Read or Listen

Use this forum for book and reading discussion that doesn't fall into another category. Talk about books, genres, reading issues, general literature, and any other topic of particular interest to readers. If you want to start a thread about a specific book or a specific series, please do that in the section below this one.
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Onyeka Valentine Anumaka
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Read or Listen

Post by Onyeka Valentine Anumaka »

Reading book or Listening to audiobook, which is more effective? Please I need your candid opinion with reasons. Thanks
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João Ramos
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Post by João Ramos »

It depends not only on individual capabilities but also on your time availability. I know many people who prefer to read, but as they work a lot and spend a lot of time on the subway, they can only gain knowledge from audiobooks.
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ZCReviews
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Post by ZCReviews »

So, it really depends on what you're looking for. In my opinion, reading helps with concentrating and remembering things better. And it's easier to visualize the scenes and characters. You can also go at your own pace, re-reading stuff or highlighting important bits.

But if you're a multitasker, then listening might be more your thing. You can listen to books while doing other things like chores or commuting. Plus, the narrator's voice adds emotion and interpretation that you might not get from reading.
Chockanathan G
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Post by Chockanathan G »

It depends on the situation. Sometimes, reading won't be enough to understand the concept of the book.
Curtis Jefferson
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Post by Curtis Jefferson »

Much prefer to read. I've never really been able to get that into audiobooks.
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Alissa Nesson
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Post by Alissa Nesson »

Personally, I believe I absorb more by actually reading, but I enjoy audiobooks a lot as well. The issue with audiobooks is that sometimes I’ll tune out for awhile and have to rewind a bit and listen again. Unless I’m very distracted about something, I don’t think this happens as much with regular books. This might be different for you, though. It really depends on the person, I think.
“Our lives become the stories that we weave.”
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Varisha Khanna
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Post by Varisha Khanna »

I definitely Prefer reading. Sometimes audio books can seem to be a bit cringe to me with the actors voices faking the emotions on the script rather than feeling them.
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Genesis Haney
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Post by Genesis Haney »

Rather then listening to someone readjng a book I like to read it myself as it helps me improve my concentration on the book and in turn helps me better understand the story of the book.
Robynn Coulter
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Post by Robynn Coulter »

Depends on what I'm doing. Folding laundry or driving- audio book. Relaxing poolside - book to read!
Blueberry Dragon
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Post by Blueberry Dragon »

Much prefer to read. I find that I tend to drift sometimes with audiobooks, and I need to rewind or go back to where I left off. I find that happens less with books, for me.
Koffie Solomon
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Post by Koffie Solomon »

Read. My concentration increases when I read. Also due to the pronunciation of words and accent, I prefer to read.
janderson32
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Post by janderson32 »

I can't do audiobooks, personally. Way too easy for me to tune out. I know some people listen to them at the gym, but I need music for motivation, and I can't stand driving without music either. I think it's great that audiobooks exist but they're not for me.
Mohamed Vajeeha
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Post by Mohamed Vajeeha »

Ofcourse! reading is a therapy. Reading is my stress buster.
London Baum
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Post by London Baum »

It really depends, but overall I prefer physically reading a book. That said, an audiobook is really great at times and for certain books! I love having housework less boring by listening to a book while I clean and I really enjoy memoirs in audiobook form too
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Donna Dozar
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Post by Donna Dozar »

I choose to read. Whenever I listen to audiobooks it seems to go in one ear and out the other. I have to see it with my eyes I guess to fully grasp the story.
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