Audio books - Is it "reading"?

[Johnny M]

So if you listen to an audio book, do you tell people you "read" that book?

I say no. You listened to it. You didn't read it. Yes. you gained the same knowledge, but you didn't decode the words, so it's not reading.

Go.

[jaydee74]

I think it's a different experience than actually reading the book. I do both to be honest. Especially with the Dresden Files books. I love listening to James Marsters reading the book but I also enjoy reading the book myself. I don't think there is anything wrong with listening to an audio version of a book but I think it's a bit different than actually reading the book. Just my opinion though.

[Johnny M]

[Steeven]

I tell folks I listened to the book, not read it.

Sometimes, I get more out of a book that I listen to, and they tend to stick with me longer.

[demonbear]

nope. you didn't read it. you listened to the recording, much like you say 'i saw the movie'

[jaydee74]

For me, it's the opposite sometimes. I have to actually read the book for it to stick in my head but I do enjoy the audio versions as I can listen to it while I'm working out or on the bus or driving in the car. It's just a different experience; but yeah. I would say you're listening to a book. That seems more accurate to me.

[Daytona24]

No its not reading the book, although if you listen to the book and read along its a grey area

Its simply not reading a book.

Personally I haven't been able to make audio books work for me, because I cant listen tentatively at work with all the distractions and my car rides are generally very short. And I can't sit and listen, at that point I might as well read. I've tried all these by the way.

If however your someone who spends allot of time alone in an office with a door closed or someone who has very long commutes its a great way to experience a book you wouldn't otherwise have time for.

[Dezreavey]

[gino]

Nah, it's not reading. You don't "read" a live speech or a radio program.

That said, I'd say I "read" the book if I want to avoid unnecessary conversation with someone I know is going to ask what I mean if I say I "listened" to the book.

I listened to World War Z and I'm glad I did. Highly recommended.

[Adam]

I have never listened to an audio book but I read extensively. I feel that if I was in a situation where I couldn't read but I could listen that I wouldn't be able to pay attention to what was being said enough to make it worth while. This is a common problem I have even when listening to podcasts.

[Eternalm]

I don't go for audiobooks, personally, but I think that if I prefer people to just say they read it. If I were to ask someone "did you read book X" and they say, "no, I listened to it", it just seems like they're being contrary, and disrupting the flow of the discussion.

It would better if we had a universal descriptor for taking in a story, that would encompass listening, reading, or watching.

[DackJaniels]

I like audio books occasionaly when I'm driving long distance but it does not replace the actual read. I'm sure I don't comprehend it as well through one audio listening as I do through one reading. And if its a lady reading it, my girlfriend would argue that, I probably don't hear any of it that does not pertain to sex or food.

[Adam]

Trying out my first Audio Book. Downloaded it from Audible.com for free. They seem to be expensive on there. If I decide to continue buying them I would probably just get them from the library and rip the disc.

[Grekyll]

I am a Truck Driver and unload my own freight. I LISTEN to a lot of books, radio dramas, and podcasts.

[Hush]

I tell people I did both, because the way I look at it is that the media was consumed regardless of it was with strictly your eyes or ears.
Personally I love audiobooks, there are some novel series which I would never be able to sit down and read but by listening to them I am able to do that. Fiction books are the genre I have had the best experience with. Case in point, I consumed the entire Harry Potte novel series in about a month, all on audiobook and it was incredible! I would have never read Harry Potter in my life, but I decided to try the audio version and I tell you it had me on the edge of my seat. The person reading the book knew exactly what to emphasize, how to keep you engaged and when to throw the dramatic pauses into the story. Those 2-3 seconds I was waiting for something to occur, felt like an eternity!

Also for those comic fans and audio book fans out there, you need to check out what Graphic Audio is doing. Their tagline is "a movie in your mind" and it really is, they go all out with an entire voice cast, special effects and everything.

[Dubbat138]

I would say no. But then I can't get into audio books. Have tried a few times but much rather read the physical books.