Like many readers, I love the feel of a physical book, hardcover or otherwise. Maybe it’s because I grew up with those books, running my fingers along the spines of library books, but it still holds a magic for me. It’s why I’ve never gotten into ebooks, and, up until recently, audiobooks.
Of course, I had no inherent problem with the format of audiobooks — anything that makes reading more accessible, or provides a better format for someone, is a win in my book — but I initially thought I’d hate audiobooks. I had read ebooks before because of their convenience, and I didn’t like reading on a screen as much as reading a physical book. So I assumed the same would apply to listening to a book versus holding one.
But as I struggled to find time to read as a busy adult, I decided to give audiobooks a chance. And I’m glad I did.
Sometimes, it’s hard to sit down and read a book.
As much as I want to, I know I have a shortened attention span due to technology; while I’m retraining my brain to slow down, it’s still a struggle some days. I also have more things to do as an adult, so it takes more time than when I was in high school to make time to read. And, of course, I physically can’t read if I’m working out, driving, washing dishes, or any other chore.
But audiobooks allow me to do that. They let me go on a morning walk while listening to an exciting fiction novel. Audiobooks allow me to drive and still catch up on the latest chapter of the self-help book I’ve been reading. And I can wash dishes while listening to two of my favorite characters finally confess to one another. Audiobooks allow me to deal with the daily chores of life while still getting to enjoy reading.
I think audiobooks also helped me build my reading stamina back up. Now, reading a 500 page novel feels more doable than it did if I had a paperback version of it. For example, I’d been wanting to read “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” and “Sunrise on the Reaping” for months, but the page count scared me. But finding them as audiobooks helped me enjoy both immensely, and I read them faster than I would have if I had their print versions.
Another thing I enjoy about audiobooks are the great narrators.
Some do a great job at inflecting different tones into different characters, pouring emotion into the right scenes, and providing what’s similar to watching a drama in audiobook form. It’s given me a new appreciation for how the author makes certain points when I hear how well it’s read.
This all isn’t to say that I don’t read print books because I do; they’re still a format I enjoy. But I alternate between reading a physical book and listening to an audiobook so I get the best of both worlds. Both formats have their benefits, so why not use them both?
If you’re like me and are hesitant about listening to an audiobook, I’d encourage you to try it. Just check out a book or two from your library — many of them have subscriptions to audiobook services like Libby these days — and see if you like it. There are tons of audiobooks out there, and with most of us on smartphones now, it’s easier than ever to download and listen to your favorite book, or one you’ve been itching to read.
There’s no wrong or right way to read.
Just read the way that’s going to get you to read.
And if that means doing laundry while listening to Shakespeare, then do it. In whatever form your book is — audiobook or physical book or ebook — I hope you enjoy it. Reading is one of the best hobbies I’ve rediscovered since graduating college.
Happy reading, everyone!
Featured image via Joyce Busola on Unsplash
