My wife found a book on Youtube that she wanted to listen to. She was familiar with the author and knew her writings well, thus was able to listen to the whole thing in about 5 hours - actual length of audio stream. Which meant that a weird, tinny, disembodied voice prattled on at 3 times normal speed without any warmth or nuance whatsoever.

About as pleasing as listening to the belching of a sump pump.

I agree, AI has become the 'false god' that everyone is clamoring over. Not worth it. Books are like small inviting pools of water that we dive into, swim around freely in while letting the real world disappear for a while.

Tinny, nerve-wracking AI voices - well, more like diving into a hole filled with rocks.

Cheers Caroline.