Frank Cammuso is a former award-winning political cartoonist and a current graphic novel author and illustrator. It may be surprising, then, that someone so visually-oriented is also a longtime audiobook lover. Frank has been listening to audiobooks for so long, in fact, that he still refers to them as “books on tape.” Here, he gives us a straightforward rundown of his audio habits --- including where and when he listens, and why he still prefers CDs over less tangible technology, like an MP3.

Question: How long have you been listening to audiobooks? 

Frank Cammuso: I've been listening to audiobooks for so long that I still refer to them as “books on tape.” It's been almost 20 years. 

Q: What made you start listening? 

FC: I started taking long car trips to visit friends and needed something to pass the time.

Q: When and where do you listen?

FC: Mostly in the car. But nowadays I will listen while I'm inking or coloring one of my comics.

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

FC: Mostly YA, but I do lean towards sci-fi and fantasy.

Q: What do you use to listen to audiobooks? 

FC: My car CD player or computer disc drive. I'm very old school. 

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

FC: Not really. But from time to time I will pick up a classic that I think I should have read.

Q: Where do you buy/borrow audiobooks from? 

FC: I'm an avid public library user.

Q: Do you share your audiobooks with anyone?

FC: Sometimes with friends.

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

FC: It's a solo experience. 

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

FC: Seventy-five percent.

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

FC: I really enjoyed Jim Dale's work, and I like it when an author narrates his own books. Neil Gaiman comes to mind.

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

FC: My favorite has to have been the "full-cast" version of Phillip Pullman's THE GOLDEN COMPASS.

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

FC: I'm currently listening to THE HERO OF AGES, the third book in Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn Trilogy, which is being read by Michael Kramer. It's very good, and I enjoy Sanderson's writing.

Q: Is there anything about the format of audiobooks that you don’t like or would like to change or improve?

FC: I've been hesitant to use the MP3 or that electronic headphone thingy from the library. I still like the feeling of accomplishment I get when I plow through a 20-some CD book.