A pretty vague question I know, but I’m not looking for any specific answer. I’m just curious what peoples thoughts are on audiobooks. Perhaps how you think they compare to paper books or how listening compares to reading. Any thoughts you have on the subject is welcome.
Here’s the thing about paper books; they’re like vinyl. I love everything about them. I love the feel, I love the smell, I love the sensation of running your finger down a page. Just like I love vinyl; the way you have to handle each disk with care, blowing off the dust and gently setting the needle in the groove. The pop and hiss as it turns.
But I can’t bring a record player in my car, any more than I can read a book while driving.
Life is busy, and complicated, and paper books are slow and simple.
For me, switching to audiobooks meant that I read more in weeks than I had in years before. That’s really all that matters. The words are the same, the box just isn’t as pretty. I love the pretty box, but I’ll give it up to get the words.
I occasionally buy a hardcover of a book I listened to on audiobook if I really liked it. Sometimes I’ll even switch back and forth on the same book depending on if I have the time to sit down and read paper.
I’ve been doing this for the more complex books with a lot of world building.