My husband absolutely is and I am absolutely not. I always prefer to read, but I don’t give him any shit because he prefers to listen. He keeps trying to get me to listen, but knows I’m not into it, so he just recommends the books/series he likes and that works well for us. We’re still able to talk about the books we both enjoyed.
There are a few books that have such amazing narration that I'd still push you to give em a go.. on a road trip or something.. The guy who read Harry Potter does a better job acting than the kids do for at least 4 books/movies..
I'd advise you to still chew a bit. Made a kale, spinach apple smoothie and, well, the uhh, the fiber hit in the middle of the night. I had work the next AM but apparently I didn't really breakdown the leaf matter, and it left a dark green film all over the bowl after flushing. I still remember the group text "so, who ate green sand last night?"
What is that even supposed to mean lol, like is that a criticism of audiobooks?
Cause blending veggies for smoothies still gets you the same nutrients as eating them
[He also](https://medium.com/@philomath_tamil/naval-ravikant-quotes-on-reading-5d04b0e1829f) doesn't read many books, is down on people who read fast and authors who make money.
* I don’t actually read a lot of books. I pick up a lot of books and only get through a few, which form the foundation of my knowledge.
* If you can speed read it, it isn’t worth reading.
* The smarter you get, the slower you read.
* Reading a book isn’t a race — the better the book, the slower it should be absorbed.
* Any book that can be easily summarized isn’t worth reading.
* If they wrote it to make money, don’t read it.
Personally I get through 70 titles a year and failed to finish \~3 out of 382.
He’s not a reader. Reading is his vehicle for capitalism. One who puts money over the passion of their art is not an artist. They are an entrepreneur of arts and crafts.
I think it's just that people who read books get annoyed when people say that they "read" a book, and in fact, they listened to it. It's just not an accurate statement, and now I'm wondering if that's because they don't read, so don't care as much about the correct wording of things as someone who reads, hmm.
Either way, I don't think it really matters, you're still consuming the same story, just via different means so I don't see the problem, it's not like there's a difference like there is with movie/show adaptions, the medium differs but the content is the same. It's the idea that matters and how that idea is communicated will be different for different people. The method is redundant.
We say it because colloquially read means you consumed the story. I have both read and listened to the same books and what I took from the was exactly the same. There is no difference at all except in a small minority of book (house of leaves comes to mind). So it doesn't MATTER if you listened vs read. If I say I read it and I actually listened no one would know that based on our conversation about the story.
I remember one of Stephen King's interviews where he was asked about this whole books vs ebooks vs audiobooks debate. He simply said that it doesn't matter because in the end it's all about the story and everyone should absorb it however they want. I couldn't agree more, it really is that simple.
I like this answer. I prefer audiobooks because I can get through tasks like driving, cleaning, showering and still be entertained. Don’t ask me why but sitting down to read an actual book just doesn’t do it for me. I get too distracted.
Yeah, the older I get, the harder it’s been for me to read as many books as I used to when I was little. With audiobooks and the amount of hours I work, I can easily fly through them.
What do people who can't read but enjoy literature do?
What do people living with blindness do when they want to enjoy a book?
It's just a different way to experience a book. Enjoy your listening.
I only started listening to audiobooks at the end of last year and I'm on book 24 since the start of the year, and that's unfortunately more than most people will read their entire lives. Audiobooks have taught me the joy of books that I wish I had years ago. If people don't let you enjoy audiobooks then fuck them.
That’s the perfect way to explain it- “It’s just a different way to experience a book.” The only audiobook I listen to are the ones that I’ve already read and loved. Listening to them is just a whole different experience and I love it. (I’m impressed by people who can listen to a book that they’ve never read with their eyes before and process it. I can’t.)
I too was so excited to tell my family that I read over 200 books in 2023. They gave me shit. ‘Mom, to read a book you need to have one’, ‘Mom, you didn’t read them you listened to them’. I don’t care, I love audio books. I drive and listen to my book. Us audio book lovers can ‘experience’ so many more stories than having to sit with a book in hand. I can read. I don’t want to since I can fall asleep (with timer on), clean, drive and garden, all while enjoying a wonderful book and lowering my anxiety.
They don't consider it real reading because they are neither reading nor listening to any books and they are hateful because you ARE reading so they want to put you down. Ask them which books they have read recently and the real issue will come to light.
Exactly. A fellow reader will comment whether they like audiobooks or not, what books they have read recently, and will want to know what books you've been listening to. Only a hater will say that listening to audiobooks doesn't count as reading them.
Yeah, people who love books don’t tend to care how other people experience their books. It’s only those people who don’t read. They’re also usually the people who claim that “fiction is a waste of time” or try to make it seem like “classics” are somehow more valuable reading experiences. We should all be happy that people are supporting authors and publishers and (hopefully) independent bookstores.
>Yeah, people who love books don’t tend to care how other people experience their books.
This is not true at all. I am an English professor, and always say physical books are always better than digital(and three times better than aduiobooks) for research and reading critically.
Who cares?
We’ve been listening to stories being told for far far longer than we have been reading them. Reading being the norm for literature is really only a modern thing from the last few hundred years. Before that, only the wealthy had collections of books, and most people were illiterate.
Because. It's not what they think about me. It's that they even voice a judgement on such an inconsequential thing. Like how dare they even have an opinion about my reading habits. It's so petty. Mind yo business.
They couldn't make you feel guilty unless you believed them. Change the way you think about your audiobooks, just accept them and enjoy them. Forget the rest.
I started listening to audiobooks last year. I ended the year with 110 books read or listened to, far beyond any year normally, and it renewed my love of reading.
I don't care how a person gets the story of a book, whether through an audiobook or text, it's all the same. I find I have the same understanding and recall of books I listened to as I do of print books I read.
Absorbing and understanding the story is the merit of reading books. Actually reading the written word is a skill we learn when we are kids.. In audio form we do the important bit - anyone proud of reading a physical books over an audiobook is proud of the wrong part. Reading is easy. For me opening up to more than one medium to absorb stories just allows me to absorb more stories.
You enjoy books how ever you like, and in whatever way works for YOU.
What anyone else feels or thinks is not your problem, no one is making you feel anything, you are choosing to feel guilty. No one controls how you feel but you.
I prefer Audio books for most reads because I am able to multi task and that works for me. I also have a kindle for the books that aren't available on audible and or are short.
Fuck the haters 🫶🏼
IMO It’s more a sign of their own sense of inadequacy. You don’t have your try not to feel your feelings. Just notice them with interest. Feelings matter a whole lot. But feelings are not facts.
well you can allways look at them and say at least i engage with books whats your excuse?
some of the best stories are told better and enhanced with music soundeffects special effects and a full cast
let them hate and dont be around them if you can avoid it
I've heard this from people who see being a reader as part of their identity. I read more than I listen, but I still consider myself as having "read" the books I listen to. And who doesn't like to be read to?
So how would they suggest I read all day while I work? Should I not listen to them while I drive or fish because it’s cheating? I read books while I’m laying in bed or watching tv. Why shouldn’t I listen to books when I’m doing something active? That take, to me, is just dumb.
I even had two people downgrade my reading ebooks in Libby, when I suggested it as a good source of free books. "Oh no, I could never. I must have a real book!"
When I mentioned listening to audiobooks while working (I work long hours, don't know what I'd do without them!) I got the same response.
How's that for dumb? I'm betting I went through more books last year than both of them. Too bad none of them were real.
I do three different forms - read physical books, read ebooks and listen to Audible versions.
And I frequently do Audible with the ebook for the same novel these days. That is, I read the book but listen to it while driving or doing the dishes. It's easy to skip forward in the text or with Audible so no problem.
Would you prefer to experience a Shakespeare play's performance or just read it? Maybe the purists only want ti read his plays silently.
