I'm an avid reader (of certain genres like horror, sci-fi and some fantasy) and over the past while, I've also become an avid listener. With my loyal iPod sidekick, I've been busy discovering the world of audiobooks.

But not just any audiobooks - I'm talking free audio books. I even have a favorite site: podiobooks.com.I found podiobooks through iTunes and let me tell you, they've got a ton of books available for download, right from iTunes, in serialized format. The books are orated, chapter by chapter, usually by the author. Sometimes authors are better writers than speakers of their work, but hey, it doesn't cost me anything so I'm not complaining.

If I have a long drive ahead of me (which I'm known to do), it's great to switch from my music to a strange new world, immersed in someone else's words and ideas.

If you get a chance, check out podiobooks. I'll even make a couple recommendations:

• The Immortals
• Ancestor 
• Earthcore
  
• 7th Son - Book 1
• 7th Son - Book 2 

Others that I can only find on iTunes:

• Burn
• Undiscovered Country
• Roadworks
• Come, Let Me Whisper
  

The books I've listed are Sci-fi and horror, but Podiobooks (and iTunes) have many other genres to pick from. 

So next time you're looking for a break from the beat, and don't want the radio, check out an audio book. Who knows, you might just discover a new hobby!