I’m an avid reader (21 books so far this year), as well as a fairly recent convert to audiobooks, where I’ve been revisiting (with pleasure) the late Sue Grafton’s Kinsey Millhone “Alphabet” series. I’ve tried to listen to them in order, but as I rely on LIBBY, the library’s online lending system, it hasn’t always worked out that way. I’m down to four titles to go: O is for Outlaw, U is for Undertow, X (just started), and Y is for Yesterday.
I used to think that listening to an audiobook couldn’t be considered reading, but many studies have proven that the listener absorbs as much or more of the story when listening as when reading. That aside, my primary reason for listening to books is that I live in a rural area where walking the dog is often a solitary experience, the sound “might” scare away a bear in spring/summer/fall, and driving “to town” is 45 minutes each way. What I’ve learned from listening is that the experience is very different from reading. Not necessarily better or worse, just different.
When it comes to reading, I prefer paper to digital, though I do have a Kindle (my Kobo died a while back) and find e-readers work well if you’re traveling by train, plane or bus. Sometimes, I’ll purchase a Kindle copy simply because it’s a lot less expensive than print. That said, there’s nothing like holding a paperback. Hardcovers, on the other hand, are usually too heavy and bulky and far too expensive though I’ve purchased a few secondhand and borrowed from the library. The same holds true for large print, which are often more readily available for checkout. I don’t need the large print (I need glasses for distance but I’m still 20/20 reading), but you get used to it. That said, large print books can be heavy too (though not as heavy as hardcover).
I’m often asked how I can read so much and still write so much and I’m always surprised by that question. After all, reading is the best teacher. And now I’ve added listening to that list.
What about you? What’s your reading preference?
Enjoyed reading your post, Judy. This is my “year of reading” 77 books for my 77 years! No more full-time work to hold me back. Wondered how I would do – just finished book #55 according to my Goodreads Challenge count. Also like to picnic at Magic Island with a paperback novel rather than my kindle (which is harder to read in sunlight.)
Fantastic! Sorry for late response, I didn’t get notification.
PS Gail, check out The Maid by Nita Prouse and November Road or The Long and Faraway Gone by Lou Berney. Those are my 3 faves this year.
A couple of my books have been published in audio, and I was able to listen to those during the proofing process, although it was just a chapter or two at a time. If I listen to anymore than that, it puts me to sleep. It’s a bummer, because I’d really like to be able to enjoy audio.
Tom, the key is to be active while listening. You can’t sit in a chair or you’ll nod off.
Interesting. I’ve only listened to 2 audiobooks and I kept falling asleep while listening. I was sitting in a comfortable chair. I think my problem was I should have been doing something like cooking or ironing while listening and not just sitting there. Or maybe it was the old “bed rime story” thing where listening to someone read was always associated with gong to sleep>” Who knows? Must try again.
Caroline, I also fall asleep if sitting in a chair (tried a few times) but I find listening good on walks or when driving.