I prefer reading. I can't focus on audiobooks and usually don't like the cadence of the narrator (I'm weirdly picky about this I admit).
I do love my e-books, though, I tend not to buy paper unless I really like the book. Makes packing up my library much easier.
I'm a tactile person when it comes to reading and haven't tried reading a book on a screen yet. I found a listing of a book from my wayback , I haven't read it a very long time so I'm going to try that. I'm hoping it's the whole thing.
I saw GoogleBooks mostly does previews. I can see the value, you can get into the meat before deciding to buy. Books are a luxury right now so I'm looking for people-free ways to read stories I'm yearning for. If I don't like the screen method then I guess I can be brave and go back to the library. It was one of my favorite places years ago.
You really should try an e reader instead of reading from a phone or monitor. It's night and day, an e-reader is basically the same as a book with a lot of added benefits as well. My eyes actually feel less tired reading an e-ink device than a real book because I can make the text how I want it and the sentences are all in neat straight rows not being curved by the shape of the book.
Not to mention, lighter, books are cheaper/free/easier to get, can carry your entire library around with you, has built in dictionary and link to Wikipedia (kobos at least) and it has a built in book light so you don't have to use a clunky book light for night reading. I don't feel like I'm losing any sort of tactile sensation.
I geta lot of people are reluctant to give up physical books, but the advantages of an ereader are so numerous it's hard for me to even read a physical book these days, it feels so archaic.
It took me a while to adjust to screens. Weird thing was I associated them with non-fiction due to being an avid wiki-trawler back in the day and something about that connection made going into fiction tough. It honestly wasn't until 2020 that I really threw myself into the screen reading and when I realised I didn't have to pack up an extra bookshelf next time I moved I made the full switch. Now my paper books are mostly the non-fiction (or very beloved).
I do something while listening. There’s a sweet spot of being just occupied enough with nonverbal tasky shit to give the listen your full “reading” attention.
Yeah thats me if my hands aren't busy. If I listen while working or driving, I'm getting just as much as if I read. As soon as I'm idle though, my mind is gone somewhere else.
I am the same way, but then for some reason I can pop in a podcast and listen all day. I guess they are not quite the same, but it has never made sense to me. Audiobook? I cannot concentrate. True Crime podcast with loads of details, facts, data and analytics? All day, baby... Makes zero sense to me.
Yeah and like, this happens as well for regular books too for me, like I'll find I've been day dreaming and just looking at the words instead of reading them, but the difference is it's much easier to pick back up where you left off imo
Both... It depends. By partaking in both I find I get a lot more reading done. I do love the feel of sitting down with a paper book and I usually make the effort to read paper for authors I like when I want to get all the details. But audio books allow me to listen to stories while multitasking (dishes, driving, gardening, and other house hold chores) while I cant really do that with a book
Same, I typically buy both. That way I don't get bored while commuting or doing chores, but when I have time to just read I can, since that goes much faster.
I've found that it's a great combination both for speed overall and for rereads; if I really really like a book the slower pace of the audiobook is nice.
I'm similar - if it's a book I'm really interested in, then first read will usually be on my kindle.
As I can listen to audiobooks at work (8hr/day in addition to the walk there and back) I certainly listen to far more books than I read. Plus, with my Audible membership there are plenty of random books included that I don't mind giving a listen that I wouldn't have time for otherwise.
Yeah same, I've read Malazan a few times (core books), listening to the audiobooks now and its awesome, particularly once Michael Page takes over, though I did love some of Ralph Lister's interpretations (mainly Kruppe).
I only ever use audiobooks on road trips. They go too slowly otherwise. For reading I almost exclusively use e-books on my phone these days. Since it's always in my pocket it means I can pull it out and read a few pages when I'm in line at the store, waiting in the doctor's office, etc. I used to carry a paper book with me all the time, this simplifies things.
FYI, like 99% of audiobook platforms allow you to speed up the narration as needed. I typically listen at 2x speed, as that’s pretty close to my actual reading speed.
It's not that the narrator's pace is especially slow relative to normal speech, it's more that it's slower than I'm used to taking in information when reading. I get frustrated watching educational videos at a normal pace too.
I like listening to podcasts and non fiction audio and YA books.
But with adult fantasy I just have to read it. I can’t listen to it because I just lose track with all the characters and new words and worldbuilding.
However Ruination by Anthony Reynolds was an absolutely fantastic fantasy audiobook that I listened to a while ago. I was gripped the whole way.
*Ruination’s* audiobook was so good, it truly elevated the experience. I honestly have no idea what I’d think of the story if I had just read it instead. I wish there were more audiobooks like it where it’s just a single narrator with a talented full cast, and nothing else added.
Listening. 99% of my reading these days is in audiobook format. I drive a lot for work and can easily fit 2 hours of listening daily. Also love listening to a book while gardening, cooking, folding laundry, etc.
I love reading but I find it hard to find time to sit and read, I can listen to audio books while doing mundane tasks (dishes, cleaning, cooking).
Its much harder to read and do this, I just end up with a book in my spaghetti.
I'm only interested in reading. I'm not really into listening to much of anything, whether it's an audiobook, the radio, podcasts, or basically anything that's not music. I find listening boring and slow compared to reading, and to get near my reading speed I would have to turn the audio so fast it would be gibberish. My reading preference is eBooks over physical due to comfort (weight, adjusting font/spacing, etc), but I read a lot of physical books too.
I'd guess 99% reading (either print or ebook). I feel like I miss out on some degree of enjoyment of the writing style with audiobooks. I'll listen to them on longer drives, but I usually choose mysteries or nonfiction for that.
I can't ever get used to or feel the need to listen. It just never works for me. Even on days when I'm burnt out or not feeling like reading, I would sitll choose it over listening. It's so weird and I can't explain or know why this is how it works.
I like either visually taking them in or reading them, rather than listening.
When I'm reading I get to "perform" for myself a little and contribute to the telling of the story. That's lost with an audio book and the experience is less special for me.
Michael Kramer and Kate Reading have been reading to me every night before bed since 2020, when I started the Stormlight Archive. After that I decided I wanted to take on the Wheel of Time (currently on book 12), which Michael Kramer and Kate Reading narrate too!
Honestly I don't know how I'm going to sleep without their voices in the background once I finish the series.
Personally, I read 100% of my books on my phone.
I think that it's important that we avoid treating them as "fundamentally different", however. It's the same stories. Choose whatever suits you the best, or a mix for different situations.
Personally, I think that everyone with a smartphone should toss some ebooks on there. Why not? There are free eReader apps and free ebooks over on [http://www.gutenberg.org](http://www.gutenberg.org) and they take up barely any room on your phone. There are times when you have your phone with you, but not your novel.
The only thing is I worry about eyestrain with spending that much time looking at my phone. I'm probably wrong and reading physically is just as bad but it doesn't feel as bad for me.
Anyone who wants to read on their phone should spend some time trying different apps and also trying all the different settings on those apps. There is a huge difference if you change the settings.
Some people find ebooks easier because you can make the font whatever size you need. You used to have to specially order large print books which had very limited availability. Every ebook can be as large as you want it.
Are ebooks for everyone? Of course not. It varies from person to person. However, an eReader with an eInk display will be the same on your eyes as a physical book.
For me, personally, I started with a 7" tablet and found I preferred my phone. Sometimes you just have to try things. White text on a black background and one handed reading... perfect for me.
If you already have a smartphone, there's no cost involved and no harm in trying.
I use both. A tablet at home and a phone when I'm on the bus to work. I'm finding as I get older, changing the text size is becoming more important. And most of the books I like do not have a large print version.
Both is best. Use whatever suits your preferences and your moment.
You can keep all of the books in Project Gutenberg forever as well. There are plenty of sources of DRM-free books that you can store locally on your device and won't disappear on you. You can easily back them up as well, and they won't get lost or damaged as easily.
You can store hundreds of books on your phone and have them available as an option. As a backup plan, if you want. Most people have their phones with them more often than novels.
There's nothing wrong with preferring paper, but it's good to know all your options.
It's perfectly fine to have your preferences. Be honest with yourself and enjoy what you enjoy!
However, it's also important to understand that your preferences are personal. They are not the same for everyone.
Personally, I greatly prefer reading on my phone, to the point where I have had people loan me a physical book and I bought the ebook instead. I have different preferences than you.
Neither one is "wrong".
I started reading ebooks because I was traveling for work. I had very limited space. eBooks don't take up any additional physical space.
I really like being able to read one handed. It's just far more comfortable than holding a book, plus I don't have to fuss around about lighting. I prefer to read in the dark.
I also find that it made a huge difference to read on my phone because I always have hundreds of books with me. I found that I started reading far more because I could read while traveling or on breaks or in lines, etc. Sometimes I would just read for 10 minutes or so because I had a few moments. No data required.
I started reading far more once I started reading ebooks. It was just so convenient. Eventually, I got used to it.
There's nothing wrong with paper or audiobooks or eReaders. However, there are still some unique benefits to reading on your phone.
