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Realizations

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On my way back from visiting Amy in Ames today, I realized, I've never driven for more than 5 hours by myself on a roadtrip before. Now normally this wouldn't be a problem, but I'm leaving for Missouri on Friday. And when I say Missouri, I mean 7 hours south of Dubuque to the boot of Missouri.

Anyone who follows me on twitter (beckiejean) knows that I got bored about half way through a 3-hour drive. What are some of your strategies for long car rides? I'll be sure to stock up on caffeine and find some place to refuel/bathroom break. I'm thinking that an audiobook might be a good idea. I haven't listened to one since last summer. Anything you've read lately? I looked for Sarah Vowell's "The Wordy Shipmates" but my public library doesn't have that on audio yet. I might start with her "Assassination Vacation" first. I listened to that one summer in grad school and loved it. Let me know what you think. I'll probably try and hit the public library tomorrow night and I need all the suggestions I can get!

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  1. Kelly JensenJune 14, 2009 at 10:51 PM

    My friend swears by any audiobook narrated by Kirsten Potter. We both loved the book "If I Stay," and Potter narrates it. She said it was unbelievably good, though it will make you weep.....maybe not a car ride book, but the narrator is. Ha. I'm so helpful.

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  2. AmyJune 14, 2009 at 11:07 PM

    You could listen to Jess (from GG) read you the Dangerous Days of Daniel X.

    I hear Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy is supposed to have a great audio, but I haven't listened to it.

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  3. Autumn HillJune 15, 2009 at 12:19 AM

    Well in college I made multiple 12-hour car trips alone going between home and school.

    I bring along my vast musical collection and sing loudly all day. I am usually hoarse by the end of the trip.

    For audiobooks in car rides, I go with a book I've read before and know I like. That way I can enjoy it but not have to focus so hard on picking up a new plot. I did A Great and Terrible Beauty one time, and once with my dad one of the Harry Potter books.

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  4. EmilyJune 15, 2009 at 8:09 AM

    As a seasoned drive-to-Missouri-listening-to-audiobooks traveler, let me weigh in :) I'm listening to The Wordy Shipmates right now and it's not as good as The Partly Cloudy Patriot or Assassination Vacation. Not as funny. I really like Meg Cabot books on audio, they're usual fun and easy to follow while driving. I've listened to HP and The Giver and liked those and I would also recommend Broadway Nights by Seth Rudetsky if you can find it.

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  5. CarissaJune 15, 2009 at 8:32 AM

    I don't know that I have specific recommendations about books, but audiobooks are most definitely the way to go. I listened to tons of them when I was driving back & forth by myself between Iowa & Missouri and Iowa & Minnesota. I tended to go for "fluff." Things like Dean Koontz, Jodi Picoult, and Chick Lit. I tried to listen to nonfiction once and it made me sleepy. Have a great trip!

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  6. AndreaJune 15, 2009 at 9:31 AM

    I usually either listen to music or an audiobook. Audiobooks are good for the last 3/4 of the trip.

    Right now I'm listening to Sabriel by Garth Nix and that is really good. I also like the Harry Potters and Charlie Bones. Oh and the Bartimaeus trilogy (Stroud) is excellent, one of my favorites.

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  7. KatieJune 15, 2009 at 12:24 PM

    I am America and So Can You! audiobook. It's good. If you prefer a story to candor, (at risk of sounding trite) the Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons are pretty good audiobooks. If you like the books, I suppose. Otherwise I like to listen to the Cat Who books (Lillian Jackson Braun)

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