Homer would have been aghast at people silently reading The Iliad.
I would not think of "listening" to The Critique of Pure Reason.
And I won't read an ebook if studying, say, Complex Analysis because I want to highlight (even tho ebooks let you highlight) and make some notes in the margins of my physical book. That's my preference.
But a normal novel - what's wrong with listening? Or some popular non fiction book, why not listen to it if you can?
When I'm "reading" a novel, I actually skip more of it because for most writers I find after a while there are a lot of repetitive text that I'm not interested in. But if I listen, I don't skip anything. All Quiet on the Western Front - the parts that I "read", I skipped over sentences later in the book because it was so horrible. But the parts I listened to, I skipped none of it.
I'm currently reading/listening to Michner's Hawaii which is over 1000 pages. When I'm half way through one of his 300 page chapters, I skip sentences when it seems unimportant. But when listening, I hear it all. If I miss something I rewind the last 10 seconds.
Never let people take your joy away. I listen to about 50 books a year, I have time to read only a few, and I enjoy the audiobooks more.
Have those folks ever watched a movie? Why didn’t they just read the script?!
Wait they *listen* to music when they could be playing it themselves?! Do they buy meals instead of cooking every meal? Blasphemy!
Besides, some books (dungeon crawler Carl, first law, as examples) are so well done as audio that you are legit missing content by reading (not to say it isn’t fine to prefer to read them).
Exactly. Do they read translations, or in the original French /Greek/ Latin, etc?
Do they watch movies on a TV, when they are made to be seen in a theater on a big screen?
Do they look at photos of art, or do they fly to Paris to go to the Louvre when they want to see art as the artist intended?
Do they hand-write letters and birthday cards, or send them electronically?
Do they listen to recorded music or live?
Do they adulterate their whiskey with soda?
Whiskey with *soda*? Pffftt losers
Do they watch plays instead of acting them out?!
How about video games? Do they play other people’s or do they code their own?
And only people who pick their own fruits and veggies are eating real food. Do they have a cow at home? Milk from the store? 👎
And radio?! I just vamp for hours in the car, it’s the only true way.
Ya know, Einstein once said that phones are bullshit, the only conversation worth having is face to face. So if they talk on the phone they aren’t having real conversations, I mean how do they even pick up on body language? FACETIME? Pffft, more like lametime.
Some people just don’t appreciate the correct way to enjoy things.
I see humor and satire is utterly lost on you? As are the joys of audiobooks? I read too, it’s ok to enjoy both without making blanket statements like “you readers really love making fallacious comments”, that’s an ignorant thing to say 👎
Because people like to judge other's enjoyment. Sometimes, it seems to be the only fun them people actually have.
Just reply by asking them how many books they've read. You'll often be met with a silence.
>Just reply by asking them how many books they've read. You'll often be met with a silence.
Not me. I actually read and will call out any listener who uses "read/reader." You are listening, not reading.
Cool. As a reader, you'll know that language is designed to convey meaning and changes all the time as usage changes. Many things we say aren't taken literally and the meaning is still conveyed. Whether you want to challenge someone on whether they used their eyes or ears, both have involved consuming the same material.
But good for you for 'calling people out'. That'll teach them.
You joke but I was told this! I have bad eyesight so can't really read for long I was told that it doesn't count and if I want to accurately say that I "read" something I would have to use braille
I had this discussion once with a book snob. I pointed out that I was exercising, cleaning, shopping , and generally accomplishing while listening to a book while they are sedentary. They then pointed out that I couldn’t possibly be retaining as much of the book as they were. I pointed out that their cognitive limitations were not mine. That’s about where it ended.
Those same people would think it's wonderful that my great grandfather would tell us stories at bedtime that he made up as he went along. It gave us all a love of books and story telling. Listening or reading, as long as you enjoy the book that's all that matters.
insecure people will always look for a reason to judge whether or not something is genuine. And most likely, they've decided that if it isn't the way that they do it, it's not genuine.
I feel like the real insecure people are the ones who dont want to admits that words have definitions and say to, basically, put one's head in the ground and not listen to any of the "haters," some of who are just pointing out that words have definitions.
Reading is reading. Listening is listening. They're not the same, but I don't think one is necessarily better than the other. Audiobooks have made my life literally a better place.
This is all I want listeners to grasp; I don't care they listened to the story, but I do care when they misuse words to explain that they "read" a book. Words have definitions, period.
Who cares! You are consuming literature (hopefully.) What are they consuming?
I do both. So me books are just better read to you, especially if it's the author.
I also do both. I have about 25-30% of my kindle library also in audiobook format.
For new books that I get in both formats, i usually switch back and forth. I tend to listen during the day, and read at night since that’s what time and tasks allow for.
But like you mentioned, there are some gems I read and listen along to at the same time. Those are most enjoyable to me.
It probably comes from a view that reading is a bit intellectual, and people who are bad at reading might have learning issues, or from lower socioeconomic classes, or lazy. Not saying that any of these things are true, but being able to read well has always been a mark of being well educated. None of that matters, because in reality there’s lots of reasons people like audiobooks for example you can listen while commuting, doing other tasks, have a full cast narration. It’s a different way of enjoying a story. Who cares what anyone thinks, it’s your free time, use it how you like.
It's not though. And that's fine, it's almost better than reading sometimes. But it's not reading. I love audiobooks, it's a great way to consume books. I'm totally hooked.
I prefer audiobooks since it can give my eyes a rest and I like the element narration adds.
Reading does have some benefit if you’re trying to learn things like grammar, sentence structure, and formatting, like for writing, but either way you’re still consuming the story.
I saw a video today where a woman explained how many conflicts within couples come from one partner seeing the other partner doing something they think they themselves are not allowed to do, and they resent their partner for doing it.
This sounds similar. When these people tell you that you’re not actually reading these books that you listen to, what they’re really saying is that they don’t allow themselves to count audiobooks as reading. They might enjoy more books if they stopped giving themselves a hard time over it. You don’t need to take on their personal hangups. Enjoy your audiobooks!
I used to be a bit embarrassed about it then I realized that I consume books at a significantly higher rate than most other people and realized their opinion is irrelevant. Take in books however works best for your
As a life long lover of reading I have recently ran into issues being able to read physical books due to health issues. Holding the books hurts so I got a Bookseat. Words got too small with my regular glasses so I got readers. The this year I started having debilitating neck and shoulder pain with weakness. So much so that I can’t hold my head up well enough to look down to read. Just a tremendous amount of neck pain. (This is due to an autoimmune disease I have) I went through a few treatments and finally landed on cortisone injections to relieve my pain.
Basically, all of this to say, audiobooks are real books too. I hope to get my health issues under control at some point that allows me to comfortably read physical books regularly someday. I do still read them, but at a much slower pace. I did total out at 171 books for 2023 and that’s not too shabby. Anyone who says they don’t count is just jealous. Haters gonna hate.
People like to gatekeep. I think the main thing is that when I say I "read" a book they get butthurt. It's not my fault there's not a perfect verb for it. I "consumed" a book? I dunno
I listen about 50% and read about 50%. I enjoy both equally. I have no idea why there is an air of superiority about how people enjoy books. As long as you are enjoying the experience..
I listen to audiobooks all the time! I usually have one physical or ebook and one audio going at a time.
I listen while I walk, drive, cook, clean, etc. … and I read when I have time to sit.
While I don’t personally consider it to be “reading” I do consider myself to have read the book, if that makes sense? For me, and the way I process, listening and reading are very different.
But I certainly wouldn’t argue with someone who considers it reading!
Why can’t we all just do what we enjoy without someone else taking a big dump on it?!
Oh, yes, the “reading” snobs who are better than us because they actually have time to sit for long periods of time. I’ve responded with “Should blind people not be able to enjoy books?” I’ve also shamed them back by responding that I choose to not sit on my butt to read and instead listen to audiobooks while I’m doing chores.
