Changed my mind about audiobooks after a trip to the Boston Public Library

I used to think audiobooks were cheating, like you weren't really reading the book. But last month I visited the Boston Public Library and sat in the big reading room with the high ceilings. I saw this older guy with headphones on, completely absorbed in a book on his phone, mouthing along to the words. It hit me that he was experiencing the story just as deeply as anyone flipping pages. The librarian told me they check out thousands of audiobooks every week, way more than print copies in some genres. Now I listen during my commute and feel like I'm actually getting through my TBR pile. Has anyone else here had a moment where you just changed your whole view on a format? What was it?

3 comments

3 Comments

stellag2116d ago

Honestly, that moment in the reading room sounds cool. But I have a question for you. Do you feel like you remember the stories better now that you're listening? I tried audiobooks last year for a road trip and I got through like five books but now I can barely tell you what happened in them. Meanwhile I read one paperback on the beach that month and I still remember every detail. Ngl I wonder if I'm just not listening right or if it's a real difference in how our brains take in the story.

avery36616d ago

oh man i feel this so hard. i think it really depends on the person and the book tbh. like when im driving or doing chores my brain is half checked out so i miss half the plot. but if i sit down with just the audiobook and nothing else i can focus way better and remember more. also i find that certain types of books work better as audio for me. like thrillers or fast paced stuff i zone out on but slower more character driven stuff sticks.

willow_anderson8515d ago

Same here omg. I thought it was just me but thrillers go in one ear and out the other on audio, but slow books actually stick.

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