Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Reading Versus Listening


A few days ago, I was with a three other authors answering questions about books and writing at a local bookstore. Big fun, of course. I love hearing the variety of different answers and opinions. Anyway, a teacher in the audience asked each of us to share what we were reading. Many of the authors admitted to listening to books rather than reading them. Wow, I thought, what am I missing? The truth is, I can’t get into audio books. Believe me, I’ve tried. For me, there is something engaging about holding a book or an e-reader and letting my eyes scan the text. I zone out when listening to a book. I guess I can’t get into a story unless my eyes are playing along with my brain, but it would be great if I could lose myself in a novel while driving or exercising or doing some chore that insists on getting done, or after a long day of staring at a computer screen.


How about you? Do you ever listen to books? What are your thoughts and opinions on audio books. Do you ever prefer listening to a story rather than reading it? Do tell. : )

Posted by at

10 comments:

  1. J.L. CampbellApril 20, 2011 at 1:43 PM

    I've never listened to a story, but I know it would feel odd and my mind would probably be wandering all over the place so I'd be missing half the story anyway.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Bish DenhamApril 20, 2011 at 2:02 PM

    I'm like you Cynthia. My mind wanders listening to an audio book. Yes being read to is different, that works. But best of all is holding a book in my hands.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sabrina SteylingApril 20, 2011 at 7:22 PM

    I'm not opposed to the idea of books on CD, but I'm like you, Cynthia - my brain would totally zone out and I wouldn't be concentrating on the story at all.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Linda BensonApril 20, 2011 at 9:20 PM

    I've only tried listening to an audio book once, while I was driving, and I just could not become engaged in it. I too, love to actually READ, and let the words go from page to my eyes to my brain. But some people do great with audio books, and I'm glad that option is available to them.

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousApril 20, 2011 at 11:20 PM

    Months ago I downloaded the Thirteen Reasons Why audiobook from my county's library site. I could only listen for a few minutes. I wasn't interested and I couldn't follow it. Now I'm reading the actual book and will be done soon. What a difference. I'm glad my audio experience didn't sour me towards the book.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Chris PhillipsApril 21, 2011 at 10:01 AM

    I have ADD and love me some audio books.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Cynthia Chapman WillisApril 21, 2011 at 12:46 PM

    Your comments are so interesting! I was the only one on the panel who did not listen to books, yet clearly I'm not alone in my preference to read text. But I will admit that I envy you, Chris, for being able to listen to books.

    Thanks for the great comments, everyone!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Angela AckermanApril 22, 2011 at 6:19 AM

    I have never tried it. I think maybe I could do it if I was on a long haul road trip, but just sitting there listening in the house? Couldn't do it!

    Angela @ The Bookshelf Muse

    ReplyDelete
  9. Becca PuglisiApril 22, 2011 at 12:53 PM

    I'm a visual person, so I can't see myself listening for hours without being able to read the words on the page. Lots of people swear by audio books but I don't think they're for me.

    Becca @ The Bookshelf Muse

    ReplyDelete
  10. Cynthia Chapman WillisApril 22, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    I first tried audio books while on a road trip, Angela. I zoned out and tuned out from the story. Ah well. Live and learn, right?

    I'm a visual person, too, Becca. I'm pretty sure that's why the audio books don't work for me, either.

    Thanks for the comments, Bookshelf Muse ladies! : )

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)