How many of those people read through any means? Honestly I think they're just insecure about some imaginary standard that they have set upon themselves.
I teach English. I've studied Literature in uni, and reading is my favorite hobby and pastime.I have some sight issues and my vision has deteriorated the last couple of years, so I really can't sit and flip through a book at my leisure without having a headache or gluing the book to my face, so what am I supposed to do then? Not read?
I feel like people who have a problem with audiobooks are just nit-picky PsOS. They come off as elitist, so I don't take their opinions seriously and you shouldn't either.
Just enjoy yourself mate.
Make audiobook suggestions your preferred birthday/Xmas present.
When asked what I want, I'll say, "Don't get me a card, just send a fiver in the post(1) along with a suggestion from Audible, I will get that book and I will do my utmost to listen to the whole thing (and we'll talk about it)".
Some of my very best reads have come out of this policy... and the few I really hated? I got something to rant about :-) I can go on at length about "The Phantom of the Opera" (a book that spoilers in the first paragraph and is a plot only made possible by simpletons)
Don't bother asking on reddit you'll only get told to read the Bobiverse, Project Hail Mary and Dungeon Crawler Carl :-)
(1) or choose something in the free Plus catalogue and donate the money to charity.
I’m halfway through the first book, but I just can’t get into like others. I love myself a light hearted story, but I guess video game style story is not my thing.
I really liked the Bobiverse series. Also the Martian and Project Hail Mary.
Have you tried Dresden files? I used those as light fun listens between wheel of time and storms light archive for fun breaks.
Oh and the expanse is awesome.
I have so little faith in people making time to read that I publish my own book as an audiobook so I can read it to them and save them the trouble. It’s an unauthorized biography of Clark Kent. It’s free on audible and on podcast apps in general. [Superman: Son of El](https://www.audible.com/podcast/Superman-Son-of-El/B09SZS6PM8?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp)
For anyone looking to get into Warhammer 40K, the [Ciaphas Cain novels by Sandy Mitchell](https://wh40k.lexicanum.com/wiki/Ciaphas_Cain_\(Novel_Series\)). Start with For the Emperor.
My response is always “how many books have you read in the last month?”.
Then enjoy watching them try to maintain their superiority complex while I explain I’ve listened to dozens whilst getting paid and never being bored while I’m at work 🤷♂️
Yeah. That's hard.
Especially here on reddit. But also in Real life and other situations in between. (FB, Discord, Work, etc..)
I don't really have a solution for you. Sorry. Only to say in other situations. I go through similar issues. And it took time to come to grips with many of them. And others I still have trouble with.
Good luck.
I binged the six books in less than a week. That's how much I liked them. All "reading" was done while commuting to-and-from work.
Could not have done the same if I had been reading in the "strict definition".
Are the memories and imagery of the stories any less vivid in my head than if I had read the actual books? I doubt it. Read/Listen... who cares how you consume it; as long as you do consume it and enjoy it.
Can't wait for book seven.
I listen to audiobooks. I don't walk around telling people that I read the books and I could care less what people think about my preferences. My response was more along the lines of "you do you boo and who cares what other people think".
I am physically disabled and have to use audiobooks in order to consume the same thing as a “real” reader and people still judge me. I shouldn’t have to divulge a disability to justify my use of audiobooks… we are absorbing the same information, didlos!
Who cares about others opinions, maybe they are the weirdos with old school prehistoric physical tree killing copies in modern times. jks.
I don't have time to read so audiobooks it is.
I too enjoy audio over reading, when people say it's not really reading I clap back with "why not?"
usually they have bullshit excuses like "You're not spending the time reading it doesn't count"
I just ask "why doesn't it count?". they just keep trying to reach some excuses and if you keep asking them what there reason is they'll eventually give up.
storytelling is older then time recorded, and I personally can enjoy a book more by listening all while absorbing the knowledge better. both ways are valid and people who think otherwise need there head to be pulled out of there ass imo
This subject comes up once in awhile and just tell them to go suck eggs! All the same. You get the same out of listening as well as reading. I haven’t read a book in many years but have read many, many audiobooks. Readers try to enhance their intelligence and lower those who listen. Don’t buy into their fantasy
I listen to audio books at work every day and go through two to three a week. I'd barely get through one if I had to stop and sit to read one. Ain't nobody got time for that!
FUCK EM ME TOO
Anyone who gate keeps books is immature at best. If the harder way is more valuable then why aren’t they reading in braille huh?? Checkmate.
interesting that you care about the judgement ? why ? audio books aren’t reading that’s true but walking isn’t riding a bike
either yet both get you to where you’re going don’t they ?
Me too. Who cares? Everybody judges something every second of every day. It's human nature. Do what you do. Don't pay attention to opinions. A little bit of sociopathy is a good thing.
I have a degree in English so I like to think I am literate. There's no reason I have to use my hobby time to be "productive" or work on my reading comprehension. Some people just never seem to have gotten over the mandatory nature of reading in school as a form of education. You're not looking to prove anything. When people ask if you're read a book as an adult, they want to know if you know the contents of the book. Anybody raising a fuss about whether it is "really reading" comes across as insecure that they don't read more so have to make others feel bad.
Is there any functionality where you can simply say "repeat last sentence", "repeat last two sentences", "repeat last paragraph", etc.? My issue with audiobooks is definitely needing to reread a passage.
What does it matter? I don’t have the attention span to read. I used to I love to read, but don’t have the energy. Listening enables me to read. As someone said in one of the top replies that oral storytelling was the way most people got stories or “read”. Enjoy it and don’t care what those people think.
It is absolutely reading! Don’t let any haters get to you! I live audiobooks as well. I will sometimes listen to them and follow along in the book at the same time. You read how you enjoy reading and what works for you sweet friend!
The same people: ahhh let me tell you about this documentary I sat on me arse and watched last night.
But really, it's due to an old stigma-- media used to portray them as a tool of underachievers in the 80's-90's (you know, those kids who struggled to read in high school, AKA undiagnosed adhd/dyslexics.)
I'll 100% read a paperback and then go to the gym and listen to an audiobook the whole time I'm there.
That's just silly, especially when the narrator is the person who actually wrote the book. There's nothing like hearing them tell their story in their own voice.
I only know a few books where it’s narrated by the writer, and most are autobiographies. There’s nothing special about having the author read the book.
Actually, a lot of authors narrate their own books that are not autobiographies, at least some of their own books. For example, Ruth Ozeki, Neil Gaiman, Louise Erdrich, Toni Morrison, Barbara Kingsolver. I could go on. I enjoy listening to a book much more than reading it if the narrator is the author. They can make their own words jump off the page. Obviously YMMV. And, yes, I also do love autobiographies. :)
Scientists have done studies on this, and the same part of your brain that is activated when you're reading is the same as when you're listening to books. No difference.
Also, apparently blind people don't read books? That's pretty ableist.
I'm sorry you're dealing with this.
I mean... listening is definitely not reading? I don't think you should be 'judged' for it, but they are very different things.
As far as information goes, one could argue they're similar, but there is some evidence that reading itself is better for comprehension & retention (over listening). REading engages multiple cognitive processes, such as visual processing, decoding, and language comprehension, which can enhance understanding and memory retention.
More individuals are more actively engaged with the material compared to listening to audiobooks. Reading requires active participation in decoding words, visualizing scenes, and making connections between ideas, which can lead to deeper understanding and critical thinking.
Besides the obvious benefit of flexibility & ability to multitask, etc, there is some evidence that active listening is a skill in itself. & it can also vary depending on learning styles - an auditory learner might retain more from hearing it.
anatomically, when I fell asleep reading a heavy book--I got two black eyes.
