When book renting ala Netflix first came to my attention, I wasn't exactly sure if it would ever be a service for me. I mean, I have a book buying addiction and also try to use my library card whenever I can. However, I can certainly understand the appeal for frequent travelers plowing through tons of titles, people who are exceptionally busy, or those who are unable to leave home very often. Renting probably also works well someone who reads a lot but doesn't want to have books cluttering up the house.

I have just taken a closer look at Booksfree and realized that—in addition to paperbacks—they also offer audiobooks. Now that's a service I could go for, especially since I spend a lot of time in my car trying to get from nowhere (the place I live) to somewhere (anyplace but here). When I head east, I generally have to wait about 20 minutes before being in range of the NYC radio stations. Rather than sit in silence and wonder if the coffee maker was turned off, listening to a book would be a better way to pass the time.

A few years ago, I took a 12-hour road trip to visit a friend in North Carolina. I knew good radio stations could be hard to find, so I bought the audiobook version of Chuck Palahniuk's Lullaby. It cost me about 25 bucks and I finished listening to it before reaching my destination. I knew I probably wouldn't listen to it again, so I left it with the hostess and returned to New Jersey amidst much silence. The ride would have been much more enjoyable if I had another book on tape.

In looking at Booksfree's prices, a two-at-a-time plan costs only $27.49. Considering how expensive most audiobooks are, it seems like a good value for the money. I could have listened to two books during the long ride for just a few extra dollars. And, if I mailed back Lullaby from North Carolina, a new rental would have been waiting for me at home.

Disclosure: This has been a sponsored post.