until refreshments and giveaways were announced—then all bets were off!
The giveaways were provided by librofm, an audiobook service allowing users to support local bookstores with their purchases—a small but significant way to help your local economy.
“Audiobooks are a go-anywhere medium—easily slotted into the crannies of our busy lives—that can transform the dullest of life’s lulls, such as traffic jams or washing the dishes, into time well spent.” —SUSANNE BAILLIE, Quill & Quire Magazine
Whether you prefer the tactile feel of print, the convenience of ebooks, or the immersive magic of audiobooks, the Sean McPherson novels have you covered.
Last but certainly not least, I’m thrilled to announce that starting today, August 1, 2024, Simon & Schuster, a powerhouse in the publishing industry, is the official distributor for the Sean McPherson novels!
Happy reading!
Laurie Buchanan
I too love listening to audiobooks, Laurie. It vastly increases my ability to gobble up stories, while I drive, while I garden, while I do laundry (which is admittedly kind of infrequent:)
Way to go, Laurie!