Do audiobooks count as "reading"?
By Faye
@FayeHazel (40243)
United States
October 7, 2016 10:50am CST
I have become a big fan of the audiobook format. Regular reading is so, still, I find. And to be honest, you can call me lazy if you like, but if I'm going to sit still and be entertained I prefer TV or movies.
However I have found I really have a penchant for these audiobooks - part of my work is cleaning in my apartment building - so I can enjoy my story - and be busy and get work done at the same time. In fact sometimes I find myself searching for extra work to be done so I can keep listening and I find it helps me keep interested while I'm cooking, or cleaning my own place.
I find the voice talent really important as to if the book is going to grab my attention or not. I remember this one audiobook I listened to - it was a crime story about the mafia - and the (male) voice talent had this great New Jersey accent.
But does it count as "reading"? I have found it makes discussions about "reading" interesting, as I usually throw in the disclaimer, "well, I listened to the audiobook version of...."
6 people like this
9 responses
@teamfreak16 (43418)
• Denver, Colorado
8 Oct 16
Technically, no, but what does it matter which format as long as you get to enjoy the book.
1 person likes this
@dramagirl26 (3259)
• Ringgold, Virginia
7 Oct 16
Even though you're listening to it, I would consider an audiobook to be reading.
1 person likes this
@JohnRoberts (109846)
• Los Angeles, California
7 Oct 16
No, listening to books does not count as reading. Someone else is doing the reading for you.
1 person likes this
@XinfulThotz (4140)
• Singapore, Singapore
7 Oct 16
It's still reading in my perspective. You still learn the knowledge and still get to know the story. I listen to audio bOoks too. This way I get to multitask..
@XinfulThotz (4140)
• Singapore, Singapore
8 Oct 16
@Marty1 and in fact for me i finish each book faster tgan when i read a physical book. How about you?
@XinfulThotz (4140)
• Singapore, Singapore
8 Oct 16
@Marty1 it's nice that you have got your Reading glasses now. Then you have an option whether to read or listen to books, depending on your mood!
@XinfulThotz (4140)
• Singapore, Singapore
8 Oct 16
@Marty1 There is those two in one glasses where the lower part is for reading and the upper part is for short sighted. Have you seen those in the optical shops where you stay?
@DesirousDreamer (34776)
• Peoria, Arizona
7 Oct 16
I count it as reading because you are READING into a new subject, a new story. When you are READING into something you are learning something new. Some people can learn bigger words better when actually heard, who actually goes to a dictionary after they see a word that they do not understand after they read it? But most will look it up after the hear it because they know how it is pronounced and if it sounds like an interesting word they are more willing to learn! As long as you feel like you are learning and enjoying your time, keep at it! not everyone has the time to sit down and read these days.
@seerat_11 (90)
• Amritsar, India
7 Oct 16
It isn't exactly reading but who cares as long as we enjoy it. I love audiobooks too and mafia ones are my favourite. I do read a lot of mafia books on a website/ app called wattpad. It's so easy to use and I love reading on it. Which site do you use to access audiobooks?
