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A Conversation with Julie Lewit-Nirenberg

Sounding Off on Audio: Interviews with Listeners About Their Love of Audiobooks

A Conversation with Julie Lewit-Nirenberg

Julie Lewit-Nirenberg has been known as a real powerhouse in the publishing world. From being a part of the launch of Ms. Magazine to her role as the founding publisher of both New York Woman magazine and Mirabella, Julie has done it all. After Mirabella, she became the publisher of Condé Nast’s Mademoiselle, followed by creating and starting Mode, a style magazine for plus-size women. In addition to magazine publishing, Julie has pioneered several charities in support of women’s issues, speaking on programs such as the "Today Show," CNN, ABC, NPR and numerous industry panels. Now she is the Founder and President at Operation Reinvent/Support4OurHeroes. With such a busy schedule, it’s no wonder that she can’t find the time to sit down and read a physical book, so she depends on --- you guessed it --- audiobooks! Enjoy Julie's interview here, where she talks about life as a woman on the go and how audiobooks have helped her keep up with her reading.

Question: How long have you been listening to audiobooks?

Julie Lewit-Nirenberg: At least 20 years. I used to borrow tapes (remember those?) from the Books on Tape company. They sent, I listened and sent it back. I had a month to listen to the tape.

Q: What made you start listening?

JLN: It seemed like a great idea to combine my love of reading and my workout program. This way I could kill the proverbial two birds with one stone.

Q: When and where do you listen?

JLN: I listen when I run, exercise and, since now I drive hundreds of miles every week, in the car. Also when on long flights, and when I want to tune out.

Q: What kinds of books do you like to listen to best?

JLN: Mysteries, all the Scandinavian writers, police procedurals, plus great books…all novels.

Q: What do you use to listen to audiobooks?

JLN: My iPod.

Q: Are the books that you listen to different from the kinds of print and eBooks you read?

JLN: I no longer read, just listen.

Q: Where do you buy/borrow audiobooks from?

JLN: I belong to Audible as a platinum member.

Q: Do you share your audiobooks with anyone?

JLN: No.

Q: Do you listen with anyone else, or is it a solo experience?

JLN: Solo.

Q: What percentage of your reading is done via audiobooks?

JLN: One hundred percent, except for newspapers and business magazines.

Q: Do you have favorite narrators? If so, tell us about them.

JLN: Not really. But I do like Lisette Lecat, who reads Alexander McCall Smith's The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series.

Q: What are some of the most memorable books that you’ve listened to and why?

JLN: I loved  CITY OF WOMEN and THE BOOK THIEF. Well written, interesting topics.

Q: What is the last audiobook you listened to? Tell us about it.

JLN: I am currently listening to THE BURNING ROOM by Michael Connelly, and read by Titus Welliver. I really like his Harry Bosch series. Clever twists and turns and well written.