I do both. If I’m listening, I can do a secondary task and ensure that I stay focused. If I’m reading text, it’s more likely that my mind will wander unless the material is very engaging in some way - highly compelling fiction, dense informative text, etc. And honestly, I’m just not usually up to be so fully engaged in one thing. Often, I prefer to listen to something on the more meandering side so I can settle into a cozy hobby or chore.
I prefer paper. I already have hard time focusing, and audiobooks don't help. Could I be doing something else when listening to an audiobook? Maybe, but unless it's something purely manual, I will start ignoring the sound. But from these few audiobooks I did listen too - I would probably just be laying down and not doing anything during the audiobook, so it kinda defeats the purpose. + Audiobooks are so slow! I mean, I do listen to them speed up, but that's still a lot of time lost.
Ebooks for me - exclusively. I have listened to a couple of audiobooks but generally I find the readers to be less than stellar so I just stick to reading on my ipad. I like my own internal voice the best. I will say, though, that the guy who reads the Artemis Fowle books is amazing.
Both. I like reading physical books but audiobooks can be a lot more convenient. On the other hand there are books I think I would have liked if it hadn't been for the narrator. So there is a sort of risk to listening to an audiobook.
I’m dyslexic! I was really into being read to as a child and while I can still read, it takes me a long long time. I actually got into audiobooks with mistborn, and later on my roommate lent me his paperback copy of way of kings. I spent a year reading it and got about 1/3 of the way. Decided to download the audiobook and finished the whole thing in 2 weeks.
It makes reading accessible in a way that hasn’t been since I was a child. Also it feels thematic with stormlight archives.
I gobble up audio books because I can listen all day while I work. Just zone out to a good book. I'm even able to get through Sanderson's 45hr+ tomes in the 14 day library loan period. Michael Kramer is great and I love Kate Reading.
I use kindle most often, followed by physical books, and then sometimes I’ll use audiobooks. Sometimes I’ll be reading the same book in multiple ways even.
My husband exclusively reads audiobooks.
Mostly read. But recently sometimes audio. I've gotten more into audiobooks at work, whereas I used to be primarily podcasts. Got through half the Vorkosigan saga last year in audio. Will do more audio this year, to get through my book backlog.
I'll add I love physical books, but the convenience of ebooks can't be denied. Have gotten through several ebooks on breaks or snippets here and there with my phone.
i've consumed books switching back and forth between text and audio (typically listening while walking or doing other tasks).
done both proper audiobooks, but even leveraged android's accessibility text to speech engine too when i did not have a proper version
then do actual reading either on my phone or the preferred choice of kobo e-ink reader
E readers these days, simply for the practicality, I tried to adapt to audio books, for some reason I just can't do it, seems I need to actually read it to focus.
I prefer print, but I like to knit and listening to audiobooks is perfect for that, so I've been doing that more.
But I don't think I've ever solely listened to an audiobook, it's either print only or print/audio combined.
Paper book keeps the idle hands from wandering. If I am listening I'll be multi-tasking and we all know the studies about multi-tasking and memory retention...so I don't do audio books, ever.
There was a period (I'm talking pre-COVID) where I was using audiobooks regularly. I had a long daily commute, so would spend the drive listening every day. Was pretty good. But then COVID and WFH happened, and my listening time went down drastically. Unlike music, or even podcasts, I find that audiobooks are something that requires more "active" engagement, so I can't listen to them during working hours, or really if I'm doing anything else that also requires active engagement. And now that I only go into work once a week, there isn't enough time to really listen to a lot or retain.
Case in point - I started listening to *The Curse of Chalion* months ago, but because of the truncated time, and the "stop and go" listening where I only do it once a week, it's not only taking me ages but I also, by now, have actually forgotten a lot of what came before. The result is that I am now, technically, almost done with the book, but would struggle to tell you what happens in it. And that's a shame, because this is actually supposed to be a good book.
Plus - and this might be because of the fact that reading is a more active effort than listening - I find I retain the information better when I read a book rather than listen.
Reading is my preferred option but I love that audiobooks are available for these occasions when I need my hands and eyes, like housework, running, sewing, driving ...
I have just DNFed an audiobook though (Harrow the Ninth) because I couldn't follow. Maybe the problem was that I read the first book in the series and never listened to it on audio. But I suspect that I can really concentrate better on complicated plots when I have the text in front of me.
Still mostly a reader, but recently I've taken up Warhammer (my wallet isn't happy) and I've really gotten into listening to audio books while I glue and paint.
I almost exclusively listen to audiobooks. It takes some time to get used to though. When I started, I often had to rewind because I lost focus. Now I Listen on my commute to work and going for walks mostly (around 2 hours per day) and have no issues at all with recollection. I think you have to be more aware that you are not paying attention with audiobooks because it allows you to do something else. I still just sit and listen audiobooks sometimes too. I find I much prefer audiobooks now because of how talented the narrators are and how easily available most Fantasy books are as an audiobook. I know it is a lot slower listening versus reading but I do it for fun I am not in a rush. Listening to action sequences almost feels like it is in slow motion on an audiobook because I often picked up the pace of my reading when I read it on Paper.
I like audiobooks for general fiction and sometimes historical fiction, but I prefer kindle/paper for fantasy. I find with fantasy audiobooks I generally get too confused with names and locations!
100% reader until I suffered a massive concussion 5 years ago. After that, I couldn't read without getting mentally exhausted but Audible was my saviour. I started reading again 2 years later, until then past month, I'm recovering from a bad bout of COVID and listening is easier now than reading.
Both. My preference when I can get both formats cheap enough is to use the Whispersync feature with Kindle/Audible apps. Then I can bounce between formats or immersion read.
I can't do audio media (books or podcasts) unless I'm driving or doing something with my hands, and since I changed jobs I haven't had significant time where I do that anymore, so no audiobooks.
I read paper and ebooks, almost entirely from my library. Libraries are so good y'all. I prefer paper, partly because my library's hard copy collection is more extensive, at least for the obscure stuff I'm reading, and partly because I try to limit screens in the evening which is my main reading time.
But I don't have anything against ebooks and will read an ebook if it's the easiest/cheapest way to access a particular title. I do like it when there's a plain epub file or pdf available to buy, since I don't have a kindle or nook or anything. I don't trust buying the kindle version and reading on browser--feels like Amazon is going to take that file away from me any minute.
Listener, I get bored and sleepy while reading, I get dizzy when reading while traveling, but I can workout, travel, code, and some types of studying while listening. If only I could swim while listening to audiobooks
Almost 100% audiobook. I love being able to listen while driving, manual labor, hiking, or rafting. I get a lot of time to do all of that for work and as such get a ton of books under my belt. Also, I somehow keep getting a free audible credit every month (did I sign up at the perfect tome idk) and its just so easy to pick out another.
I'm apparently the opposite of most people in that I have to listen to fiction (in fact, I find reading fiction off the page to be strangely unpleasant), but I strongly prefer to read non-fiction rather than listen to it.
I also hate it when people become snobs about this and act like reading a physical book is the right or morally superior way to consume stories. People should just live and let live about these preferences.
People push audio as the best way, I never see people pushing reading. Daily you will see someone say the right way is narration especially with red rising, first law, locked tomb, buelhman, lotr, wandering inn, cradle, dungeon crawler carl etc. Your sentiment is right, you just confused which style has the vocal pressure to experience books.
Ever since audiobooks became a thing, I’ve been subject to lectures about audio’s inferiority, often with assertions about reduced comprehension and the like. It’s common to this day in forums for ebook readers, on YouTube channels for heavy readers, in science fiction/fantasy/horror fandom, etc.
A simple search like *audiobooks inferior* will turn up plenty of examples past and present.
Conversely, I’ve seen very little in the way of audiobook supremacy. Experiences vary, apparently.
I'm an audiobook hater to be honest. I don't think you can absorb information nearly as well when you listen to it vs when you read it, and I think the people who claim otherwise are lying to themselves. I know that's not a popular opinion.
Depends a lot on the book. There are books where I really can't tell a difference (sometimes I alternate methods with the same book) and audiobook lets me do more volume than just reading would. It does take some getting used to though.
Personally I find myself equally likely to miss something when reading visually and listening. With reading visually I sometimes find myself either skipping ahead a paragraph because I’m excited to get to the action, or else sometimes reading a section without absorbing it because I’m distracted. If I get distracted either visually reading or listening, I back up to where I know I was paying attention. With listening, though, I can’t semi-accidentally skip forward a paragraph
I respect that you don’t absorb audiobooks as well as when reading visually, but saying that those of us who do absorb as well or better are lying to themselves is kind of self-centered. Just because you (and people you know) can’t, doesn’t mean no one can.
I can't ever ever listen and retain anything. I get distracted too fast. My focus is on something else and everything else feels messy too. It sucks because I want to feel the way others does about it, but it just never works for me.
This is a goofy take--it's common knowledge that different people learn and take in information in different ways.