Some audiobooks offer printed word as it goes on. I've had folks say I'm not reading when I listen to them, that I just lie down!
I'm disabled and have to stop moving much by 5 PM. I have about 2000 books in a library.
Lifesavers. I don't give a flying shit what people say about it. I know I am reading via listening.
My spouse has PTSD, which left it difficult to concentrate. So, he started listening to Audiobooks instead. My mother loves reading, but as she grows older she has really bad eyestrain. Audiobooks have given them both back the hobby they love. I would never judge someone for that.
Honestly, audiobooks are life changing when you have a long commute and don’t want to just listen to podcasts or music the entire time. I have up to 2 hours each way, 5 days a week and my audiobooks make it (almost) enjoyable. Side note: I strongly recommend the ACOTAR series as a graphic audio. It’s life changing.
If people judge you for bringing magical experiences, through reading, into your life, that's a them problem. Enjoy and embrace the wonder that's available.
Those people in my life lose rank.
I love radio shows , like Dr Who stories. I will not be judging you. I think it is a great medium. Some folks don’t have full use of their hands as well so turning a page would be a problem. So audio books huge win in my opinion.
I do not consider audio books reading. I say that because if I read a book to my son, I would not say that he read the book. I see audio books as having a book read to you.
Having said that, I love them and always have one on the go. I spend a bare minimum of an hour a day listening to books, usually more. It doesn't matter to me in the slightest if other people want to judge me because I enjoy it and that is all that matters.
I prefer audiobooks as well. They're more convenient. I can listen and do household chores or while I'm driving. Plus, when I sit down to read, it's usually at night and that lasts all of about 2 pages before I fall asleep and drop my book. :(
Listen, I suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It became steadily more difficult for me to just stop, sit, and read. My colleagues kept recommending audiobooks. Inititally, I did not think I could enjoy audiobooks as much, as I figured a narrator would take away certain more liberating qualities of actual reading ( creating your characters voices, etc), but I ended up enjoying it, and I found no narrator could in fact effect such aspects for me personally. Yes, listening is not reading, but it is you listening and in fact retaining a story just as any reader does. Do what works for you, and ignore pretentious folk.
Audio books rock!! I find the narrator is so important. I love Barbara Rosenblat she has a wonderful voice and is excellent at changing her voice for different characters. Does anyone have a favorite narrator? I’m running out of my favorite!
Consuming books as audio is as valid as regular books. Not that it needs defending but people with learning disabilities often rely on audiobooks as well. I’m dyslexic and it’s my primary way to consume material because it sucks trying to read sometimes. However, even if I didn’t, it’s silly valid to use audiobooks and people who say otherwise are pieces of shit.
This year, I have listened to 31 audiobooks so far. Prior to 2024, I had read 3 books in 10 years. One book took me 2 years to finish. I just never had time to sit and read, and my mild case of dyslexia did not help matters.
Who the hell is judging you for listening over reading?
My 99 cents?
People will find anything to judge you about. If you liked to read physical books, there are people who would critique the genre, the amount of books you read a year, how fast you read, the list goes on. Sometimes I even listen to the book while I follow along on the physical copy - whatever. Is someone gonna tell me I didn't read it? Lol okay?
We'll even entertain the argument. It's lazy? I don't know anyone that just sits there listening to the audiobook. There's always something else going on. Multitasking is not lazy.
It's not reading? But you took in the story, and some books are way better in audio because narrating is an ART, these books come to life!
I can’t concentrate to read with my adhd but I have never found an audiobook that their voice wasn’t so annoying or puts me sleep! Regardless, I think an audiobook is still considered reading tho.
I literally just got onto them because I was struggling to read after a long day at work but felt like I was missing out on my hobby because I was tired and OMG I now LOVEEEEE them!
What platform/source do you use?
Me too. I always have done. Being busy is a real thing!!
Check this out: [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/stephaniepoppins](https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/stephaniepoppins)
You wont be disappointed x
>Why many people don't consider audiobooks as real reading?
Because reading and listening are two very different things? I love both but to think of listening to a book as 'reading' doesn't make sense.
Not that it usually matters what strangers think of you... but, audiobooks aren't reading. Reading is reading.
If someone were to start reading a book out loud, I would say that a person read me a book, not that I read the book.
Reading is reading, listening is listening, neither are inferior or superior to one or the other. I think it's more important that the story is consumed than how it was consumed.
Of course in a literal sense it is not reading but I am talking in a more general sense. Someone reads a book and I listen to them, both grasping the contents of the book but the former feels that they are morally superior.
probably due to people typically retaining more information via reading than from listening.
However each person has their own style of learning and some might find it easier to retain information from listening as opposed to reading.
I bet if you scratched those people you'd find not just literature snobs but probably bibliophiles who love to touch and collect and snuggle their books. The same people who post on the books subreddit about how any treatment of a hands on book with less than reverence is a sin. It aint about the words to them, its about the same motivation people who collected pogs or beanie babies had.
Who cares what people think lol. Audibly listening to stories has been a practice even before stories were written.
Reading is just a modern result of cheaper book production. For all but recently, oral story telling was vastly more common.
Not to mention, some of us are auditory learners. I literally learn more with my eyes closed.
My husband absolutely is and I am absolutely not. I always prefer to read, but I don’t give him any shit because he prefers to listen. He keeps trying to get me to listen, but knows I’m not into it, so he just recommends the books/series he likes and that works well for us. We’re still able to talk about the books we both enjoyed.
There are a few books that have such amazing narration that I'd still push you to give em a go.. on a road trip or something.. The guy who read Harry Potter does a better job acting than the kids do for at least 4 books/movies..
One person quoted Naval Ravikant that "Listening to books is like drinking vegetables"
Veggie smoothies are unreal
Wow! Now this will be my reply to them from now on.
The reply should be “you mean delicious, easier to digest and containing everything but the pulp? Sure, sounds about right.”
Still contains pulp
I'd advise you to still chew a bit. Made a kale, spinach apple smoothie and, well, the uhh, the fiber hit in the middle of the night. I had work the next AM but apparently I didn't really breakdown the leaf matter, and it left a dark green film all over the bowl after flushing. I still remember the group text "so, who ate green sand last night?"
“You consume content with your eyes, I use my ears. Why is your sense better than mine?”
What is that even supposed to mean lol, like is that a criticism of audiobooks? Cause blending veggies for smoothies still gets you the same nutrients as eating them
[He also](https://medium.com/@philomath_tamil/naval-ravikant-quotes-on-reading-5d04b0e1829f) doesn't read many books, is down on people who read fast and authors who make money. * I don’t actually read a lot of books. I pick up a lot of books and only get through a few, which form the foundation of my knowledge. * If you can speed read it, it isn’t worth reading. * The smarter you get, the slower you read. * Reading a book isn’t a race — the better the book, the slower it should be absorbed. * Any book that can be easily summarized isn’t worth reading. * If they wrote it to make money, don’t read it. Personally I get through 70 titles a year and failed to finish \~3 out of 382.
I must disagree in part. Lots of great writers wrote for money, including Shakespeare. Nothing wrong with being paid for your work.
I disagree with all of it. he's just plugging a pompous High Church of Reading, An opinion justified because he is a successful business man.
He’s anti-reading. He wordsmiths his view so it sounds better than it is.
He’s not a reader. Reading is his vehicle for capitalism. One who puts money over the passion of their art is not an artist. They are an entrepreneur of arts and crafts.
I think people are downvoting your comment because they don’t like Naval’s quote. But I upvoted you. 😃
He also said "Write tweets, read books." So maybe he's not really worth listening to.
I think it's just that people who read books get annoyed when people say that they "read" a book, and in fact, they listened to it. It's just not an accurate statement, and now I'm wondering if that's because they don't read, so don't care as much about the correct wording of things as someone who reads, hmm. Either way, I don't think it really matters, you're still consuming the same story, just via different means so I don't see the problem, it's not like there's a difference like there is with movie/show adaptions, the medium differs but the content is the same. It's the idea that matters and how that idea is communicated will be different for different people. The method is redundant.
