A couple of nights ago a friend came over unexpectedly, while I was in my sewing room finishing off a well overdue project. I spend a lot of time hunched over my sewing machine, more hours than I want to admit to, but you know the bills... I'm getting off topic here. I've gotten into the habit of listening to Audio-Books while I'm working (there are just too many books that I just have to read and not enough time for them).

I can't believe it, in this day and age my friend never heard of such a thing as Books On Tape or CD. Can you believe that? It only took a minute or two and I had her converted. She left my house with a couple of my favorites under her arm. Earlier this morning she called and complained that she hasn't had much sleep in the past two nights because she just couldn't turn off the player. She'll be here soon to exchange them for the next batch.

My work here is complete. I think it's going to become one of my goals in life to spread the word. The Audio Book fetish we'll call it.

I borrow Audio-Books from the library but buy most on eBay. There are also many Audio-Book Clubs. From some you buy (which can get to be a little costly) from others you rent. You become a member and pay a monthly fee, how much, depends on how many books you're interested in "reading" per month. It works almost the same as the video movie clubs, that deliver to your mailbox. The easiest way of all are the companies that download the entire books onto PC or MP3 players. This amazing list can go on and on.

Anyone, who doesn't have enough time to read a good book can listen and enjoy them. Audio Books are great when you've got some tedious jobs to do, or when sun bathing or crafting... One of my other friends, (whom I also converted, who in turn got her husband hooked) well they travel a lot and listen to them while driving. They now need a referee, to determine whose turn it is to pick the next book.

If you out there in Hub-Land haven't tried, you should. Hours and hours of enjoyment at no cost if you start with the list from the library.

Here are a couple of our favorites, guaranteed to get you hooked, and as funny as can be. Janet Evanovich's Stephany Plum series narrated by Lorelei King, or Elizabeth Peters's set of Amelia Peabody adventures that are narrated by Barbara Rosenblatt. Both come highly recommended and are a total joy to listen to. Not only are they well written but they're narrated just the way you imagine the characters should sound like.

Naturally there are many, many children's Audio-Books available too. My grand-daughters and I always cuddle up with a new one every chance we get. This doesn't take away from the time we actually sit down and read books but I think it enhances their love for books, "no-matter" which shape or form.

You'll find many different companies on-line under Audio-Books or Audio-Book Clubs. There are just too many to list here. Just to mention a few:

• www.HarperCollinsAudioBooks.com
• www.PenguinAudioBooks.com
• www.Audible.com
• www.SimplyAudioBooks.com
• www.TheAudioBookstore.com

Happy reading or listening.....