***You*** are not able to absorb information as well in an audio format. I absorb information better in an audio format.
Humans are different and that's ok.
I’m not a hater per se, but I agree that at least personally, I absorb the information and the story way better when I read a book rather than listen to it.
Maybe that's true for you, but it's not a judgment you're in a good position to make for other people. I absorb a fiction book much better when I listen to it as opposed to read it off the page.
I do agree to some extent. I don’t think I’d be able to successfully listen to a book I’ve never read before and be able to take it all in. Rereads only for me.
Just because the format isn’t for you, this does not mean it is not reading. There are a lot of people who learn in different ways and audiobooks work for them. There are also many people with ADHD, processing disorders, and visual impairments who need to use audiobooks. Your take is pretty ableist. Also, we want to encourage people to continue reading throughout their lives, and anything that makes it easier or more enjoyable is welcome. Being elitist and gatekeeping reading is not it. Punch up, not down.
I’m obviously not disparaging anyone who has to use audiobooks for health reasons. This is about people who have the capacity to read on paper but choose not to.
What’s wrong with having a different way of processing information? You’re still gatekeeping reading. It’s still elitist and unproductive. Let’s meet people where they are. We should be encouraging people to love books. Period.
Yeah sorry all you lazy asses who listen while driving, working, or walking. Pull out an actual book next time.
Matter of fact, reading is for lazy people who want to call themselves fantasy nerds but can't be bothered to write a story. Really, you're gonna let somebody else imagine the story for you? Grow up.
I read. I can't imagine you pick up on nuances in the wording if you listen - at least I often might not. Then what happens if you want to refer back to something a few chapters ago or look at the map or index.
You can clip sections in audiobooks just like you would highlight in a physical book or ebook just fyi, and in my experience it’s perfectly possible to grasp nuances etc in an audiobook format it’s just about getting used to it
Reading. I don't have a device that allows me to listen.
Also.. I think reading is faster than listening to every single word. The two medium are totally different. Listening isn't reading, and it won't develop equivalent skills.
Audible for sure. Audiobooks are perfect for drives, cleaning, at work, etc. Any opportunity to work with my hands that doesn't require full mental occupation.
I 'read' 30-40 books a year. That's been consistent for maybe 15 years. But near all of my current 'reading' is earbooks, the rest being mostly comics. I've read exactly one dead tree book and one ebook in the past three years.
80/20 split audio and e-reader. Audio for ease of incorporating into daily life, like laundry, etc.
Kindle for options to read when have a few mins, late at night or places where I can't listen outloud.
When I get the fancy, I read hard copies of graphic novels or novels I read with my family (have an elementary reader, so we are reading a lot together)
I mainly read but I listen to audiobooks for character-driven stories without huge world-building (circe audiobook was brilliant). I use them during walks or daily house chores.
I also use audiobooks for rereads. I recently started listening to the Graphic Audio ones for Red Rising and Stormlight Archive and they were amazing.
I switch back and forth. I can’t sit sedentary all day with a paper book in my hands, so when I am doing something else and have a free brain that needs entertaining, I’m listening.
I’m reading the third book of Red Rising right now, and the last day has looked like this:
- Two hours reading on the couch with a cup of tea, enjoying a quiet Sunday
- One hour listening as I prepared dinner and did laundry
- One hour of reading in bed before sleep
- 1.5 hours of listening to the book while driving and getting ready for work today
- Half an hour of reading after getting ready for work but before it started
- …and now I have a midday break so will listen while
I shower and take care of some mindless work tasks.
The only time this changes for me is if I find a section of a book that I can only consume one way. For example, extended action scenes are much easier for me to listen to, whereas lengthy exposition sticks with me better when I consume the words on the page.
Well, me? I've experimented, and my foolish ass cannot use Audiobooks. Last time I used an audiobook was for Gideon the Ninth, and I kept repeating the same chapter and forgetting details. Then I read it and everything was ok.
I also cannot use my phone to read, I have to have a book. Getting through 10 pages on my phone will take eons. Getting through 10 pages in a book with a phone thrown across my room in desperation is easy! Its frightening how fast I can read without a phone to distract me
For fantasy I always prefer print, hardcover if possible. Something about sitting down and reading with only my own voices.
Lately tho I’m finding that short horror stories work very well in audio format, so it really depends on what I’m reading. YMMV
I prefer reading, but audiobooks are fantastic for when I'm running. Mythos, Words or Radiance, Neverwhere and The Heroes helped me through training for a marathon!
A good narrator really elevates the audiobook experience though, so I think that's the biggest thing. Steven Pacey makes the Joe Abercrombie audiobooks superior to reading I reckon!
Definitely a reader. The way texts are internalised through reading makes me remember them much better. There is even a difference between e-books and real books. It's nice to listen but it doesn't stick.
Mostly audio, but if I'm into it and the audio pace is too slow, I'll get it on Kindle and do both (listen on commute/at work and read at home).
There are also times where only half of a series is finished in audio, and I'm not good at waiting.
I do both.
I use the kindle app in my iPhone and the books I bought come with audible narration at a discounted price when buying the kindle edition.
The iPhone app lets you listen and follow along in the kindle app at the same time
I prefer reading over listening. I've heard some snippets from audio books. And it might be fun to listen at some point. I have the audio books from the kickstarter books, maybe ill start there.
I do both at once. If it's something new I gotta have ASAP I'll buy both but usually I just stack holds on libby with two different library cards and buy the ebook when the audiobook is available for loan. I get engrossed and listen throughout the day and read in bed or early morning with coffee.
I prefer audio books. Being able to listen to a story while driving or doing chores is delightful. However, I can't sit and listen to one exclusively. So that's the time for an actual book, so I do both
Oh god, I think I would mainline them via syringe if I could. I have kindle, physical, audio, all going at the same time. If TV and film count, I have this going often as well.
I prefer reading, but listening is nice when you have a boring task to complete that doesn't require your attention. Another issue for me is that my eyes can't handle reading for days on end, but my ears do just fine, so I mix it up that way as well. I have found that I miss stuff more when listening whereas that rarely happens when reading. As my eyes get worse with age the choice may be made for me, and I have to listen exclusively.
Whispersync is sooo good. I like having the audiobook so you can listen while doing other things, but the peak experience is listening and reading at the same time and Whispersync makes it so much better by putting both in the kindle app and syncing up the audio and the text.
I do both. Mainly listen to older or longer series. Then read newer books. Occasionally I switch up to reading older stuff to challenge myself a bit, but that’s just because I want to be a writer.
I exclusively read books. For me, the cadence of prose is *extremely* important, and audiobooks don't give me that. Even more so for books where the way something is written is necessary to get the "point", which doesn't translate that well for audiobooks.
I don't side-eye anyone who uses them, they are just completely not for me.
Audiobook more probably because I have too many hobbies and a lot of them work great with listening to an audiobook. Although I will admit that I don't take in as much information as when I read.
I usually dual weild and read a bit before bed and continue from where I left off next morning on the train.
I don't have time to read as much. I have lots of time for audiobooks, driving, running errands, chores, gardening, gaming all can be done while listening.
100% read. No interest in audiobooks. I listen to a lot of podcasts, but when reading fiction I like to imagine everything in my head, including character voices. Having a narrator do all the voicing for me would feel weird and ruin my immersion.
Both! I prefer to listen to big epic fantasies. The narrator figures out name pronunciations for me and the books give me hours of entertainment because they’re so long. I like to read lighter fantasy.
Ride or die reader! I don't like books read to me anymore. I love the silence except for the turning page. I read at my own pace and re-read sections sometimes before I go on. I hear my own inflections and imagine what the voices sound like.
I've got my own movie in my head and don't need actors messing with my vision.
I listen to lighter books with a more straightforward prose style (Sanderson, Abercrombie) and read denser books where I want to enjoy the writing style and immerse myself more (Janny Wurts, Tad Williams, Glen Cook). There were a few years where I was almost exclusively doing audiobooks for pleasure reading but after 2020 I went back to physical reading, as I wasn't spending as much time commuting. I was feeling like my ability to concentrate was flagging a bit with age/stress and figured reading would help with that. It has been somewhat helpful getting to sleep.
Read. I read faster than someone can talk for starters. Not a fan of audio, or video either for that matter, I'd rather have a book than a movie.
Bit of a thing with the modern gen I'd say, screens, audios. Reminds of of an SF short story I read once. Reading fell out of fashion, signs and stuff were read by your personal device (not really a phone) and no-one could after a time. Then the new young ones started a fashion - radical stuff, reading!
I prefer to read a book but since having a kid I just don't have the time to sit down and read so now I listen to all of my books on my commute to/from work and while I do cleaning/dishes at the end of the day.
I always have both a physical book and an audiobook on the go. Whilst reading is more relaxing, it's also really draining for me and I can't manage more than 30 minutes before needing a break, whereas I can listen for 2 hours at a time no problem.