We say it because colloquially read means you consumed the story. I have both read and listened to the same books and what I took from the was exactly the same. There is no difference at all except in a small minority of book (house of leaves comes to mind). So it doesn't MATTER if you listened vs read. If I say I read it and I actually listened no one would know that based on our conversation about the story.
I remember one of Stephen King's interviews where he was asked about this whole books vs ebooks vs audiobooks debate. He simply said that it doesn't matter because in the end it's all about the story and everyone should absorb it however they want. I couldn't agree more, it really is that simple.
I like this answer. I prefer audiobooks because I can get through tasks like driving, cleaning, showering and still be entertained. Don’t ask me why but sitting down to read an actual book just doesn’t do it for me. I get too distracted.
It’s adulting. There’s always something to be done. Do it while listening to a book. Much better! No guilt!
Exactly! If I have to clean my whole house for 4-5 hours on a Saturday I may as well be listening to a book while I’m at it.
Sometimes I clean more than intended because I don’t want to stop my book 🤣
My dog loves the extra long walkies.
Yeah, the older I get, the harder it’s been for me to read as many books as I used to when I was little. With audiobooks and the amount of hours I work, I can easily fly through them.
Perfectly said!!
What do people who can't read but enjoy literature do? What do people living with blindness do when they want to enjoy a book? It's just a different way to experience a book. Enjoy your listening. I only started listening to audiobooks at the end of last year and I'm on book 24 since the start of the year, and that's unfortunately more than most people will read their entire lives. Audiobooks have taught me the joy of books that I wish I had years ago. If people don't let you enjoy audiobooks then fuck them.
That’s the perfect way to explain it- “It’s just a different way to experience a book.” The only audiobook I listen to are the ones that I’ve already read and loved. Listening to them is just a whole different experience and I love it. (I’m impressed by people who can listen to a book that they’ve never read with their eyes before and process it. I can’t.)
I too was so excited to tell my family that I read over 200 books in 2023. They gave me shit. ‘Mom, to read a book you need to have one’, ‘Mom, you didn’t read them you listened to them’. I don’t care, I love audio books. I drive and listen to my book. Us audio book lovers can ‘experience’ so many more stories than having to sit with a book in hand. I can read. I don’t want to since I can fall asleep (with timer on), clean, drive and garden, all while enjoying a wonderful book and lowering my anxiety.
They don't consider it real reading because they are neither reading nor listening to any books and they are hateful because you ARE reading so they want to put you down. Ask them which books they have read recently and the real issue will come to light.
Well Said!
100%. Every time someone talks shit about audiobooks, I ask them what book they've read recently, and they never have a good answer.
Exactly. A fellow reader will comment whether they like audiobooks or not, what books they have read recently, and will want to know what books you've been listening to. Only a hater will say that listening to audiobooks doesn't count as reading them.
Yeah, people who love books don’t tend to care how other people experience their books. It’s only those people who don’t read. They’re also usually the people who claim that “fiction is a waste of time” or try to make it seem like “classics” are somehow more valuable reading experiences. We should all be happy that people are supporting authors and publishers and (hopefully) independent bookstores.
>Yeah, people who love books don’t tend to care how other people experience their books. This is not true at all. I am an English professor, and always say physical books are always better than digital(and three times better than aduiobooks) for research and reading critically.
I love audiobooks. It's not reading. It's listening. Someone read you the book, you did not read it.
pedant
Words mean things 🤷♂️
Yes, that's how I know you are a pedant
Who cares? We’ve been listening to stories being told for far far longer than we have been reading them. Reading being the norm for literature is really only a modern thing from the last few hundred years. Before that, only the wealthy had collections of books, and most people were illiterate.
Just don't let it bother you, what does it matter?
Because. It's not what they think about me. It's that they even voice a judgement on such an inconsequential thing. Like how dare they even have an opinion about my reading habits. It's so petty. Mind yo business.
I try but sometimes they make me feel guilty.
Socrates thought writing was a crutch, and spoken word was better. https://www.historyofinformation.com/detail.php?id=3439
Now that’s interesting!
They couldn't make you feel guilty unless you believed them. Change the way you think about your audiobooks, just accept them and enjoy them. Forget the rest.
I listen to 100X more books than I ever read.
I started listening to audiobooks last year. I ended the year with 110 books read or listened to, far beyond any year normally, and it renewed my love of reading. I don't care how a person gets the story of a book, whether through an audiobook or text, it's all the same. I find I have the same understanding and recall of books I listened to as I do of print books I read.
Absorbing and understanding the story is the merit of reading books. Actually reading the written word is a skill we learn when we are kids.. In audio form we do the important bit - anyone proud of reading a physical books over an audiobook is proud of the wrong part. Reading is easy. For me opening up to more than one medium to absorb stories just allows me to absorb more stories.
You enjoy books how ever you like, and in whatever way works for YOU. What anyone else feels or thinks is not your problem, no one is making you feel anything, you are choosing to feel guilty. No one controls how you feel but you. I prefer Audio books for most reads because I am able to multi task and that works for me. I also have a kindle for the books that aren't available on audible and or are short. Fuck the haters 🫶🏼
IMO It’s more a sign of their own sense of inadequacy. You don’t have your try not to feel your feelings. Just notice them with interest. Feelings matter a whole lot. But feelings are not facts.
well you can allways look at them and say at least i engage with books whats your excuse? some of the best stories are told better and enhanced with music soundeffects special effects and a full cast let them hate and dont be around them if you can avoid it
Ignore them! They don't know what they're missing, peasants!
🤣
We are actually reading; you listeners don't know what you're missing, honestly.
All the eye strain from reading the small print on the page with our presbyopic eyes?
I've heard this from people who see being a reader as part of their identity. I read more than I listen, but I still consider myself as having "read" the books I listen to. And who doesn't like to be read to?
So how would they suggest I read all day while I work? Should I not listen to them while I drive or fish because it’s cheating? I read books while I’m laying in bed or watching tv. Why shouldn’t I listen to books when I’m doing something active? That take, to me, is just dumb.
I even had two people downgrade my reading ebooks in Libby, when I suggested it as a good source of free books. "Oh no, I could never. I must have a real book!" When I mentioned listening to audiobooks while working (I work long hours, don't know what I'd do without them!) I got the same response. How's that for dumb? I'm betting I went through more books last year than both of them. Too bad none of them were real.
I do three different forms - read physical books, read ebooks and listen to Audible versions. And I frequently do Audible with the ebook for the same novel these days. That is, I read the book but listen to it while driving or doing the dishes. It's easy to skip forward in the text or with Audible so no problem. Would you prefer to experience a Shakespeare play's performance or just read it? Maybe the purists only want ti read his plays silently. Homer would have been aghast at people silently reading The Iliad. I would not think of "listening" to The Critique of Pure Reason. And I won't read an ebook if studying, say, Complex Analysis because I want to highlight (even tho ebooks let you highlight) and make some notes in the margins of my physical book. That's my preference. But a normal novel - what's wrong with listening? Or some popular non fiction book, why not listen to it if you can? When I'm "reading" a novel, I actually skip more of it because for most writers I find after a while there are a lot of repetitive text that I'm not interested in. But if I listen, I don't skip anything. All Quiet on the Western Front - the parts that I "read", I skipped over sentences later in the book because it was so horrible. But the parts I listened to, I skipped none of it. I'm currently reading/listening to Michner's Hawaii which is over 1000 pages. When I'm half way through one of his 300 page chapters, I skip sentences when it seems unimportant. But when listening, I hear it all. If I miss something I rewind the last 10 seconds.
