From the Front Porch: Episode 538 – From the Archives: Audiobooks with Jordan Jones

Released on July 17, 2025 | Host: Annie Jones | Guest: Jordan Jones

Introduction and Context

In Episode 538 of "From the Front Porch," hosted by Annie Jones of The Bookshelf in Thomasville, Georgia, listeners are treated to an archival episode featuring her husband, Jordan Jones. Originally recorded in the fall of 2022, this episode delves into the world of audiobooks, exploring personal experiences, preferences, and recommendations. The episode is particularly timely as Annie navigates the challenges of recording while eight and a half months pregnant and dealing with a cold, aiming to provide fresh content throughout the summer.

Supporting Independent Bookstores through Audiobooks

Annie begins by highlighting the importance of supporting independent bookstores in the audiobook sector, contrasting the dominance of Audible, an Amazon subsidiary, with the independent platform Libro FM. She emphasizes Libro FM's unique partnership with local bookstores, allowing consumers to purchase audiobooks that directly benefit their chosen independent store.

Annie Jones [00:24]: "Which is why, as both a consumer of audiobooks and as a bookstore owner, I am grateful for Libro FM and the ways they partner with independent bookstores."

Annie shares how Libro FM integrates with The Bookshelf, offering both a la carte purchases and monthly memberships, thereby fostering a community-driven approach to audiobook consumption.

Personal Audiobook Journeys: Annie and Jordan

Annie reflects on her initial skepticism towards audiobooks, admitting a past reluctance to embrace the format. However, the pandemic served as a catalyst for her transformation, making audiobooks a vital part of her reading life. She acknowledges that her husband Jordan, an attorney with a lengthy commute, has naturally gravitated towards audiobooks long before she did.

Annie Jones [05:24]: "I've never listened to an audiobook before, and I have to say it's a totally different experience."

Jordan elaborates on his early adoption of audiobooks, recounting experiences from law school where audiobooks facilitated his engagement with complex texts like "The Brothers Karamazov" and "Lord of the Rings." He underscores his preference for audiobooks not just as a convenience but as a tool that aligns with his auditory learning style.

Jordan Jones [11:02]: "I am an auditory learner, and I retain a tremendous amount when I do audiobooks."

Changing Perspectives and Embracing Audiobooks

The conversation delves deeper into how both Annie and Jordan have shifted their attitudes toward audiobooks. Annie discusses her limited listening time due to her proximity to The Bookshelf and absence of a lengthy commute, whereas Jordan finds audiobooks integral to his daily routines, especially during his 45-minute commute.

Annie Jones [14:20]: "I listen to audiobooks when I'm cleaning our house, when I'm going on walks, or when you and I road trip."

Jordan adds that audiobooks have not only been a time-saver but also a therapeutic experience, enhancing his enjoyment of complex narratives without the effort required for traditional reading.

Audiobook Preferences and Listening Habits

Annie and Jordan explore their distinct preferences in audiobook lengths and genres. Annie tends to select audiobooks under 10 hours to fit her specific listening windows, such as household chores, whereas Jordan has no strict limits, often embracing lengthy, multi-volume works.

Annie Jones [16:24]: "I just want 10 or fewer hours that I know if I clean our house."

They also discuss listening speeds, with Annie maintaining a pace between 1.0x to 1.3x, while Jordan occasionally speeds up narrations for certain genres or to increase efficiency.

Jordan Jones [18:55]: "I almost always listen at one."

Narration Quality and Its Impact on Experience

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the role of narrators in shaping the audiobook experience. Annie highlights her preference for audiobooks narrated by actors, which adds a layer of performance that enhances the storytelling.

Annie Jones [29:08]: "Fiction narrated by a voice actor or a former actor really captivates me."

Jordan concurs, noting that authors who narrate their own works can imbue the narration with authentic emotion and intention, enriching the listener's connection to the material.

Jordan Jones [37:12]: "When you're listening to an author narrate his or her own book, that narrator is telling you a story with the exact same inflection that's intended."