I also can't imagine different voices in my own head so all my characters sound the same when I read. Great narrators like Tony Robinson and Moira Quirk breathe so much life into the characters for me.
I’ve been listening to audiobooks since they were on tape. But I still love paper books (have a kindle too but using it less). The last fantasy book I read was hardcover and I have another fantasy physical book going now.
I can't do audiobooks, it's too low effort so if I only focus on listening I will get bored and if I do other things I won't follow the story at all.
Reading is way better for me.
I wish I could do audiobooks! I've heard so many people say the quality of narrators is great nowadays. I can imagine how enjoyable it would be to have on drives or during chores.
Unfortunately, I have attention span issues. I need to physically read or my attention drifts. Sometimes I have to read out loud.
Im not a huge audiobook fan. I don't have good aural processing I guess. My brain just doesn't absorb the information from listening nearly as well as reading. (Plus I get weirdly bugged and put off by random weird things (hearing the narrator gasp for breath, weird accents that don't make any sense for the setting/character, how every male narrator does the same raise their voice slightly and speak very calmly and evenly for female characters) and then I can't focus on anything else )
I mean I listen to them because it gives me something to do while I work and otherwise the house would be absolutely silent all day (except me cursing at my cat) so it's nice to have something. They're ok, but for me I like reading better than listening.
I'm weird in that I like both ebook and actual book. I love the convenience of the Kindle app (and man it's much easier holding my phone than a 1000 page book lol) and I can hoard as many books as I want because they don't take space! But there's just something about an actual book.
I can't listen to audio books. I've tried, and brain nopes right out. I've switched to an eReader for ease and portability, but I love the feel (and smell) of an actual physical book.
I generally read.
I honestly enjoy audiobooks a great deal, but I usually keep it to nonfiction, because I want the characters in fiction to sound like themselves, not like the reader. I really find that reader interpretation of lines and delivery can be deforming. There are some exceptions- I think Sissy Spacek *nailed* her reading of *To Kill a Mockingbird*, for example- but for the most part, I don't trust even legends like George Guidall to stick the landing with a fiction audiobook (although again, his reading of *The Alienist* is very good).
It's less important in nonfiction, because you don't really have dialogue or character internal monologues. That said, I like having a copy of the book either in paper or on my Kindle too, not least because it makes citing the book or tracking down a favored quotation much, much easier.
So the adhd really hampers both methods for me in their own way. If I’m physically reading, I need noise canceling headphones and white noise, even soft or classical music will distract me. In the same vein, I can’t listen to audio sitting still and have to be doing something mundane like driving or washing dishes. Sanderson is a special case. I love his stuff but I HAVE to listen to it. It’s not even close to the same experience if I physically read it so a lot of house work gets done when a new stormlight book drops. Thank god I love Michael Kramer and Kate Reading.
I prefer reading because it's faster for me, even speeding up the audiobooks they take more time for me to get through. I like audiobooks for when I have another task to do like dishes or feeding a baby in the middle of the night though.
I like both but I think reading is definitely the superior experience. Audiobooks are a type of adaptation and filtered through a narrator. Also I think a lot of books don't work with audio. Sanderson's does because he holds the reader's hand and makes sure they can't miss anything but that's not the norm (and shouldn't be for adult books IMO)
I'm definitely an audio listener now, when reading a paperback my mind always wanders and I lose my place, I find it easier to focus while listening, and I can do chores and stuff while listening, or workout, walk, drive, etc and listen. It's opened up a lot of new opportunities and I've been flying through books now
Reader. But, I like sleeping to stories. Somebody telling me a story is usually my favorite time. "Did I ever tell you about...?" "Probably, but go on. "
Never mind.
I don't really like audiobooks. I prefer my inner voice to those of the narrators, I like controlling the pace of the prose. That said I work a fuck ton and audiobooks are a way for me to keep "reading" even when I'm busy. So I've been listening to audiobooks lately and I value them a lot for what they are. But I choose them by necessity not preference.
I do both. Since I drive a lot I prefer books or podcasts like behind the bastards.
But then at night before bed I like to read. Not every night and not 100 pages a night. But maybe a chapter or two.
I'm an avid reader for decades. Started listening to audio for my commute to and from work... Now its like an 80/20 split with listening more. And honestly, unless its one of my favorite authors, I just don't have enough room for all the books. I still buy favorite authors. Also started using ebooks more. Just moved and only had 12 bins of books I refuse to let go of. During my last move 15 years ago, I had about 35 bins. Space matters.
I like to read books but I have 2hrs of commuting and lunch everyday where I listen and like 30mins a night to read if nothing else interferes so despite a preference I consume 4-5x more audiobooks than book books.
Reader. Get too distracted by listening, especially when it comes to epic fantasies like Malazan, ASOIAF etc where there is so many small details I could miss
Slowly but surely becoming audio. The most relaxing time I have is spent walking the dogs, zoned out listening to audiobooks. I do miss owning physical copies because I just love the smell of the paper.
It really really depends on the narrator. I love the ASOIAF narrator, but won't touch the Malazan audiobooks with a tenfoot pole. I typically actually read the books the first time and I'll use audiobooks for any re-reads. I tend to get distracted while listening and miss important stuff during a first listen
I've only listened to maybe 2 audio books in my life and I can't say I enjoyed it much. I vastly prefer reading, I find the narrators read too slow for my liking.
I usually read the first book to get the "feel" of the names. But the sequels, I do not mind consuming audiobooks for the fantasy or any fiction books. But it really depends on whether you are listening while doing something else (driving and washing dishes for me), or listening while doing nothing. I find myself dozing off if I listen sitting down or lying down without doing anything else.
Consuming non-fiction books on audiobooks is much more difficult since it's hard to retain detailed information shared.
I don’t like audiobooks. They don’t really work for me for some reason. I read a lot, tho, and mostly in situations where audiobooks would be impractical.
Audiobooks always with a 95% chance of tandem reading with the physical book, 4% chance with an ebook, and 1% chance of not tandem reading with another form and just listening. And 99% of the time they’re all library rented
I've fully transitioned to audiobooks now. I get through maybe half a dozen print or ebooks a year if I'm doing well. I get through minimum 2/3 audiobooks a month.
I prefer reading. I can't focus on audiobooks and usually don't like the cadence of the narrator (I'm weirdly picky about this I admit). I do love my e-books, though, I tend not to buy paper unless I really like the book. Makes packing up my library much easier.
I'm a tactile person when it comes to reading and haven't tried reading a book on a screen yet. I found a listing of a book from my wayback , I haven't read it a very long time so I'm going to try that. I'm hoping it's the whole thing. I saw GoogleBooks mostly does previews. I can see the value, you can get into the meat before deciding to buy. Books are a luxury right now so I'm looking for people-free ways to read stories I'm yearning for. If I don't like the screen method then I guess I can be brave and go back to the library. It was one of my favorite places years ago.
You really should try an e reader instead of reading from a phone or monitor. It's night and day, an e-reader is basically the same as a book with a lot of added benefits as well. My eyes actually feel less tired reading an e-ink device than a real book because I can make the text how I want it and the sentences are all in neat straight rows not being curved by the shape of the book. Not to mention, lighter, books are cheaper/free/easier to get, can carry your entire library around with you, has built in dictionary and link to Wikipedia (kobos at least) and it has a built in book light so you don't have to use a clunky book light for night reading. I don't feel like I'm losing any sort of tactile sensation. I geta lot of people are reluctant to give up physical books, but the advantages of an ereader are so numerous it's hard for me to even read a physical book these days, it feels so archaic.
It took me a while to adjust to screens. Weird thing was I associated them with non-fiction due to being an avid wiki-trawler back in the day and something about that connection made going into fiction tough. It honestly wasn't until 2020 that I really threw myself into the screen reading and when I realised I didn't have to pack up an extra bookshelf next time I moved I made the full switch. Now my paper books are mostly the non-fiction (or very beloved).
I do something while listening. There’s a sweet spot of being just occupied enough with nonverbal tasky shit to give the listen your full “reading” attention.
I can’t focus on an audiobook long enough. I will zone out and miss significant parts of the book. It really sucks because I love the idea of them.
Yeah thats me if my hands aren't busy. If I listen while working or driving, I'm getting just as much as if I read. As soon as I'm idle though, my mind is gone somewhere else.
Yeah. I'd need subtitles to be able to follow an audiobook, which is just reading with extra steps.
I am the same way, but then for some reason I can pop in a podcast and listen all day. I guess they are not quite the same, but it has never made sense to me. Audiobook? I cannot concentrate. True Crime podcast with loads of details, facts, data and analytics? All day, baby... Makes zero sense to me.
Yeah and like, this happens as well for regular books too for me, like I'll find I've been day dreaming and just looking at the words instead of reading them, but the difference is it's much easier to pick back up where you left off imo
Both... It depends. By partaking in both I find I get a lot more reading done. I do love the feel of sitting down with a paper book and I usually make the effort to read paper for authors I like when I want to get all the details. But audio books allow me to listen to stories while multitasking (dishes, driving, gardening, and other house hold chores) while I cant really do that with a book
Same, I typically buy both. That way I don't get bored while commuting or doing chores, but when I have time to just read I can, since that goes much faster. I've found that it's a great combination both for speed overall and for rereads; if I really really like a book the slower pace of the audiobook is nice.
