Before anyone comes out with “boomer” comments or “you’re just old” comments, I want to say that I enjoy reading and always have, it has and continues to provide joy, escape, memories, tears, laughs, inspiration and a lot of other things. I also love all things technology. I enjoy reading on my kindle for easy and the ability to keep multiple works available in one place, light, small, easy to transport. I’ve read things on my iPad and my laptop as well, I still read the various morning newspapers I subscribe to on my computer in the morning (on my phone when I travel). My preference, however, when home or on the beach is to hold the book in my hand.

What I do not enjoy and frankly I don’t get, is the same joy from an audio book. I do understand it for people who are constantly on the move and spend a lot of time in traffic (I did, once, in 1992, “listen” all 36 cassettes of Stephen King’s THE STAND while on a trip to and from Baltimore from CT, though I had already devoured that book in print, and it remains one of my top 3 to this very day). Sue is a big fan of audio books (it mostly started while she spent a LOT of time in traffic to and from Greenwich High and provided quite the distraction from the horror that work environment and commute had become), so the other day we had a discussion about whether listening to an audio book was the same as physically reading it…I took the “no” position, she took the “yes” position and neither of us swayed the other…

It’s been kinda glum, rainy, stiflingly humid here the past couple of days so while listening to music (and reading…currently two books at the same time…one of them The Ferryman by Justin Cronin I am enjoying so much I added the second just to slow me down as I don’t want it to end), I decided to try to put some thoughts in to this…here’s what I came up with:

While both reading a book and listening to its audio version can offer a similar experience in terms of accessing the content, there are some notable differences between the two mediums. Here are a few considerations regarding the benefits of reading a book versus listening to the audio version:

Comprehension and Retention: Reading a book requires active engagement with the text, which can aid comprehension and memory retention. When reading, you can pause, re-read sentences or paragraphs, highlight important passages, and take notes. These actions enhance your understanding of the material and allow for better long-term retention. On the other hand, audio versions rely on auditory processing, which may require a different cognitive approach to grasp and retain information.

Language and Vocabulary Development: Reading promotes language skills and vocabulary development. Seeing words on the page allows you to visually absorb the spelling, sentence structure, and grammar of the language. When reading, you have the opportunity to encounter unfamiliar words and look up their meanings, expanding your vocabulary. While audio versions can expose you to proper pronunciation and intonation, they may not offer the same level of exposure to written language and vocabulary growth.

Focus : Reading a book demands your undivided attention, fostering a focused and immersive experience. It allows you to control the pace, re-read passages, and eliminate external distractions. In contrast, listening to an audio version may be subject to potential distractions, such as background noise, interruptions, or wandering thoughts. Maintaining focus while listening can be more challenging, potentially impacting comprehension and enjoyment.

Personal Connection and Interpretation: Reading a book enables a personal and intimate connection with the text. The physical act of holding a book, turning pages, and visually processing the words can create a unique bond with the material. Furthermore, reading allows for individual interpretation, as readers can imagine characters, settings, and scenes based on their own perceptions. Audio versions, while providing the advantage of voice acting and inflection, present a more standardized interpretation that may limit personal imagination.

Audio Advantage:

Multitasking and Accessibility: Audio books offer the advantage of multitasking and accessibility. You can listen to an audio book while engaging in other activities, such as commuting, exercising, or doing chores. They provide a convenient way to consume books when reading may not be possible or practical. Additionally, audio versions are helpful, maybe even necessary for individuals with visual impairments or those who prefer auditory learning.

So in the end it’s a matter of personal preference ultimately, the choice between reading a book or listening to its audio version depends on circumstances, and learning style. Some people may find reading more engaging and immersive, while others appreciate the convenience and accessibility of audio books. Both mediums have their merits, and individuals can benefit from incorporating a combination of reading and listening into their reading habits to maximize their literary experiences.

All that said, I still would opt to read vs listen as long as I am able to do so…(and I can, and do, listen to music while I’m reading…something I could not do if I were listening to an audio book).