Top Audiobook Recommendations

The heart of the episode features a comprehensive discussion on their favorite audiobooks, categorized into personal picks, Jordan's recommendations, and mutual favorites.

Annie's Recommendations:

1. "Anna K." by Jenny Lee
   • Narrator: Jenna Ushkowitz
   • Annie praises the narrator's performance, comparing it to enhancing a cinematic experience.
2. "For Falling" by T.J. Newman
   • Narrator: Steven Weber
   • Described as a riveting action-packed narrative that felt like a radio program or movie in audio form.
3. "Funny You Should Ask" by Alyssa Sussman
   • Narrator: Kristin [Last Name]
   • A romantic comedy that seamlessly transitions between physical reading and audiobook formats.

Jordan's Recommendations:

1. "Lincoln in the Bardo"
   • Narrator: Multiple voices, including Nick Offerman
   • Jordan highlights the book's format, likening it to a play with diverse narrators enhancing the storytelling.
2. "Behind Her Eyes"
   • Narrator: Various
   • Praised for its plot twists and the effective use of multiple narrators to reveal major plot points.
3. "Everything Sad is Untrue" by Nicola Yoon
   • Narrator: Nicola Yoon
   • Jordan appreciates the author's narration, which brings authenticity to the storytelling of his youth.

Mutual Favorites:

1. "Survive the Night" by Riley Sager
   • A thriller that kept them on edge during road trips.
2. "Griffin Sisters Greatest Hits" by Jennifer Weiner
   • Enjoyed for its storytelling and narration quality.

Audiobooks as Complementary to Physical Books

Annie discusses how audiobooks can enhance the experience of physical books, particularly when she wants to engage with a story in multiple formats. She shares her strategy of listening to audiobooks during specific activities and transitioning to physical books for detailed note-taking and deeper engagement.

Annie Jones [23:14]: "I listen to audiobooks when I'm cleaning our house, when I'm going on walks, or when you and I road trip."

Jordan adds that while he primarily listens to audiobooks, there are instances where he switches to physical books for better comprehension, especially with nonfiction that requires highlighting and note-taking.

The Role of Audiobooks in Maintaining Reading Habits

Annie credits audiobooks with sustaining her reading habits during the pandemic, allowing her to continue engaging with literature despite physical constraints. Both hosts agree that audiobooks offer a flexible and inclusive way to consume books, catering to different learning styles and lifestyles.

Jordan Jones [55:32]: "We want to be reading."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with reflections on the evolving landscape of audiobook consumption and the importance of embracing different formats to enhance one's reading experience. Annie expresses gratitude towards Jordan for influencing her positive shift towards audiobooks, underscoring the show's overarching message of adaptability and open-mindedness in literary pursuits.

Annie Jones [55:21]: "We want to be reading."

Jordan Jones [56:38]: "It's important to figure out what you need so that then you can take in whatever that thing is and then be able to discuss it with your friends or whatever."

Annie encourages listeners to explore audiobook options that best fit their lifestyles and learning preferences, reinforcing the podcast's commitment to fostering a vibrant literary community in the South.

Notable Quotes:

• Annie Jones [00:24]: "Everything was real. Inconceivably real, Infinitely dear..."
• Annie Jones [07:24]: "I've never listened to an audiobook before, and I have to say it's a totally different experience."
• Jordan Jones [11:02]: "I am an auditory learner, and I retain a tremendous amount when I do audiobooks."
• Annie Jones [16:24]: "I just want 10 or fewer hours that I know if I clean our house."
• Jordan Jones [37:12]: "When you're listening to an author narrate his or her own book, that narrator is telling you a story with the exact same inflection that's intended."

Further Resources:

• Libro FM: Support independent bookstores by purchasing audiobooks through Libro FM Bookshelf Thomasville.

This episode of "From the Front Porch" offers insightful perspectives on the dynamic relationship between traditional reading and the burgeoning audiobook market, providing valuable recommendations and personal anecdotes that resonate with a diverse audience of book lovers.