Reacting to "Audible monopoly", and while it may technically be so, it needn't-

Most of what I read and listen to is provided by my tax-supported public library. If I find something I think will make a welcome gift, I buy it from bookshop dot org or a local bookstore (Minneapolis is rich with them). If I had the discretionary income I'd give more money to the Library foundation, continue lobbying for strengthening the public library system, and continue checking out books; it's a model that lowers the barrier to accessing art, information, and wisdom.