Are You Thinking About Trying an Audiobook?
Recently on the FFF discord, we talked about the difference between reading a book by physically reading it and listening to it through an audiobook. It made me think about how I discovered audiobooks. In fact, when I first thought about giving audiobooks a try, I was very skeptical about how well I would like them. Reading has always been a very immersive entertainment. I did love when my mom read to me as a kid, but would an audiobook really be as good of an experience as reading it for myself or being read to by a loved one? It took me a little ways into my first audiobook to get used to it, but in the end, I find that I do really like audiobooks for several different reasons.
I do, however, feel like reading for yourself and listening to an audiobook are two different experiences. In fact, I don’t like to mix my method of reading mid series. It messes up my enjoyment of it. In general, I still prefer actually reading a book myself, but audiobooks have allowed me to read more when I otherwise would not be able to do so.
If you yourself are trying to decide if you’d like to give audiobooks a try, here are some pros and cons of reading with an audiobook.
Pros:
-Multitasking: When listening to an audiobook, it is possible to read while also doing other things. I often listen while doing chores at home, doing basic tasks at work, or while driving. I think audiobooks are a great way to pass long travel times. It occupies my mind when I might otherwise be bored.
-Potential for more reading time: (connects to multitasking) Some readers don’t have a lot of time to actually sit down and read a book. Life can be busy. With the possibility of listening to a book while doing other things, readers who have a very busy schedule can have time to read that they otherwise wouldn’t have.
-Good Narrators: The narrators, if he or she is a good one, add a lot of personality to the story. Many of them make voices for different characters and the basic narrative. I feel like the narrator becomes a part of the story. They don’t take away from the book. Instead, they add another layer to it.
-Auditory instead of visual: I feel like audiobooks help share novels with those who don’t do well with reading for themselves. It is a great option for those who are blind or have vision problems. Plus, some people have other difficulties with reading or absorbing knowledge through reading. Some people retain and understand things better by hearing them. Audiobooks are great for anyone who would prefer, or need, to listen instead of reading for themselves.
Cons
-Needs concentration: While multitasking is possible while listening to audiobooks, if you have to concentrate on something else while it’s playing, you might miss what’s going on. I tend to try and listen to them when I am doing tasks that don’t take much concentration. Otherwise, I end up missing what is happening in the book. Though, if that does happen, it is easy to rewind and listen to that section again, or you could pause if you know you need to focus elsewhere.
-Might need headphones: Since this is an audio-based media it is not easy to play it where ever you want. Some settings don’t allow you to openly play the audiobook, or there could be multiple sounds happening where you are. This means you might need headphones to listen to it in certain settings.
Neutral (depends on the person)
-Different experience: There is definitely a difference in listening to a book and reading it for yourself. It feels different, and there are some acting liberties taken by the narrator who reads the novel. This difference might not be for all readers. I think it worth trying an audiobook to see if you like it or not.
-How well you like the narrators: Just like different people like different books, how well you like the different narrators will depend on your taste. You might not enjoy every book as an audiobook if a narrator doesn’t suit your tastes.
I think any reader who is looking at trying audiobooks should give them a shot. It is easy to check out audiobooks for free from your local library’s digital collection, or audible has a monthly subscription to listen to audiobooks as well. It might open up a way for you to read more books, or you might enjoy the experience of listening to the book being read to you. If you decide audiobooks aren’t for you (or maybe you don’t have many tasks that allow you to listen to them), then you know that you are still able to enjoy the books by reading as you already do.
