Audiobook Notes – The Problem

I went down a non-fiction rabbit hole there for a second (see here and here). I love audiobooks as an entertaining way to pass the time while I’m driving. When I read a fiction book I don’t need to take notes. I simply jot down the title and a short review in Notion as well as keep a list of books I want to read later.

Non-fiction audiobooks on the other hand present a problem. They contain information I’d like to recall later. I can’t simply highlight a section, or stick a Post-it note on a page. Heck, as I’m driving or doing chores, I can’t even really stop to write something down or save it to my phone.

I did a little bit of research on this (read: One Google search). I didn’t see anyone with a concrete answer. Most people were using Audible with bookmarks syncing to their Amazon accounts. I use an app called Libby. So these weren’t immediately relevant to me.

The Plan for a Solution

I did some digging and found Libby does have the ability to check bookmarks into audiobooks. I can tap that button while driving, save my place, and relisten at a later time. This does not sound like the most responsible methodology. At best I’ll miss out on most if not nearly all bookmarkable nuggets of wisdom.

“I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do.”

To Kill a Mockingbird – Atticus to Jem

My thought: Cheat. I’m not the first person to read these books. Heck, when I was listening to fiction books I’d get to a funny or memorable quote, and as soon as I could Google the keywords and {BOOK TITLE} so I could capture the full quote. I pulled the quote above from “To Kill a Mockingbird” in this exact fashion. I’ll read (listen to) the books I want. I’ll find someone who’s already done a review or a write-up and taken their own highlights, and save those.

I don’t have to reinvent the wheel, to rewrite the book; I simply need the highlights for summarization and future frameworks.