Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Kick Your Reading into OverDrive! Online Reading & Listening App

Have you heard of OverDrive?
With the OverDrive app you can borrow eBooks, Audiobooks and even magazines from your local library all from the convenience of your iPhone or electronic device!
Rachel and I (Arlene) wanted to share a cool new app we've been enjoying. We recently downloaded OverDrive onto our devices and have enjoyed the luxury of borrowing some amazing books from our local library all from the convenience of our iPhones.

Getting access to your library's eBooks and Audio books is as easy as four steps!
1. Visit your local library to obtain a library card. Be sure to get your PIN number as well because some online libraries require your library card number and PIN.

2. Download the OverDrive application onto your device (iOS, Android, Chromebook, Mac OS - iPhone, iPad, Windows and Windows Phone) and create your account.

3. Access the OverDrive app on your device and add your local library to your list.

4. Begin browsing the selection and downloading eBooks and Audiobooks of your choice!

To show how much we've enjoyed this feature, we wanted to share some amazing features and Audiobooks we've come across.


One of the things I love most about this app is that I get to listen to Audiobooks during my downtime. If I'm stuck in traffic, shopping, playing domestic goddess, I can now have my iPhone in my back pocket listening to a great book!  I also love the wish list feature, where I can browse the library's selection and mark a book for later. 

Here are some of the amazing titles I've come across since getting OverDrive on my device. What stood out for me when listening to these titles was the narration. As with any Audiobook, the narrator can make or break the book. So, if you decide to download OverDrive, I highly suggest you check these out and come back to share what you thought.


I spend so much time in the car on my way to and from work and so I was thrilled to discover Audiobooks to fill in that wasted time.  The thing about Audiobooks, though, is that they can be expensive! I was thrilled to find out that I can borrow these books from my library and then listen to them for FREE on my phone.  I have a USB cable in my car that I attach to my phone so I can listen through the speakers in my car.  But I also listen to books while I'm getting ready, cooking or doing housework. I listened to a suspenseful story (Into the Darkest Corner by Elizabeth Haynes) while I removed wallpaper from my living and dining room (a nightmare!), but the time flew by because I was so engrossed in the story.  I kept gasping and saying "no" and my husband would come over and ask "what's wrong?!" every time! Lol!  

As Arlene said, the narration can make or break a read.  I've had to stop listening to an Audiobook so as not to completely spoil my experience because the narrator was not to my liking.  You can go onto Audible to listen to a sample before purchasing and Overdrive has a listening option before you request, as well.  I've listened to several that knocked my socks off and enhanced the overall reading experience. Here are a few of my favorites:

(Click on title for Goodreads link)

Mean Streak  One Plus One Envy Soulless (Parasol Protectorate, #1)

Big Little Lies  Into the Darkest Corner 



4 comments:

  1. I love Overdrive and I have been using it for a few year now and it's my reading staple.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is wonderful, Alysia! I wish I knew about it sooner. :)

      Delete
    2. It is wonderful, Alysia! I wish I knew about it sooner. :)

      Delete
  2. I love Overdrive, but I've switched to the Libby app as easier to get around and prettier to look at.

    ReplyDelete