hard copy or audio books
By brothertuck
@brothertuck (1257)
United States
January 30, 2008 1:02am CST
I have been starting to lean towards listening to books rather then reading them. Even the books I read are more often in e-text versions rather then paper. I just find it better to relax with the lights out, my eyes closed, listening to the words and letting the images fill my mind.
I got audio copies of the Harry Potter books and listend to all of them, though we do have hard copies for my kids who do read a lot. I used to enjoy reading and still do, but more informational and from e-texts and the internet. I just don't have the time to sit down and read a good book like I used to. With the audiobooks I get to listen to the book as it was written and not a movie that will make changes for various reasons.
I actually started with audio books when I used to deliver pizza, playing an audio tape while driving between the pizza shop and a customer.
Have you ever gotten an audio version of a book and listened to it, while driving, or while relaxing, or even while doing some repetitious work? Would you do it instead of reading if you had the chance?
2 people like this
14 responses
@AnythngArt (3302)
• United States
30 Jan 08
I usually read hardback books, but I have listened to audio books and enjoyed them. The best place for me to listen to them is on vacation. I can remember being on the sunny beach in Hawaii and listening to them. That way, you don't have to deal with the sun or getting the pages all sticky from suntan lotion. Unfortunately, I haven't been on vacation in awhile.
I used to have a boss who had a long commute, and she was a big fan of listening to audio books in the car on her way to work. My only problem is with those tapes that are not complete works. I want the whole book, not a condensed version.
Do you rent yours or buy them? Listen to the entire book or an abridged selection? I certainly think audio books have a great value, particularly if the author is reading his or her own words. It adds another dimension.
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
30 Jan 08
I like audio books. I can listen to in my car, when I am driving. When I have to be 20 miles away from my home, means I can finish one book in one day....
I like to read when I have time...
@lightningMD (5931)
• United States
30 Jan 08
I prefer to read my books. I think if I was in the car alot I would enjoy listening to a book though. It might make me sleepy though. I love to read and read about 2 books a week.I've never tried a e-book.
@Cheerful_Beauty (89)
• Australia
31 Jan 08
Hi brothertuck! I love books very much. I even love the smell of books. LOL. so I prefer the hard copy then audio books.
@newfette (338)
• Canada
30 Jan 08
I have never used an audiobook, or read an e-text book on the internet. I don't get much time anymore to read either other than in bed before I fall asleep or on the toilet HAHA
Personally, I wouldn't enjoy an audio book or an e-text as much as a real book. I love the feel of the books in my hands, the smell of it, looking at them on my shelves, and I love turning the pages. I know that must sound strange, but I just thoroughly enjoy books! Maybe when I am old like you I would like audio books too! HAHAHAHAHA I am kidding please don't take offense to that! I love to joke. I am a Newfie you know!
@zeloguy (4911)
• United States
2 Feb 08
I like both and for different reasons...
Listening to books by the author or by a 'professional reader' you get the sense of emotion from the book that you may not just reading the book.
However a lot of times audio books are not word-for-word and are abridged or whatever and then I can't read along with the reader.
One thing I do have with audio is when I am learning a new language (arabic is my language of choice now), and motivational books.
Reading is one thing. Hearing is completely another in those cases.
Great question.
@moriakaice (109)
• Poland
1 Feb 08
Most of the books I read are paper ones. While on computer, I rarely read eBooks, since when on computer, my attention often drifts away to websites and stuff. Audiobooks... Something I tried, but found out too hard for me. To enjoy it I'd have to stop listening to music, probably turn off my monitor and just sit in one place quietly, doing nothing... I wouldn't stand it. I think audiobooks are just not for me.
@p1kef1sh (45681)
•
2 Feb 08
I think that audio books are a great idea, but in my view they will never replace the real deal. Like you, I listen to audio books in the car, and on my iPod, usually at night when I am away from home on business. I also listen to podcasts that way. Have you seen the Amazon Kindle, that they have developed to replace the book. We cannot get it here in the UK yet, but I shall look at it with interest when it does.
@rony881011 (18)
• China
2 Feb 08
but there are not too many audio books for us to download!! can you tell me some web page that can download them ?
@toriatuck (17)
• Canada
30 Jan 08
reading is one of my favorite pasttimes...one thing i treasure most is the silence...until something in the book makes me gasp or laugh out loud ...i like reading with my nieces and nephews out loud and we do sound effects and somehow it would just not be the same if we were listening to one person tell the story...i dont know that they would just sit and listen ...but participating they love ...and its a joy i will treasure...i do know that if my eyes got really bad then i would use the voice books ...but until then i think i will stick to my hand held editions
toria
1 person likes this
@hitsuzen_x (68)
• United States
2 Feb 08
I love to read, and to me, nothing can replace it.
And besides, if I try to listen to an audio version I'll just end up phasing out.