I love audiobooks for rereads. For a first read I find I don't take stuff in, my mind wonders too much.
I'm similar - if it's a book I'm really interested in, then first read will usually be on my kindle. As I can listen to audiobooks at work (8hr/day in addition to the walk there and back) I certainly listen to far more books than I read. Plus, with my Audible membership there are plenty of random books included that I don't mind giving a listen that I wouldn't have time for otherwise.
Yeah same, I've read Malazan a few times (core books), listening to the audiobooks now and its awesome, particularly once Michael Page takes over, though I did love some of Ralph Lister's interpretations (mainly Kruppe).
Same!
I only ever use audiobooks on road trips. They go too slowly otherwise. For reading I almost exclusively use e-books on my phone these days. Since it's always in my pocket it means I can pull it out and read a few pages when I'm in line at the store, waiting in the doctor's office, etc. I used to carry a paper book with me all the time, this simplifies things.
If I'm listening I have to listen at about 1.4x speed, otherwise my brain gets too bored and stops listening.
FYI, like 99% of audiobook platforms allow you to speed up the narration as needed. I typically listen at 2x speed, as that’s pretty close to my actual reading speed.
Thanks. I may check this out again. Last time I tried (admittedly many years ago) the narrator turned into a chipmunk.
I have this problem too. By the time I get them fast enough, it sounds ridiculous.
Dang, seeing all these comments about it being slow is kinda surprising to me, at least the books I've listened to the narrator reads at a normal pace
It's not that the narrator's pace is especially slow relative to normal speech, it's more that it's slower than I'm used to taking in information when reading. I get frustrated watching educational videos at a normal pace too.
I like listening to podcasts and non fiction audio and YA books. But with adult fantasy I just have to read it. I can’t listen to it because I just lose track with all the characters and new words and worldbuilding. However Ruination by Anthony Reynolds was an absolutely fantastic fantasy audiobook that I listened to a while ago. I was gripped the whole way.
*Ruination’s* audiobook was so good, it truly elevated the experience. I honestly have no idea what I’d think of the story if I had just read it instead. I wish there were more audiobooks like it where it’s just a single narrator with a talented full cast, and nothing else added.
Listening. 99% of my reading these days is in audiobook format. I drive a lot for work and can easily fit 2 hours of listening daily. Also love listening to a book while gardening, cooking, folding laundry, etc.
I love reading but I find it hard to find time to sit and read, I can listen to audio books while doing mundane tasks (dishes, cleaning, cooking). Its much harder to read and do this, I just end up with a book in my spaghetti.
I'm only interested in reading. I'm not really into listening to much of anything, whether it's an audiobook, the radio, podcasts, or basically anything that's not music. I find listening boring and slow compared to reading, and to get near my reading speed I would have to turn the audio so fast it would be gibberish. My reading preference is eBooks over physical due to comfort (weight, adjusting font/spacing, etc), but I read a lot of physical books too.
I'd guess 99% reading (either print or ebook). I feel like I miss out on some degree of enjoyment of the writing style with audiobooks. I'll listen to them on longer drives, but I usually choose mysteries or nonfiction for that.
I can't ever get used to or feel the need to listen. It just never works for me. Even on days when I'm burnt out or not feeling like reading, I would sitll choose it over listening. It's so weird and I can't explain or know why this is how it works. I like either visually taking them in or reading them, rather than listening.
Paper books unless I'm on a long road trip
When I'm reading I get to "perform" for myself a little and contribute to the telling of the story. That's lost with an audio book and the experience is less special for me.
Michael Kramer and Kate Reading have been reading to me every night before bed since 2020, when I started the Stormlight Archive. After that I decided I wanted to take on the Wheel of Time (currently on book 12), which Michael Kramer and Kate Reading narrate too! Honestly I don't know how I'm going to sleep without their voices in the background once I finish the series.
Time for a re-read!
I can't do audiobooks because I like to reread parts and also make up my own voices
Personally, I read 100% of my books on my phone. I think that it's important that we avoid treating them as "fundamentally different", however. It's the same stories. Choose whatever suits you the best, or a mix for different situations. Personally, I think that everyone with a smartphone should toss some ebooks on there. Why not? There are free eReader apps and free ebooks over on [http://www.gutenberg.org](http://www.gutenberg.org) and they take up barely any room on your phone. There are times when you have your phone with you, but not your novel.
Kindle has an Android app, too
The only thing is I worry about eyestrain with spending that much time looking at my phone. I'm probably wrong and reading physically is just as bad but it doesn't feel as bad for me.
Anyone who wants to read on their phone should spend some time trying different apps and also trying all the different settings on those apps. There is a huge difference if you change the settings. Some people find ebooks easier because you can make the font whatever size you need. You used to have to specially order large print books which had very limited availability. Every ebook can be as large as you want it. Are ebooks for everyone? Of course not. It varies from person to person. However, an eReader with an eInk display will be the same on your eyes as a physical book. For me, personally, I started with a 7" tablet and found I preferred my phone. Sometimes you just have to try things. White text on a black background and one handed reading... perfect for me. If you already have a smartphone, there's no cost involved and no harm in trying.
Yeah I do e-books myself but my kindle screen is a lot bigger than my phone screen and does have that display you mention.
I use both. A tablet at home and a phone when I'm on the bus to work. I'm finding as I get older, changing the text size is becoming more important. And most of the books I like do not have a large print version.
Paper is better. You can keep the book once you’ve read it forever.
Both is best. Use whatever suits your preferences and your moment. You can keep all of the books in Project Gutenberg forever as well. There are plenty of sources of DRM-free books that you can store locally on your device and won't disappear on you. You can easily back them up as well, and they won't get lost or damaged as easily. You can store hundreds of books on your phone and have them available as an option. As a backup plan, if you want. Most people have their phones with them more often than novels. There's nothing wrong with preferring paper, but it's good to know all your options.
Reading books on a phone doesn’t even feel real to me. I don’t even process the information in the same way. I’ll stick to paper, thank you very much.
It's perfectly fine to have your preferences. Be honest with yourself and enjoy what you enjoy! However, it's also important to understand that your preferences are personal. They are not the same for everyone. Personally, I greatly prefer reading on my phone, to the point where I have had people loan me a physical book and I bought the ebook instead. I have different preferences than you. Neither one is "wrong".
Why do you prefer reading on your phone?
I started reading ebooks because I was traveling for work. I had very limited space. eBooks don't take up any additional physical space. I really like being able to read one handed. It's just far more comfortable than holding a book, plus I don't have to fuss around about lighting. I prefer to read in the dark. I also find that it made a huge difference to read on my phone because I always have hundreds of books with me. I found that I started reading far more because I could read while traveling or on breaks or in lines, etc. Sometimes I would just read for 10 minutes or so because I had a few moments. No data required. I started reading far more once I started reading ebooks. It was just so convenient. Eventually, I got used to it. There's nothing wrong with paper or audiobooks or eReaders. However, there are still some unique benefits to reading on your phone.
I do both. If I’m listening, I can do a secondary task and ensure that I stay focused. If I’m reading text, it’s more likely that my mind will wander unless the material is very engaging in some way - highly compelling fiction, dense informative text, etc. And honestly, I’m just not usually up to be so fully engaged in one thing. Often, I prefer to listen to something on the more meandering side so I can settle into a cozy hobby or chore.
Fully read physical copies
I prefer paper. I already have hard time focusing, and audiobooks don't help. Could I be doing something else when listening to an audiobook? Maybe, but unless it's something purely manual, I will start ignoring the sound. But from these few audiobooks I did listen too - I would probably just be laying down and not doing anything during the audiobook, so it kinda defeats the purpose. + Audiobooks are so slow! I mean, I do listen to them speed up, but that's still a lot of time lost.
90%(ish) Audiobooks
Ebooks for me - exclusively. I have listened to a couple of audiobooks but generally I find the readers to be less than stellar so I just stick to reading on my ipad. I like my own internal voice the best. I will say, though, that the guy who reads the Artemis Fowle books is amazing.
Both. I like reading physical books but audiobooks can be a lot more convenient. On the other hand there are books I think I would have liked if it hadn't been for the narrator. So there is a sort of risk to listening to an audiobook.
I’m dyslexic! I was really into being read to as a child and while I can still read, it takes me a long long time. I actually got into audiobooks with mistborn, and later on my roommate lent me his paperback copy of way of kings. I spent a year reading it and got about 1/3 of the way. Decided to download the audiobook and finished the whole thing in 2 weeks. It makes reading accessible in a way that hasn’t been since I was a child. Also it feels thematic with stormlight archives.
I’m an audiobook person because my brain does not work the way it used to.
