Dear Readers. It’s been a while since we ‘talked’ but I’m back. To talk about, of all topics, reading.
I couldn’t get to sleep last night. It wasn’t food that I’d eaten or a room that was too hot or too cold, or any of the other issues than can hinder a 70+ year old woman’s quest for sleep. I knew exactly what it was. I had no book to listen to.
I have a confession. I’m addicted to audiobooks. Since my shoulder surgery in January, I have listened to an audiobook almost every night for about 20 minutes after I’ve gone to bed. Initially, it took my focus off of the discomfort of my shoulder. Now, it puts me in a zen-like state, making drifting off to sleep easier.
But I finished a book yesterday and wanted to let it mellow before I started another. So, there I was last night, wide awake, working to solve the problems of the universe. Which kept me awake longer.
All of this has made me wonder. Is listening to a book the same as reading a book? Audiobooks are popular in the car, when exercising, doing mindless sewing or household tasks. But if you can multi-task while listening, does it count the same as reading? I had to dig into this topic.
Audiobooks are the fastest growing sector in publishing. The overall share of time spent listening to audiobooks has increased 106% since 2017. Sixty-seven percent of audiobook listeners say they “read” more with audiobooks compared to if they were to only read books in traditional text format. (https://www.voices.com) I am clearly part of that 67%, no question.
But that doesn’t answer the question, does listening to a book count as reading a book? After a bit of research, there’s no debate, the answer is yes. Comprehension and engaging with the story are central to any type of reading. Phew. I can officially count all those books I’ve listened to as having actually read them.
Now, unlike the paid services to access audiobooks, I get all of mine through Libby, a free sharing service through the library. Guess what? There are 54,816 titles just in audiobooks in over 100 categories. Other folks use Hoopla, another free source for audiobooks, and much more.
I still like a book in my hand, and I still enjoy reading through my FREE Kindle app, and I’ve been doing plenty of reading regardless of the format lately, but audiobooks are my sleep aid of choice. I better sign off so I can find another book for tonight. Wish me luck! I need my sleep.
If it wasn’t for audio books and many audio stories that are accessible through Youtube, my almost blind husband would be bored out of his mind. He listens all day and evening and I’m so glad he has that. As we age the things that have been made available is quite amazing. As I sit or sleep after this SI surgery to know I can just order groceries delivered, Amazon covers most everything else, is enough to make me unbelievably grateful. Sadly a good many of these conveniences were brought on by the worst times while we were shuttered in during Covid. Happy reading!
I enjoy audio books that are read by the authors I know and am familiar with the voice. That mostly is nonfiction, but I only started reading fiction about 15 years ago. I like it even more when I read the book in hand and hear the author speaking in my head.
I like the idea of falling asleep while listening, but how do you find where you last “read?” Is there a nodding off bookmark?
I need to learn how to use Libby.
Thanks for posing this, I had the same question. Love my Libby. Sometimes I listen to them at 1.40 or faster. I have a long list of favorites. Most recently Under the Tulip Tree by Michelle Shocklee, Second Glance by Jody Picoult, I like most all of her books.
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett, it is read by Streep, it is set in Michigan near an Art Camp which I took as Interlochen. I am a fan of all Patchett’s books
send me your favs
Add Hoopla, another library app. I often find books there that are not on Libby.