Some stories are so good you don’t want them to end. Others are so long you’re not entirely sure they ever will. If you’ve ever started a long audiobook and heard, “Duration: 36 hours,” you’ll know that mix of excitement and commitment. But long audiobooks can also be the most rewarding — especially for blind and partially sighted readers who love getting lost in rich, detailed storytelling. They draw you into worlds you can live in for weeks, sometimes months. You just need the right rhythm, a few habits, and a bit of patience.
Set the Right Pace
There’s no rule that says you have to listen at one speed. Most audiobook players — including RealSAM Pocket, RNIB Talking Books and DAISY players — let you adjust narration tempo.
Try slowing down for descriptive passages and speeding up through fast dialogue. If your focus starts to drift, reduce the speed slightly. It’s often easier on the brain, especially at night or during longer sessions. Listening pace, like walking pace, should change with the terrain.
Take Notes as You Go
One of the quiet joys of long books is keeping track of your thoughts along the way.
Bookmark key moments using your device’s voice commands. Keep a short audio journal — a sentence or two about what stood out or how the story made you feel. If you prefer, write or dictate a quick note after each listening session.
Over time, you’ll build a small record of your journey — something more personal than a plot summary.
Revisit, Don’t Restart
When you lose track (and you will, sometimes), don’t feel the need to start over. Rewind to your last bookmark or use the search tool to skip by chapter headings.
The DAISY format, used by RNIB and other accessible libraries, makes this easier. It lets you move between sections or page numbers without scrolling endlessly through hours of narration. It’s designed for readers who need flexibility — not frustration.
Build a Listening Routine
Long audiobooks work best when you make them part of your daily rhythm. Set small, manageable goals: a chapter before bed, a few pages while cooking, or an hour on your morning walk.
Pair your listening with a ritual — the same chair, a cup of tea, or a quiet spot in the house. Familiar surroundings help the story settle into your routine, making it easier to keep going.
Make It Social
A good book lasts longer when you share it. Join a RealSAM BookClub discussion or chat about what you’re listening to with a friend. It’s not about reviews or analysis — just connection.
Talking about what you’ve heard can refresh your focus and help you see new layers in the story. Plus, it’s far more enjoyable than finishing alone.
A Final Thought
The longest books often stay with us the most. They become part of our weeks, our habits, and sometimes even our outlook.
So the next time you hesitate before pressing “Play” on that forty-hour epic, take it one chapter at a time. Listening slowly is still finishing — and finishing slowly often means remembering longer.
