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?