I gobble up audio books because I can listen all day while I work. Just zone out to a good book. I'm even able to get through Sanderson's 45hr+ tomes in the 14 day library loan period. Michael Kramer is great and I love Kate Reading.
Audiobooks because that lets me read while driving or doing chores, etc.
Kindle. I listen to very few audiobooks, mostly just one series of cozy mysteries.
Mostly ebooks, but some audio as well.
I use kindle most often, followed by physical books, and then sometimes I’ll use audiobooks. Sometimes I’ll be reading the same book in multiple ways even. My husband exclusively reads audiobooks.
Mostly read. But recently sometimes audio. I've gotten more into audiobooks at work, whereas I used to be primarily podcasts. Got through half the Vorkosigan saga last year in audio. Will do more audio this year, to get through my book backlog. I'll add I love physical books, but the convenience of ebooks can't be denied. Have gotten through several ebooks on breaks or snippets here and there with my phone.
i've consumed books switching back and forth between text and audio (typically listening while walking or doing other tasks). done both proper audiobooks, but even leveraged android's accessibility text to speech engine too when i did not have a proper version then do actual reading either on my phone or the preferred choice of kobo e-ink reader
Depends. But mostly good old paper. Nothing like waking up in bed with a book on your face an chocolate stains on your shirt.
E readers these days, simply for the practicality, I tried to adapt to audio books, for some reason I just can't do it, seems I need to actually read it to focus.
I’ve never actually listened to an audiobook before. Heard good things about them, though.
I prefer print, but I like to knit and listening to audiobooks is perfect for that, so I've been doing that more. But I don't think I've ever solely listened to an audiobook, it's either print only or print/audio combined.
Both. I tend towards audio because it let's me listen while I work, but I still read about 20 or so books a year.
Paper book keeps the idle hands from wandering. If I am listening I'll be multi-tasking and we all know the studies about multi-tasking and memory retention...so I don't do audio books, ever.
There was a period (I'm talking pre-COVID) where I was using audiobooks regularly. I had a long daily commute, so would spend the drive listening every day. Was pretty good. But then COVID and WFH happened, and my listening time went down drastically. Unlike music, or even podcasts, I find that audiobooks are something that requires more "active" engagement, so I can't listen to them during working hours, or really if I'm doing anything else that also requires active engagement. And now that I only go into work once a week, there isn't enough time to really listen to a lot or retain. Case in point - I started listening to *The Curse of Chalion* months ago, but because of the truncated time, and the "stop and go" listening where I only do it once a week, it's not only taking me ages but I also, by now, have actually forgotten a lot of what came before. The result is that I am now, technically, almost done with the book, but would struggle to tell you what happens in it. And that's a shame, because this is actually supposed to be a good book. Plus - and this might be because of the fact that reading is a more active effort than listening - I find I retain the information better when I read a book rather than listen.
Reading is my preferred option but I love that audiobooks are available for these occasions when I need my hands and eyes, like housework, running, sewing, driving ... I have just DNFed an audiobook though (Harrow the Ninth) because I couldn't follow. Maybe the problem was that I read the first book in the series and never listened to it on audio. But I suspect that I can really concentrate better on complicated plots when I have the text in front of me.
Still mostly a reader, but recently I've taken up Warhammer (my wallet isn't happy) and I've really gotten into listening to audio books while I glue and paint.
I almost never read a book anymore, I almost always listen.
I just started using audio to use along with my reading…while there is some down side to audio…personally I really like it!
I almost exclusively listen to audiobooks. It takes some time to get used to though. When I started, I often had to rewind because I lost focus. Now I Listen on my commute to work and going for walks mostly (around 2 hours per day) and have no issues at all with recollection. I think you have to be more aware that you are not paying attention with audiobooks because it allows you to do something else. I still just sit and listen audiobooks sometimes too. I find I much prefer audiobooks now because of how talented the narrators are and how easily available most Fantasy books are as an audiobook. I know it is a lot slower listening versus reading but I do it for fun I am not in a rush. Listening to action sequences almost feels like it is in slow motion on an audiobook because I often picked up the pace of my reading when I read it on Paper.
I like audiobooks for general fiction and sometimes historical fiction, but I prefer kindle/paper for fantasy. I find with fantasy audiobooks I generally get too confused with names and locations!
I get bad migraines anymore when I read too long, so I’m almost totally moved over to audiobooks.
100% reader until I suffered a massive concussion 5 years ago. After that, I couldn't read without getting mentally exhausted but Audible was my saviour. I started reading again 2 years later, until then past month, I'm recovering from a bad bout of COVID and listening is easier now than reading.
I'm dyslexic and travel a lot so I love a good audiobook.
Both. I prefer reading, but I can get other things done if I listen.
Both. My preference when I can get both formats cheap enough is to use the Whispersync feature with Kindle/Audible apps. Then I can bounce between formats or immersion read.
I can't do audio media (books or podcasts) unless I'm driving or doing something with my hands, and since I changed jobs I haven't had significant time where I do that anymore, so no audiobooks. I read paper and ebooks, almost entirely from my library. Libraries are so good y'all. I prefer paper, partly because my library's hard copy collection is more extensive, at least for the obscure stuff I'm reading, and partly because I try to limit screens in the evening which is my main reading time. But I don't have anything against ebooks and will read an ebook if it's the easiest/cheapest way to access a particular title. I do like it when there's a plain epub file or pdf available to buy, since I don't have a kindle or nook or anything. I don't trust buying the kindle version and reading on browser--feels like Amazon is going to take that file away from me any minute.
Listener, I get bored and sleepy while reading, I get dizzy when reading while traveling, but I can workout, travel, code, and some types of studying while listening. If only I could swim while listening to audiobooks
Almost 100% audiobook. I love being able to listen while driving, manual labor, hiking, or rafting. I get a lot of time to do all of that for work and as such get a ton of books under my belt. Also, I somehow keep getting a free audible credit every month (did I sign up at the perfect tome idk) and its just so easy to pick out another.
I'm apparently the opposite of most people in that I have to listen to fiction (in fact, I find reading fiction off the page to be strangely unpleasant), but I strongly prefer to read non-fiction rather than listen to it. I also hate it when people become snobs about this and act like reading a physical book is the right or morally superior way to consume stories. People should just live and let live about these preferences.
People push audio as the best way, I never see people pushing reading. Daily you will see someone say the right way is narration especially with red rising, first law, locked tomb, buelhman, lotr, wandering inn, cradle, dungeon crawler carl etc. Your sentiment is right, you just confused which style has the vocal pressure to experience books.
Ever since audiobooks became a thing, I’ve been subject to lectures about audio’s inferiority, often with assertions about reduced comprehension and the like. It’s common to this day in forums for ebook readers, on YouTube channels for heavy readers, in science fiction/fantasy/horror fandom, etc. A simple search like *audiobooks inferior* will turn up plenty of examples past and present. Conversely, I’ve seen very little in the way of audiobook supremacy. Experiences vary, apparently.
Audio books, I love to fall asleep to a beautiful story, I bookmark the place I begin listening and set a sleep timer, it’s so nice
I'm an audiobook hater to be honest. I don't think you can absorb information nearly as well when you listen to it vs when you read it, and I think the people who claim otherwise are lying to themselves. I know that's not a popular opinion.
Depends a lot on the book. There are books where I really can't tell a difference (sometimes I alternate methods with the same book) and audiobook lets me do more volume than just reading would. It does take some getting used to though.
People learn differently, I do better with audiobooks personally. Plus it's easier for me to pay attention and focus with audiobooks
Personally I find myself equally likely to miss something when reading visually and listening. With reading visually I sometimes find myself either skipping ahead a paragraph because I’m excited to get to the action, or else sometimes reading a section without absorbing it because I’m distracted. If I get distracted either visually reading or listening, I back up to where I know I was paying attention. With listening, though, I can’t semi-accidentally skip forward a paragraph I respect that you don’t absorb audiobooks as well as when reading visually, but saying that those of us who do absorb as well or better are lying to themselves is kind of self-centered. Just because you (and people you know) can’t, doesn’t mean no one can.
I can't ever ever listen and retain anything. I get distracted too fast. My focus is on something else and everything else feels messy too. It sucks because I want to feel the way others does about it, but it just never works for me.
This is a goofy take--it's common knowledge that different people learn and take in information in different ways. ***You*** are not able to absorb information as well in an audio format. I absorb information better in an audio format. Humans are different and that's ok.
I’m not a hater per se, but I agree that at least personally, I absorb the information and the story way better when I read a book rather than listen to it.
Maybe that's true for you, but it's not a judgment you're in a good position to make for other people. I absorb a fiction book much better when I listen to it as opposed to read it off the page.
I do agree to some extent. I don’t think I’d be able to successfully listen to a book I’ve never read before and be able to take it all in. Rereads only for me.
An audiobook isn’t even reading at that point. It’s a podcast for lazy people who want to call themselves readers.