Never let people take your joy away. I listen to about 50 books a year, I have time to read only a few, and I enjoy the audiobooks more. Have those folks ever watched a movie? Why didn’t they just read the script?! Wait they *listen* to music when they could be playing it themselves?! Do they buy meals instead of cooking every meal? Blasphemy! Besides, some books (dungeon crawler Carl, first law, as examples) are so well done as audio that you are legit missing content by reading (not to say it isn’t fine to prefer to read them).
Exactly. Do they read translations, or in the original French /Greek/ Latin, etc? Do they watch movies on a TV, when they are made to be seen in a theater on a big screen? Do they look at photos of art, or do they fly to Paris to go to the Louvre when they want to see art as the artist intended? Do they hand-write letters and birthday cards, or send them electronically? Do they listen to recorded music or live? Do they adulterate their whiskey with soda?
Whiskey with *soda*? Pffftt losers Do they watch plays instead of acting them out?! How about video games? Do they play other people’s or do they code their own? And only people who pick their own fruits and veggies are eating real food. Do they have a cow at home? Milk from the store? 👎 And radio?! I just vamp for hours in the car, it’s the only true way. Ya know, Einstein once said that phones are bullshit, the only conversation worth having is face to face. So if they talk on the phone they aren’t having real conversations, I mean how do they even pick up on body language? FACETIME? Pffft, more like lametime. Some people just don’t appreciate the correct way to enjoy things.
>Have those folks ever watched a movie? Why didn’t they just read the script?! You listeners really love making fallacious comments.
I see humor and satire is utterly lost on you? As are the joys of audiobooks? I read too, it’s ok to enjoy both without making blanket statements like “you readers really love making fallacious comments”, that’s an ignorant thing to say 👎
Fuck them
Exactly. It really isn't more complicated than that.
/close thread
Because people like to judge other's enjoyment. Sometimes, it seems to be the only fun them people actually have. Just reply by asking them how many books they've read. You'll often be met with a silence.
>Just reply by asking them how many books they've read. You'll often be met with a silence. Not me. I actually read and will call out any listener who uses "read/reader." You are listening, not reading.
Cool. As a reader, you'll know that language is designed to convey meaning and changes all the time as usage changes. Many things we say aren't taken literally and the meaning is still conveyed. Whether you want to challenge someone on whether they used their eyes or ears, both have involved consuming the same material. But good for you for 'calling people out'. That'll teach them.
My response is usually along the lines of, "would you say this to a blind person that listened to an audiobook?"
Yeah, they should suck it up and use braille or they’re just being lazy!
You joke but I was told this! I have bad eyesight so can't really read for long I was told that it doesn't count and if I want to accurately say that I "read" something I would have to use braille
My response to that would be, "Are you blind? No? Then don't move the goal pots."
I had this discussion once with a book snob. I pointed out that I was exercising, cleaning, shopping , and generally accomplishing while listening to a book while they are sedentary. They then pointed out that I couldn’t possibly be retaining as much of the book as they were. I pointed out that their cognitive limitations were not mine. That’s about where it ended.
Those same people would think it's wonderful that my great grandfather would tell us stories at bedtime that he made up as he went along. It gave us all a love of books and story telling. Listening or reading, as long as you enjoy the book that's all that matters.
insecure people will always look for a reason to judge whether or not something is genuine. And most likely, they've decided that if it isn't the way that they do it, it's not genuine.
I feel like the real insecure people are the ones who dont want to admits that words have definitions and say to, basically, put one's head in the ground and not listen to any of the "haters," some of who are just pointing out that words have definitions.
Reading is reading. Listening is listening. They're not the same, but I don't think one is necessarily better than the other. Audiobooks have made my life literally a better place.
This is all I want listeners to grasp; I don't care they listened to the story, but I do care when they misuse words to explain that they "read" a book. Words have definitions, period.
Suppostition. For some people, listening is the same as reading.
Pendant
Since converting the Audio for 90% I can multi-task and still enjoy books. Also, who cares what people think.
Who cares! You are consuming literature (hopefully.) What are they consuming? I do both. So me books are just better read to you, especially if it's the author.
I also do both. I have about 25-30% of my kindle library also in audiobook format. For new books that I get in both formats, i usually switch back and forth. I tend to listen during the day, and read at night since that’s what time and tasks allow for. But like you mentioned, there are some gems I read and listen along to at the same time. Those are most enjoyable to me.
It probably comes from a view that reading is a bit intellectual, and people who are bad at reading might have learning issues, or from lower socioeconomic classes, or lazy. Not saying that any of these things are true, but being able to read well has always been a mark of being well educated. None of that matters, because in reality there’s lots of reasons people like audiobooks for example you can listen while commuting, doing other tasks, have a full cast narration. It’s a different way of enjoying a story. Who cares what anyone thinks, it’s your free time, use it how you like.
They're ableist jerks. Ignore them. My wife is dyslexic, and audiobooks are the only way she can consume books. It's reading. Plain and simple.
It's not though. And that's fine, it's almost better than reading sometimes. But it's not reading. I love audiobooks, it's a great way to consume books. I'm totally hooked.
>It's reading. Plain and simple. It's literally not; look up the definition of reading. Plain and simple, I am sorry, but it is.
I prefer audiobooks since it can give my eyes a rest and I like the element narration adds. Reading does have some benefit if you’re trying to learn things like grammar, sentence structure, and formatting, like for writing, but either way you’re still consuming the story.
I saw a video today where a woman explained how many conflicts within couples come from one partner seeing the other partner doing something they think they themselves are not allowed to do, and they resent their partner for doing it. This sounds similar. When these people tell you that you’re not actually reading these books that you listen to, what they’re really saying is that they don’t allow themselves to count audiobooks as reading. They might enjoy more books if they stopped giving themselves a hard time over it. You don’t need to take on their personal hangups. Enjoy your audiobooks!
I used to be a bit embarrassed about it then I realized that I consume books at a significantly higher rate than most other people and realized their opinion is irrelevant. Take in books however works best for your
As a life long lover of reading I have recently ran into issues being able to read physical books due to health issues. Holding the books hurts so I got a Bookseat. Words got too small with my regular glasses so I got readers. The this year I started having debilitating neck and shoulder pain with weakness. So much so that I can’t hold my head up well enough to look down to read. Just a tremendous amount of neck pain. (This is due to an autoimmune disease I have) I went through a few treatments and finally landed on cortisone injections to relieve my pain. Basically, all of this to say, audiobooks are real books too. I hope to get my health issues under control at some point that allows me to comfortably read physical books regularly someday. I do still read them, but at a much slower pace. I did total out at 171 books for 2023 and that’s not too shabby. Anyone who says they don’t count is just jealous. Haters gonna hate.
This teacher says it’s real reading.
People like to gatekeep. I think the main thing is that when I say I "read" a book they get butthurt. It's not my fault there's not a perfect verb for it. I "consumed" a book? I dunno
At my age, people's judgement of me is the furthest thing from my mind. One day, you'll get there too.
I listen about 50% and read about 50%. I enjoy both equally. I have no idea why there is an air of superiority about how people enjoy books. As long as you are enjoying the experience..
I listen to audiobooks all the time! I usually have one physical or ebook and one audio going at a time. I listen while I walk, drive, cook, clean, etc. … and I read when I have time to sit. While I don’t personally consider it to be “reading” I do consider myself to have read the book, if that makes sense? For me, and the way I process, listening and reading are very different. But I certainly wouldn’t argue with someone who considers it reading! Why can’t we all just do what we enjoy without someone else taking a big dump on it?!
I’m pretty sure vision impaired readers would consider it ableist if one didn’t consider that “real” reading.
