Written Word or Spoken????

I prefer the written word and nothing will ever replace it for me. But I do listen to audio books. It makes my workout time at the gym go by so much faster. I can not stand going to the gym, everything about it bores me, but being in the middle of a good book will make me actually look forward to my next workout. I have a hard time focussing on a book while driving unless I am on a long trip. But even still then I do as I get very caught up in taking in scenery.

I like both. I love to read but sometimes, like when driving or taking a bath, it is easier to listen. It brings it to life, too, with the wonderful actors who speak the roles and the narrator. I cannot see a difference. Many blind people listen to books rather than read with braille. I learn as much by listening as I do by reading. In fact, I have about five that I borrowed from my cousin that I am getting ready to listen to. Either way, I just love books.

I have never tried and audio book before... and i haven't seen one being sold in bookstores here in my country... so it is always the good old fashion classic reading for me... but i do want to try the audio version... and if it is more convinient... then i think i will use it a lot more often... since i rarely have the time to read nowadays...

I think knowledge in any form is important be it written or audio. I think that in today's busy busy world audio makes alot of sense. It's hard with work and family to sit down and enjoy a good book. I know for me when I try, the little ones are climbing all over my lap, the hubby is talking to me or needs me to do something for him, so it's really hard to concentrate. With an audio book you can slip it on and listen while you are doing dishes, taking a bath, cleaning the house, exercising or whatever. In all honesty, if I had to choose I like the hard copy better. There's nothing like curling up on the couch with a hot cup of coffee or tea and settling in with a good book, however I never get that chance anymore, so I can definately get behind the audio books.

Hello deees... I've never listened to an audio book. I see them everywhere but it just never crossed my mind to try one. I think I would stick with reading the book. I enjoy the peacefulness, the serenity and the quiet that comes with reading a book. This may be a stupid question but what if you fall asleep while listening to an audio book, do you easily find the "page" where you drifted off?

well, i think i'm in the opposite side... i prefer to listen to music while studying, working or whatever i'm doing...but the volume of the music should a bit low during my study time only... in terms of books; well i would prefer to read the hard copy instead of listening to the audio because i cannot focus on whatever i'm doing if i'm listening to the speaker... Smiley,

Many years ago when I had a boring job of data entry which did not require much thought I enjoyed listening to audio books. For plain old enjoyment I prefer paper books.

I never listen to audio books. I'm a fast reader and I don't have the patience to listen to someone read. Also, I have my own idea about what characters sound like in a novel, and the reader's voice would get in the way of that. I don't even listen to audio files on the internet if I can find a transcript, and it has to be something I'm really interested in for me to do that.

hi dee! i haven't tried audio books, i actually never have considered listening to one. i've always been into reading, the old fashion style of enjoying a good book. but i think audio books are beneficial for busy people who doesn't have the time to sit down and be idle for hours while reading a book. i think i could use something like that too. i've been busy these past few weeks and i still haven't finished the book i've started last month. ^__^;; even though i can't wait to finish it, i just can't because a lot of things have been occupying my mind, my time. but i think there aren't too many audio books available here that's why its not that popular here. welcome to myLot dee.

I feel that books on tape are great. I have listened to several with my Husband! But it should never replace reading. I honestly believe that everyone should know how to read. I feel terrible when I have heard that someone can't read.. I am not a avid reader, never have been But I can read. And I do enjoy reading things of interest to me. It is a whole new world for those that couldn't read then have learned they are so excited and want to tell the whole world that they have learn! Because they can read everything... and that IS very Exciting!

well, i think i'm in the opposite side! as i prefer to read the book itself instead of listening to the audio version.. because, i cannot focus on whatever i'm doing while listening to another speaker! i would rather stop what i'm doing and get my ears clear to listen ;p so, i prefer to listen to music on a low volume while i'm studying...but i would turn the volume loud while driving, cleaning or whatever i'm doing except during my study time... Smiley,