Audio Books versus Printed Books

Australia
October 21, 2007 8:33am CST
I used to hate audio books. I thought they were for lazy lazy lazy people. I couldn't understand why someone would go pick up an audiobook, or download one to their ipod and listen to a story instead of reading a good book. There is nothing better than reading a great book. Until recently. My mother in law had a stroke a couple of months back and is now unable to enjoy reading. I purchased a couple of audiobooks for her and she thinks they're great. I also listened to one and though it wasn't too bad, was quite relaxing in fact. For anyone who prefers adio over the real thing, please tell me why, and also why other who prefer reading why they don't use audiobooks.
2 people like this
10 responses
@karixie (121)
• Philippines
23 Oct 07
Audiobooks are for relaxation. Hehe. But if you're up for a real adventure, then I think reading a real book is better.
@violeta_va (4831)
• Australia
23 Oct 07
I dont like audio books that much as I get lost into the voice and not pay atention to the story we used to have them at work (well they still have them only I dont work there anymore) and I will turn them on for the clients and listen with them but 10 min later my mind will go somewhere. I love having the book infront of me fliping the pages. I know they (audio books) are great for people that cant read books its a wonderful idea but its not for me.
@Myrilia (209)
• United States
22 Oct 07
Both have their own place, in my opinion. I love to read, and could never give up actual books. I used to work in an audio bookstore, and my customers would tease me for reading books instead of listening to them. A well read audio book can bring a whole different demension to the story, as it's basically acted out by the reader. I have occasionally both read the hard copy of the book and listened to the audio book just to get a better feel for the story. But listening will never really replace reading for me, just because reading is much faster..for me, anyway. I think audio books are great, especailly for those who cannot read for whatever reason. I love them for long car trips, for when I get sick of the radio. It's all what you like best!
@ctrymuziklvr (11057)
• United States
22 Oct 07
I love audio books. When I started having problems with my eyesite I started buying them and was surprised at the selection available. For me they are more relaxing than reading a book.
• Philippines
22 Oct 07
i still love printed books . i haven't tried audio books but i think, you cannot feel what the character feels on a particular scene....
@blueunicorn (2401)
• United States
23 Oct 07
I agree with others who have responded saying that audio books and printed books each have their uses. I love audio books for when I am in the car. Instead of being frustrated with traffic I think of it as just more time to hear the story. I have attempted to listen to audio books, though, when I am at home and just can't do it. I thought it would be great to listen to an audio book while I am cleaning or getting ready for bed, but I found that my thoughts just wander too much. There is one place that listening to an audio book REALLY works for me, and that is while I am on the treadmill. I often find that I get so wrapped up in the book that my exercise time flies by. I can't read while I'm walking on the treadmill because it bounces around too much.
@cikedo (3483)
• United States
21 Oct 07
I prefer to use tangible books instead of audio books simply because it is more calming for me to sit in bed read. I don't like sitting and listening all that much. I do see how audio books can come in useful sometimes though. There are audio books of popular large books that are easier to listen to. Instead of spending days of reading these long books it may take the audio book a few hours to go through it. This is good considering how hectic life can be and the fact that most people are in a real hurry most of the time.
@nangel78 (1454)
• United States
21 Oct 07
I plan to listen to my first audio book soon. I am used to reading a novel instead of listening to one, but I am not against doing that. I won one in a drawing so figured why not try it.
• Italy
22 Oct 07
Yes audio book t's for lazy lazy people. But they are for no-udble people. I'd like very much to read. I'd love to make it as much time as possible. There are a lot of great book and author as Dante, Petrarca, Rowling, Kafka, etc etc. I read some e-books too. Thanks you very much fo share us and have a nice day. Cheerss!
@ptrnow (57)
• Canada
21 Oct 07
For myself, i find audio books to be more of something i would use in the car or on a long trip somewhere. Normally, i enjoy hard copy books because i can create the world of the book in my head. That is why i love to read, it is like building a brand new world. r.