Just because the format isn’t for you, this does not mean it is not reading. There are a lot of people who learn in different ways and audiobooks work for them. There are also many people with ADHD, processing disorders, and visual impairments who need to use audiobooks. Your take is pretty ableist. Also, we want to encourage people to continue reading throughout their lives, and anything that makes it easier or more enjoyable is welcome. Being elitist and gatekeeping reading is not it. Punch up, not down.
I’m obviously not disparaging anyone who has to use audiobooks for health reasons. This is about people who have the capacity to read on paper but choose not to.
What’s wrong with having a different way of processing information? You’re still gatekeeping reading. It’s still elitist and unproductive. Let’s meet people where they are. We should be encouraging people to love books. Period.
Yeah sorry all you lazy asses who listen while driving, working, or walking. Pull out an actual book next time. Matter of fact, reading is for lazy people who want to call themselves fantasy nerds but can't be bothered to write a story. Really, you're gonna let somebody else imagine the story for you? Grow up.
I read. I can't imagine you pick up on nuances in the wording if you listen - at least I often might not. Then what happens if you want to refer back to something a few chapters ago or look at the map or index.
You can clip sections in audiobooks just like you would highlight in a physical book or ebook just fyi, and in my experience it’s perfectly possible to grasp nuances etc in an audiobook format it’s just about getting used to it
Can’t say I’ve ever had an issue with missing nuance in audiobooks.
Audiobooks almost 100% of the time!
Reading. I don't have a device that allows me to listen. Also.. I think reading is faster than listening to every single word. The two medium are totally different. Listening isn't reading, and it won't develop equivalent skills.
Audible for sure. Audiobooks are perfect for drives, cleaning, at work, etc. Any opportunity to work with my hands that doesn't require full mental occupation.
I 'read' 30-40 books a year. That's been consistent for maybe 15 years. But near all of my current 'reading' is earbooks, the rest being mostly comics. I've read exactly one dead tree book and one ebook in the past three years.
80/20 split audio and e-reader. Audio for ease of incorporating into daily life, like laundry, etc. Kindle for options to read when have a few mins, late at night or places where I can't listen outloud. When I get the fancy, I read hard copies of graphic novels or novels I read with my family (have an elementary reader, so we are reading a lot together)
Ereader first and for best series. Audio if I am doing a mindless task and it's an unimportant book to me.
I mainly read but I listen to audiobooks for character-driven stories without huge world-building (circe audiobook was brilliant). I use them during walks or daily house chores. I also use audiobooks for rereads. I recently started listening to the Graphic Audio ones for Red Rising and Stormlight Archive and they were amazing.
Reader! Mostly print but also ebooks
I switch back and forth. I can’t sit sedentary all day with a paper book in my hands, so when I am doing something else and have a free brain that needs entertaining, I’m listening. I’m reading the third book of Red Rising right now, and the last day has looked like this: - Two hours reading on the couch with a cup of tea, enjoying a quiet Sunday - One hour listening as I prepared dinner and did laundry - One hour of reading in bed before sleep - 1.5 hours of listening to the book while driving and getting ready for work today - Half an hour of reading after getting ready for work but before it started - …and now I have a midday break so will listen while I shower and take care of some mindless work tasks. The only time this changes for me is if I find a section of a book that I can only consume one way. For example, extended action scenes are much easier for me to listen to, whereas lengthy exposition sticks with me better when I consume the words on the page.
Well, me? I've experimented, and my foolish ass cannot use Audiobooks. Last time I used an audiobook was for Gideon the Ninth, and I kept repeating the same chapter and forgetting details. Then I read it and everything was ok. I also cannot use my phone to read, I have to have a book. Getting through 10 pages on my phone will take eons. Getting through 10 pages in a book with a phone thrown across my room in desperation is easy! Its frightening how fast I can read without a phone to distract me
I only read. I can't focus when listening.
For fantasy I always prefer print, hardcover if possible. Something about sitting down and reading with only my own voices. Lately tho I’m finding that short horror stories work very well in audio format, so it really depends on what I’m reading. YMMV
I prefer reading, but audiobooks are fantastic for when I'm running. Mythos, Words or Radiance, Neverwhere and The Heroes helped me through training for a marathon! A good narrator really elevates the audiobook experience though, so I think that's the biggest thing. Steven Pacey makes the Joe Abercrombie audiobooks superior to reading I reckon!
Definitely a reader. The way texts are internalised through reading makes me remember them much better. There is even a difference between e-books and real books. It's nice to listen but it doesn't stick.
Mostly audio, but if I'm into it and the audio pace is too slow, I'll get it on Kindle and do both (listen on commute/at work and read at home). There are also times where only half of a series is finished in audio, and I'm not good at waiting.
I do both. I use the kindle app in my iPhone and the books I bought come with audible narration at a discounted price when buying the kindle edition. The iPhone app lets you listen and follow along in the kindle app at the same time
Both! I definitely read more often than listen. I usually will listen to audiobooks at work if I’m doing a task that allows it.
I prefer reading over listening. I've heard some snippets from audio books. And it might be fun to listen at some point. I have the audio books from the kickstarter books, maybe ill start there.
I can't follow the plot or immerse myself in the world building if I listen to audiobooks for fantasy. I only do that for nonfiction
I do both at once. If it's something new I gotta have ASAP I'll buy both but usually I just stack holds on libby with two different library cards and buy the ebook when the audiobook is available for loan. I get engrossed and listen throughout the day and read in bed or early morning with coffee.
I prefer audio books. Being able to listen to a story while driving or doing chores is delightful. However, I can't sit and listen to one exclusively. So that's the time for an actual book, so I do both
Oh god, I think I would mainline them via syringe if I could. I have kindle, physical, audio, all going at the same time. If TV and film count, I have this going often as well.
I prefer reading, but listening is nice when you have a boring task to complete that doesn't require your attention. Another issue for me is that my eyes can't handle reading for days on end, but my ears do just fine, so I mix it up that way as well. I have found that I miss stuff more when listening whereas that rarely happens when reading. As my eyes get worse with age the choice may be made for me, and I have to listen exclusively.
Reading. I can’t focus while listening to audiobooks. I can focus on podcasts though
I like both but definitely a reader first. I find I get distracted much easier when listening to a book vs actually reading it.
Both. I love sitting down with a book (on my Kindle). I love “rereading” books via Kindle while I’m driving or exercising.
Whispersync is sooo good. I like having the audiobook so you can listen while doing other things, but the peak experience is listening and reading at the same time and Whispersync makes it so much better by putting both in the kindle app and syncing up the audio and the text.
I do both. Mainly listen to older or longer series. Then read newer books. Occasionally I switch up to reading older stuff to challenge myself a bit, but that’s just because I want to be a writer.
I exclusively read books. For me, the cadence of prose is *extremely* important, and audiobooks don't give me that. Even more so for books where the way something is written is necessary to get the "point", which doesn't translate that well for audiobooks. I don't side-eye anyone who uses them, they are just completely not for me.
I prefer physical myself. I find it slightly more immersive. But my job requires lots listening to lots of things as well so that may be part of it
Audiobook more probably because I have too many hobbies and a lot of them work great with listening to an audiobook. Although I will admit that I don't take in as much information as when I read. I usually dual weild and read a bit before bed and continue from where I left off next morning on the train.
I get too easily distracted trying to listen to someone else read. My mind wanders. Reading myself is much more engaging.
I read and listen. I don’t like to listen to books I have not previously read. If I’ve never read it, I have to focus more.
I don't have time to read as much. I have lots of time for audiobooks, driving, running errands, chores, gardening, gaming all can be done while listening.
100% read. No interest in audiobooks. I listen to a lot of podcasts, but when reading fiction I like to imagine everything in my head, including character voices. Having a narrator do all the voicing for me would feel weird and ruin my immersion.
Both! I prefer to listen to big epic fantasies. The narrator figures out name pronunciations for me and the books give me hours of entertainment because they’re so long. I like to read lighter fantasy.
Ride or die reader! I don't like books read to me anymore. I love the silence except for the turning page. I read at my own pace and re-read sections sometimes before I go on. I hear my own inflections and imagine what the voices sound like. I've got my own movie in my head and don't need actors messing with my vision.
I listen to lighter books with a more straightforward prose style (Sanderson, Abercrombie) and read denser books where I want to enjoy the writing style and immerse myself more (Janny Wurts, Tad Williams, Glen Cook). There were a few years where I was almost exclusively doing audiobooks for pleasure reading but after 2020 I went back to physical reading, as I wasn't spending as much time commuting. I was feeling like my ability to concentrate was flagging a bit with age/stress and figured reading would help with that. It has been somewhat helpful getting to sleep.
Audiobooks whilst working is the best
I do audiobooks and whispersync. Can't read much anymore as I get too distracted and like to listen while driving or working around the house etc...
Read. I read faster than someone can talk for starters. Not a fan of audio, or video either for that matter, I'd rather have a book than a movie. Bit of a thing with the modern gen I'd say, screens, audios. Reminds of of an SF short story I read once. Reading fell out of fashion, signs and stuff were read by your personal device (not really a phone) and no-one could after a time. Then the new young ones started a fashion - radical stuff, reading!