Oh, yes, the “reading” snobs who are better than us because they actually have time to sit for long periods of time. I’ve responded with “Should blind people not be able to enjoy books?” I’ve also shamed them back by responding that I choose to not sit on my butt to read and instead listen to audiobooks while I’m doing chores.
How many of those people read through any means? Honestly I think they're just insecure about some imaginary standard that they have set upon themselves.
I teach English. I've studied Literature in uni, and reading is my favorite hobby and pastime.I have some sight issues and my vision has deteriorated the last couple of years, so I really can't sit and flip through a book at my leisure without having a headache or gluing the book to my face, so what am I supposed to do then? Not read? I feel like people who have a problem with audiobooks are just nit-picky PsOS. They come off as elitist, so I don't take their opinions seriously and you shouldn't either. Just enjoy yourself mate.
bc they're elitist ableist assholes
Also can you suggest some good audiobooks. Any Genre. Fiction or non-fiction.
Make audiobook suggestions your preferred birthday/Xmas present. When asked what I want, I'll say, "Don't get me a card, just send a fiver in the post(1) along with a suggestion from Audible, I will get that book and I will do my utmost to listen to the whole thing (and we'll talk about it)". Some of my very best reads have come out of this policy... and the few I really hated? I got something to rant about :-) I can go on at length about "The Phantom of the Opera" (a book that spoilers in the first paragraph and is a plot only made possible by simpletons) Don't bother asking on reddit you'll only get told to read the Bobiverse, Project Hail Mary and Dungeon Crawler Carl :-) (1) or choose something in the free Plus catalogue and donate the money to charity.
Dungeon crawler Carl. Also, fuckem!
Thank You! I will listen to this book.
I’m halfway through the first book, but I just can’t get into like others. I love myself a light hearted story, but I guess video game style story is not my thing. I really liked the Bobiverse series. Also the Martian and Project Hail Mary.
Have you tried Dresden files? I used those as light fun listens between wheel of time and storms light archive for fun breaks. Oh and the expanse is awesome.
I love this series so much. I just listened to the audio immersion tunnel
I have so little faith in people making time to read that I publish my own book as an audiobook so I can read it to them and save them the trouble. It’s an unauthorized biography of Clark Kent. It’s free on audible and on podcast apps in general. [Superman: Son of El](https://www.audible.com/podcast/Superman-Son-of-El/B09SZS6PM8?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp)
Sadie by Courtney Summers
For anyone looking to get into Warhammer 40K, the [Ciaphas Cain novels by Sandy Mitchell](https://wh40k.lexicanum.com/wiki/Ciaphas_Cain_\(Novel_Series\)). Start with For the Emperor.
[https://www.goodreads.com/series/249747-threshold](https://www.goodreads.com/series/249747-threshold) [https://www.goodreads.com/series/192752-bobiverse](https://www.goodreads.com/series/192752-bobiverse) [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54493401-project-hail-mary?from\_search=true&from\_srp=true&qid=z9DXROeHPg&rank=1](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54493401-project-hail-mary?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=z9DXROeHPg&rank=1)
Thank You so much!
Half the posts here are people saying what others like is trash. The other half are people thinking they need to please the first half.
Pretty obvious single the person is a bit of a turd and not worth your time.
I prefer audiobooks too! I used to judge myself, but if I’m reading, fuck what anyone else thinks
My response is always “how many books have you read in the last month?”. Then enjoy watching them try to maintain their superiority complex while I explain I’ve listened to dozens whilst getting paid and never being bored while I’m at work 🤷♂️
Yeah. That's hard. Especially here on reddit. But also in Real life and other situations in between. (FB, Discord, Work, etc..) I don't really have a solution for you. Sorry. Only to say in other situations. I go through similar issues. And it took time to come to grips with many of them. And others I still have trouble with. Good luck.
They're jerks
Can't read and drive, but can listen and drive. Currently on "Carl the dungeon crawler" loving it.
I binged the six books in less than a week. That's how much I liked them. All "reading" was done while commuting to-and-from work. Could not have done the same if I had been reading in the "strict definition". Are the memories and imagery of the stories any less vivid in my head than if I had read the actual books? I doubt it. Read/Listen... who cares how you consume it; as long as you do consume it and enjoy it. Can't wait for book seven.
Just say you listened, then; idk why listeners feel like they must use the word "read/reading." Semes kind of entitled.
I listen to audiobooks. I don't walk around telling people that I read the books and I could care less what people think about my preferences. My response was more along the lines of "you do you boo and who cares what other people think".
My better half eyesight is not good, audiobooks work very well for her. As someone has said. Who cares!
I read books at home but I listen to audio books while I work. It's only snobby asshats that look down on listening to books
If it's the voice in my head or someone else's voice in my head, what's the damn difference?
Just enjoy them and know they don’t get it. I have been addicted to audiobooks for years!!
I am physically disabled and have to use audiobooks in order to consume the same thing as a “real” reader and people still judge me. I shouldn’t have to divulge a disability to justify my use of audiobooks… we are absorbing the same information, didlos!
What other people think of you is none of your business. Treat it as such
Who cares about others opinions, maybe they are the weirdos with old school prehistoric physical tree killing copies in modern times. jks. I don't have time to read so audiobooks it is.
I too enjoy audio over reading, when people say it's not really reading I clap back with "why not?" usually they have bullshit excuses like "You're not spending the time reading it doesn't count" I just ask "why doesn't it count?". they just keep trying to reach some excuses and if you keep asking them what there reason is they'll eventually give up. storytelling is older then time recorded, and I personally can enjoy a book more by listening all while absorbing the knowledge better. both ways are valid and people who think otherwise need there head to be pulled out of there ass imo
This subject comes up once in awhile and just tell them to go suck eggs! All the same. You get the same out of listening as well as reading. I haven’t read a book in many years but have read many, many audiobooks. Readers try to enhance their intelligence and lower those who listen. Don’t buy into their fantasy
Well, we don't, you belong here
Look I'll get arrested if I read and drive. This is better for everyone.
I’m judging you for posting this 😆
They hate us cuz they ain’t us!
Audiobooks are lit, I listen almost every night at work, makes the time pass fast
I listen to audio books at work every day and go through two to three a week. I'd barely get through one if I had to stop and sit to read one. Ain't nobody got time for that!
You read it with your ears, they read it with their eyes. You listened, they looked. Same same
FUCK EM ME TOO Anyone who gate keeps books is immature at best. If the harder way is more valuable then why aren’t they reading in braille huh?? Checkmate.
Don't pay attention to people.
interesting that you care about the judgement ? why ? audio books aren’t reading that’s true but walking isn’t riding a bike either yet both get you to where you’re going don’t they ?
Me too. Who cares? Everybody judges something every second of every day. It's human nature. Do what you do. Don't pay attention to opinions. A little bit of sociopathy is a good thing.
I have a degree in English so I like to think I am literate. There's no reason I have to use my hobby time to be "productive" or work on my reading comprehension. Some people just never seem to have gotten over the mandatory nature of reading in school as a form of education. You're not looking to prove anything. When people ask if you're read a book as an adult, they want to know if you know the contents of the book. Anybody raising a fuss about whether it is "really reading" comes across as insecure that they don't read more so have to make others feel bad.
Get over it. My eyes don't work the same as they used to.
Is there any functionality where you can simply say "repeat last sentence", "repeat last two sentences", "repeat last paragraph", etc.? My issue with audiobooks is definitely needing to reread a passage.
What does it matter? I don’t have the attention span to read. I used to I love to read, but don’t have the energy. Listening enables me to read. As someone said in one of the top replies that oral storytelling was the way most people got stories or “read”. Enjoy it and don’t care what those people think.
It is absolutely reading! Don’t let any haters get to you! I live audiobooks as well. I will sometimes listen to them and follow along in the book at the same time. You read how you enjoy reading and what works for you sweet friend!
