Bryan's Story

“Being born with extreme short sight, I never read for pleasure. I couldn't read for more than about half an hour without getting a headache. At school, in the 1940s, I wore ‘milk bottle bottom’ spectacles and had to stand up at the front of the class to read the blackboard. I was often told by my classmates to move as I was in their way.

 “As I could never finish the set texts, I failed my English Literature School Certificate exam. It was a core subject and without it, I couldn't stay on at school and study for my Higher School Certificate. Had there been talking books in those days, it would have been so helpful.

 “Instead, I trained as a chef. I loved cooking – but they were long days, dreadful conditions, unsociable hours. After I got married, my wife suggested I consider office work. I worked my way up in a big company, ultimately looking after their payroll nationally. But during my 40s, my deteriorating eyesight meant I couldn't keep doing it. ‘But I can't retire yet,’ I thought. So, we took on a big house, lived there and ran a guest house – with me doing all the cooking. I was able to do that for three to four years before my sight went completely.

“Now I can’t even see light or shade. My wife deals with anything printed. I use a screen reader to access emails, etc. I’d already learnt to touch type, which really helps me now, as I’d be lost without my computer.

 “In fact, there are three things I’d be lost without (in no particular order). My guide dog, Ginny (she’s my fifth guide dog); my computer, and my wife! We’ve been married 66 years.

“And then there’s my Calibre box and audiobooks. I listen to those on USB, and I download other audiobooks and various podcasts too. I like having different ways to listen. If one system doesn't work for any reason, I've always got the other.  

“I discovered Calibre in 1998. I probably listen to around three or four audiobooks a month now. Through Calibre, I've listened to more than 1,500 books over the years I've been a member. Apart from listening to football commentaries, they more or less fill my recreational time. They give me a great deal of pleasure, and they’ve helped me discover the joy of a good story, which I was never able to do at school. 

“And, having found a good book, I’ll often recommend it to my wife, who then buys a print copy. I’ve discovered loads of authors I enjoy, including John Harvey, Kate Ellis, James Patterson, Shari Lapena, Lucinda Riley, Denise Mina, Val McDermid, Kimberly Chambers, Ken Follett, Minette Walters, Peter Robinson, Ian Rankin, Jeffrey Archer, PD James and Ben Macintyre. I read the occasional autobiography and enjoy crime and true spy stories. I’ve just finished Agent Sonia by Ben Macintyre, which was the best I’ve read for some time in that genre.

 “I’ve even revisited Shakespeare and Dickens as audiobooks, having never managed to complete them at school. Although I decided I hadn’t missed much – it was nice to find out for myself!

 “One of the best things about Calibre is their very friendly and helpful staff. They provide a super service, and I’d be lost without them. To anyone thinking of signing up for their service, I’d say ‘do it’!”