Audiobooks or the real thing?

bookusabook · Post by **bookusabook** » 05 May 2014, 21:33

Audiobook is ok for me since i travel a lot, so i combine between audiobook and ebook but real thing is always the best. whenever i'm at home i prefer read the real thing.

Little House · Post by **Little House** » 07 May 2014, 16:36

I usually have an audio book, an e-book, and a paper book all going at the same time. This way I have something that works for wherever I am and whatever I am doing. I can listen while I do housework or drive, I can read on my phone or tablet while in a waiting room, and I can read a paper book while at home. I have to say that audio books work best for fiction as the details of non-fiction can go by quickly when listening. But then again, I usually listen at double speed and I am still working on slowing the reader down when I need to.

Kay_tara · Post by **Kay_tara** » 07 May 2014, 19:46

I love audiobooks because I have a long commute to work but a part of me always feels that I may miss something when I'm just listening. Sometimes I'll listen to an audiobook and follow along with a paperback.

maddieee_lynnn · Post by **maddieee_lynnn** » 07 May 2014, 19:56

The act of turning the rough, thin, pages of your favorite novel should be one of the seven wonders of the world. The scent of the aged pages and the sound of russeling paper tuck me in at night. I could never imagine life without paper books. Im not so sure i would be able to live. Ive tried electronic readers and its only useful for convenience purposes. I understand the use of audio books for audio readers and i support their use but they are not for me.

David Dawson · Post by **David Dawson** » 07 May 2014, 20:46

I always somehow feel that audiobooks are "cheating." It's a completely irrational reaction, but I'd feel as though I were lying if someone asked me if I'd read something and I said I had because I'd listened to the audiobook.

katliegh · Post by **katliegh** » 08 May 2014, 14:52

I simply can't stand audiobooks! I'm more of a visual learner, and I can't comprehend, much less enjoy things simply being read to me. Besides, the voice is always too slow, and I like the feel of reading a book myself. It's like a getting a tiny gold star.

krismags · Post by **krismags** » 08 May 2014, 20:04

I listened to audiobooks a bit when I was younger, and only recently picked one up again, as it was a book I really wanted to "read" but wasn't available at my library in any other form. I enjoyed it more than I expected- I may do that more frequently in the future. They're good to enjoy while I work on an art project or do chores- I can't sit still and listen like I would reading a real book

randomcheerio · Post by **randomcheerio** » 08 May 2014, 21:24

My preference is traditional reading. However, I find that audiobooks are very convenient since I drive a lot. I limit my audio-reading to non-fiction and classic books. It's wonderful because I am able to "read" more this way.

CrescentMoon · Post by **CrescentMoon** » 08 May 2014, 23:11

I personally don't like audiobooks that much. Sometimes the voice goes slower or faster than I want it to and I'd rather just read the words in my head. It's a better reading experience for me.

sb164740 · Post by **sb164740** » 09 May 2014, 11:14

Definitely the real thing an audio book just seems so slow and I have a hard time focusing on what's going on.

David Dawson · Post by **David Dawson** » 09 May 2014, 14:38

I do agree with those saying that audiobooks seem very slow, almost to the point of making them unlistenable for me.

gls330 · Post by **gls330** » 09 May 2014, 14:44

I'm really not a fan of audiobooks. I apparently worry too much about things, and with audiobooks, if I space out, I lose track. Otherwise with real books, I can go back to where I last read and pick up rather than having to find my place.

Little House · Post by **Little House** » 09 May 2014, 15:21

David Dawson wrote:I do agree with those saying that audiobooks seem very slow, almost to the point of making them unlistenable for me.

This is why I love Overdrive, I can speed up the reader. I usually listen at double speed, but if the reader is naturally fast I might slow it down to 1.75 times normal speed or even 1.5 times normal speed.

David Dawson · Post by **David Dawson** » 09 May 2014, 15:34

This might be a really stupid question (technology isn't really my area of expertise), but doesn't that distort the voice at all?

kogden1266 · Post by **kogden1266** » 09 May 2014, 17:03

I live in Nevada which is a very flat and boring state to drive across. When I am out in my car, I love audio books as I can't drive and read. They keep me engaged and alert. I have listened to thriller, mysteries, romance, and even documentaries. Its not so much the style of book that matters, but the readers tone. If they are into the book and change their voice successfully, I will drive slow to my destination for more time with the book. Sometimes, even when i get home, my husband will find me sitting in the driveway waiting for a book to end before I get out of the car.