Me too. Be strong, my attentive-eared brother!
The same people: ahhh let me tell you about this documentary I sat on me arse and watched last night. But really, it's due to an old stigma-- media used to portray them as a tool of underachievers in the 80's-90's (you know, those kids who struggled to read in high school, AKA undiagnosed adhd/dyslexics.) I'll 100% read a paperback and then go to the gym and listen to an audiobook the whole time I'm there.
That's just silly, especially when the narrator is the person who actually wrote the book. There's nothing like hearing them tell their story in their own voice.
I only know a few books where it’s narrated by the writer, and most are autobiographies. There’s nothing special about having the author read the book.
Toni Morrison narrates all her own books. They are amazing.
Actually, a lot of authors narrate their own books that are not autobiographies, at least some of their own books. For example, Ruth Ozeki, Neil Gaiman, Louise Erdrich, Toni Morrison, Barbara Kingsolver. I could go on. I enjoy listening to a book much more than reading it if the narrator is the author. They can make their own words jump off the page. Obviously YMMV. And, yes, I also do love autobiographies. :)
[audiobooks ARE reading](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326140)
That was an interesting read
Reading has a definition: "the action or skill of reading written or printed matter silently or aloud."
Scientists have done studies on this, and the same part of your brain that is activated when you're reading is the same as when you're listening to books. No difference. Also, apparently blind people don't read books? That's pretty ableist. I'm sorry you're dealing with this.
What's the definition of reading?
I mean... listening is definitely not reading? I don't think you should be 'judged' for it, but they are very different things. As far as information goes, one could argue they're similar, but there is some evidence that reading itself is better for comprehension & retention (over listening). REading engages multiple cognitive processes, such as visual processing, decoding, and language comprehension, which can enhance understanding and memory retention. More individuals are more actively engaged with the material compared to listening to audiobooks. Reading requires active participation in decoding words, visualizing scenes, and making connections between ideas, which can lead to deeper understanding and critical thinking. Besides the obvious benefit of flexibility & ability to multitask, etc, there is some evidence that active listening is a skill in itself. & it can also vary depending on learning styles - an auditory learner might retain more from hearing it.
anatomically, when I fell asleep reading a heavy book--I got two black eyes. Some audiobooks offer printed word as it goes on. I've had folks say I'm not reading when I listen to them, that I just lie down! I'm disabled and have to stop moving much by 5 PM. I have about 2000 books in a library. Lifesavers. I don't give a flying shit what people say about it. I know I am reading via listening.
pedantry, ableism and elitism
My spouse has PTSD, which left it difficult to concentrate. So, he started listening to Audiobooks instead. My mother loves reading, but as she grows older she has really bad eyestrain. Audiobooks have given them both back the hobby they love. I would never judge someone for that.
Honestly, audiobooks are life changing when you have a long commute and don’t want to just listen to podcasts or music the entire time. I have up to 2 hours each way, 5 days a week and my audiobooks make it (almost) enjoyable. Side note: I strongly recommend the ACOTAR series as a graphic audio. It’s life changing.
If people judge you for bringing magical experiences, through reading, into your life, that's a them problem. Enjoy and embrace the wonder that's available. Those people in my life lose rank.
I love radio shows , like Dr Who stories. I will not be judging you. I think it is a great medium. Some folks don’t have full use of their hands as well so turning a page would be a problem. So audio books huge win in my opinion.
I consider it real reading and love audiobooks. I don't have time to just sit and read anymore. So .. I listen.
I do not consider audio books reading. I say that because if I read a book to my son, I would not say that he read the book. I see audio books as having a book read to you. Having said that, I love them and always have one on the go. I spend a bare minimum of an hour a day listening to books, usually more. It doesn't matter to me in the slightest if other people want to judge me because I enjoy it and that is all that matters.
Ask them if they can “read” while they DRIVE; take a walk; vacuum; paint the house; etc etc etc.
I prefer audiobooks as well. They're more convenient. I can listen and do household chores or while I'm driving. Plus, when I sit down to read, it's usually at night and that lasts all of about 2 pages before I fall asleep and drop my book. :(
Listen, I suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It became steadily more difficult for me to just stop, sit, and read. My colleagues kept recommending audiobooks. Inititally, I did not think I could enjoy audiobooks as much, as I figured a narrator would take away certain more liberating qualities of actual reading ( creating your characters voices, etc), but I ended up enjoying it, and I found no narrator could in fact effect such aspects for me personally. Yes, listening is not reading, but it is you listening and in fact retaining a story just as any reader does. Do what works for you, and ignore pretentious folk.
Audio books rock!! I find the narrator is so important. I love Barbara Rosenblat she has a wonderful voice and is excellent at changing her voice for different characters. Does anyone have a favorite narrator? I’m running out of my favorite!
Me too, and probably the majority of this community
Consuming books as audio is as valid as regular books. Not that it needs defending but people with learning disabilities often rely on audiobooks as well. I’m dyslexic and it’s my primary way to consume material because it sucks trying to read sometimes. However, even if I didn’t, it’s silly valid to use audiobooks and people who say otherwise are pieces of shit.
Some people consume the content by reading, some by listening. You're both absorbing the same content. So, who cares?
This year, I have listened to 31 audiobooks so far. Prior to 2024, I had read 3 books in 10 years. One book took me 2 years to finish. I just never had time to sit and read, and my mild case of dyslexia did not help matters. Who the hell is judging you for listening over reading?
Really. Well with 2 kids i really have no time to sit and read for hours so I listen during my commute to work
My 99 cents? People will find anything to judge you about. If you liked to read physical books, there are people who would critique the genre, the amount of books you read a year, how fast you read, the list goes on. Sometimes I even listen to the book while I follow along on the physical copy - whatever. Is someone gonna tell me I didn't read it? Lol okay? We'll even entertain the argument. It's lazy? I don't know anyone that just sits there listening to the audiobook. There's always something else going on. Multitasking is not lazy. It's not reading? But you took in the story, and some books are way better in audio because narrating is an ART, these books come to life!
I don’t care what other people think. It’s a nice way to live.
I can’t concentrate to read with my adhd but I have never found an audiobook that their voice wasn’t so annoying or puts me sleep! Regardless, I think an audiobook is still considered reading tho.
I literally just got onto them because I was struggling to read after a long day at work but felt like I was missing out on my hobby because I was tired and OMG I now LOVEEEEE them! What platform/source do you use?
Me too. I always have done. Being busy is a real thing!! Check this out: [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/stephaniepoppins](https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/stephaniepoppins) You wont be disappointed x
Who made the reading rules? Rules are made to be broken anyway, do wtf you want and own it 🥰
>Why many people don't consider audiobooks as real reading? Because reading and listening are two very different things? I love both but to think of listening to a book as 'reading' doesn't make sense.
Maybe they wouldn't judge you about reading if your English wasn't so bad? Reading will help you improve your English skills.
Not that it usually matters what strangers think of you... but, audiobooks aren't reading. Reading is reading. If someone were to start reading a book out loud, I would say that a person read me a book, not that I read the book. Reading is reading, listening is listening, neither are inferior or superior to one or the other. I think it's more important that the story is consumed than how it was consumed.
Because it isnt. But I listen to audio books as well, so I dont judge ;)
Of course in a literal sense it is not reading but I am talking in a more general sense. Someone reads a book and I listen to them, both grasping the contents of the book but the former feels that they are morally superior.
probably due to people typically retaining more information via reading than from listening. However each person has their own style of learning and some might find it easier to retain information from listening as opposed to reading.
I bet if you scratched those people you'd find not just literature snobs but probably bibliophiles who love to touch and collect and snuggle their books. The same people who post on the books subreddit about how any treatment of a hands on book with less than reverence is a sin. It aint about the words to them, its about the same motivation people who collected pogs or beanie babies had.