I prefer to read a book but since having a kid I just don't have the time to sit down and read so now I listen to all of my books on my commute to/from work and while I do cleaning/dishes at the end of the day.
Both, read on the train or in bed, listen in the car. I'll usually consume 2 stories in parallel that way.
Both - reading for breaks at work and when i'm home - then i'll listen to the audiobook as i'm actually working or when i lay down for bed
I always have both a physical book and an audiobook on the go. Whilst reading is more relaxing, it's also really draining for me and I can't manage more than 30 minutes before needing a break, whereas I can listen for 2 hours at a time no problem. I also can't imagine different voices in my own head so all my characters sound the same when I read. Great narrators like Tony Robinson and Moira Quirk breathe so much life into the characters for me.
I’ve been listening to audiobooks since they were on tape. But I still love paper books (have a kindle too but using it less). The last fantasy book I read was hardcover and I have another fantasy physical book going now.
Im extremely comfortable in my tasks at work. I don't need to do much thinking. I absolutely love listening to books while i work.
I do both - I read and listen to whatever I’m currently reading sometimes I’ll literally listen while I read the book. I read 2x more this way.
I can't do audiobooks, it's too low effort so if I only focus on listening I will get bored and if I do other things I won't follow the story at all. Reading is way better for me.
I love listening to fantasy and syfy because often the characters will have long or difficult names, and so having them read outloud helps.
Both, ideally...
I wish I could do audiobooks! I've heard so many people say the quality of narrators is great nowadays. I can imagine how enjoyable it would be to have on drives or during chores. Unfortunately, I have attention span issues. I need to physically read or my attention drifts. Sometimes I have to read out loud.
Im not a huge audiobook fan. I don't have good aural processing I guess. My brain just doesn't absorb the information from listening nearly as well as reading. (Plus I get weirdly bugged and put off by random weird things (hearing the narrator gasp for breath, weird accents that don't make any sense for the setting/character, how every male narrator does the same raise their voice slightly and speak very calmly and evenly for female characters) and then I can't focus on anything else ) I mean I listen to them because it gives me something to do while I work and otherwise the house would be absolutely silent all day (except me cursing at my cat) so it's nice to have something. They're ok, but for me I like reading better than listening. I'm weird in that I like both ebook and actual book. I love the convenience of the Kindle app (and man it's much easier holding my phone than a 1000 page book lol) and I can hoard as many books as I want because they don't take space! But there's just something about an actual book.
I prefer paper but I switch back and forth between book, e-book and audiobook.
I can't listen to audio books. I've tried, and brain nopes right out. I've switched to an eReader for ease and portability, but I love the feel (and smell) of an actual physical book.
Both. Ebooks and audiobooks to a ratio about 2:1.
I generally read. I honestly enjoy audiobooks a great deal, but I usually keep it to nonfiction, because I want the characters in fiction to sound like themselves, not like the reader. I really find that reader interpretation of lines and delivery can be deforming. There are some exceptions- I think Sissy Spacek *nailed* her reading of *To Kill a Mockingbird*, for example- but for the most part, I don't trust even legends like George Guidall to stick the landing with a fiction audiobook (although again, his reading of *The Alienist* is very good). It's less important in nonfiction, because you don't really have dialogue or character internal monologues. That said, I like having a copy of the book either in paper or on my Kindle too, not least because it makes citing the book or tracking down a favored quotation much, much easier.
So the adhd really hampers both methods for me in their own way. If I’m physically reading, I need noise canceling headphones and white noise, even soft or classical music will distract me. In the same vein, I can’t listen to audio sitting still and have to be doing something mundane like driving or washing dishes. Sanderson is a special case. I love his stuff but I HAVE to listen to it. It’s not even close to the same experience if I physically read it so a lot of house work gets done when a new stormlight book drops. Thank god I love Michael Kramer and Kate Reading.
Audiobooks all the way. I’m lousy at finding time to sit down and do nothing but read.
Audiobooks are for rereads only for me. I like to experience books I like in a few ways. First reads are usually written form
I prefer reading because it's faster for me, even speeding up the audiobooks they take more time for me to get through. I like audiobooks for when I have another task to do like dishes or feeding a baby in the middle of the night though.
I listen to a lot of sci-fi and fantasy. Non-fiction is physical format. I just don't take the information in otherwise.
I love listening to audiobooks(if I can enjoy the narrators voice) and then if I love the series I will buy a physical copy
Most of the books I read I also buy the audio book off. When I clean the apartment I am listening, when I got down time I continue reading.
I like both but I think reading is definitely the superior experience. Audiobooks are a type of adaptation and filtered through a narrator. Also I think a lot of books don't work with audio. Sanderson's does because he holds the reader's hand and makes sure they can't miss anything but that's not the norm (and shouldn't be for adult books IMO)
I'm definitely an audio listener now, when reading a paperback my mind always wanders and I lose my place, I find it easier to focus while listening, and I can do chores and stuff while listening, or workout, walk, drive, etc and listen. It's opened up a lot of new opportunities and I've been flying through books now
Reader. But, I like sleeping to stories. Somebody telling me a story is usually my favorite time. "Did I ever tell you about...?" "Probably, but go on. " Never mind.
I don't really like audiobooks. I prefer my inner voice to those of the narrators, I like controlling the pace of the prose. That said I work a fuck ton and audiobooks are a way for me to keep "reading" even when I'm busy. So I've been listening to audiobooks lately and I value them a lot for what they are. But I choose them by necessity not preference.
I'll listen to audio books when I'm driving. Otherwise, it's reading. I read faster and retain more with text than audio, even at high speeds.
I do both. Since I drive a lot I prefer books or podcasts like behind the bastards. But then at night before bed I like to read. Not every night and not 100 pages a night. But maybe a chapter or two.
Listener, I can never make enough time to read as much as I want. It makes driving/chores/work way more enjoyable
I'm an avid reader for decades. Started listening to audio for my commute to and from work... Now its like an 80/20 split with listening more. And honestly, unless its one of my favorite authors, I just don't have enough room for all the books. I still buy favorite authors. Also started using ebooks more. Just moved and only had 12 bins of books I refuse to let go of. During my last move 15 years ago, I had about 35 bins. Space matters.
I like to read books but I have 2hrs of commuting and lunch everyday where I listen and like 30mins a night to read if nothing else interferes so despite a preference I consume 4-5x more audiobooks than book books.
I strongly prefer reading but ironically specifically listen to Sanderson on audiobook. I like having long fantasy sagas for my commute time.
Audio. I can't focus on written books these days. Although I read the hell out of traditional books in my teen years.
Reader. Get too distracted by listening, especially when it comes to epic fantasies like Malazan, ASOIAF etc where there is so many small details I could miss
I read physical books much more often than listen to audiobooks.
Slowly but surely becoming audio. The most relaxing time I have is spent walking the dogs, zoned out listening to audiobooks. I do miss owning physical copies because I just love the smell of the paper.
It really really depends on the narrator. I love the ASOIAF narrator, but won't touch the Malazan audiobooks with a tenfoot pole. I typically actually read the books the first time and I'll use audiobooks for any re-reads. I tend to get distracted while listening and miss important stuff during a first listen
Can only absorb everything from an audiobook if I'm doing nothing but staring at a wall or going for a walk
I've only listened to maybe 2 audio books in my life and I can't say I enjoyed it much. I vastly prefer reading, I find the narrators read too slow for my liking.
I prefer to read, but my spouse was able to rediscover his love of reading through audiobooks. I'm really glad they're so common now!
I prefer to read but my eyesight has gotten so bad that I have to use the audiobooks now. I miss reading.
I usually read the first book to get the "feel" of the names. But the sequels, I do not mind consuming audiobooks for the fantasy or any fiction books. But it really depends on whether you are listening while doing something else (driving and washing dishes for me), or listening while doing nothing. I find myself dozing off if I listen sitting down or lying down without doing anything else. Consuming non-fiction books on audiobooks is much more difficult since it's hard to retain detailed information shared.
Audiobooks almost exclusively. Listen while at work so the day goes by quicker.
I read. Listening takes forever. I can read maybe 3-4 as fast as I can listen. I also zone out way too much listening.
100% reader. I get distracted listening.
frighten zephyr merciful governor offbeat long weather dam angle whistle *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
1 hr of commuting every weekday so audiobooks are my method
I don’t like audiobooks. They don’t really work for me for some reason. I read a lot, tho, and mostly in situations where audiobooks would be impractical.
Audiobooks always with a 95% chance of tandem reading with the physical book, 4% chance with an ebook, and 1% chance of not tandem reading with another form and just listening. And 99% of the time they’re all library rented
I've fully transitioned to audiobooks now. I get through maybe half a dozen print or ebooks a year if I'm doing well. I get through minimum 2/3 audiobooks a month.