Do audiobooks count as reading?

[@flexxspectrum1103]

I think where I get frustrated with the discourse in this topic is with those who try to invalidate the experience of someone who took in a story via audiobook. If we’re talking literal definitions, absolutely reading and listening are two different things. However, if one person reads a book physically and another person listens to the same piece via audiobook and they can both have a full and complete conversation about the themes, details, prose, characters, conclusions, etc- then one is not inherently different or more or less valid then the other.

[@RhinoViper]

It goes both ways I think. You have these "influencers" who read 150, 250+ books but really they aren't reading any of them, it's all audio and in some cases it's audio on 2x speed, just so they can get through as many as possible and post as much as possible and get the most clicks. It's like, try slowing down a little and actual read 1 or 2 of them...get an appreciation for actually reading, rather than running through 300 books in a year on 2-3x speed.

[@RealEstateNovelist]

Story telling began as an oral tradition. Humans listened to stories long before we read them. I'm sure we are, to some extent, wired to hear stories. That said, i prefer reading fiction, as it's up ro me to interpret the story any way I choose. I do, however, listen to audiobooks when washing my car or doing mundane chores around the house, because then it feels like time well-spent. I guess I'm saying that having both makes my life worth living. That and coffee. Brilliant video as always❤❤❤

[@suvash11]

I 100% agree that books agree that audiobooks and books are completely different. I would also add that they require two different skill sets. I love physical books and I unfortunately don't have the skill set for audiobooks. When I'm listening to audiobooks, I don't retain information well, struggle with visualizing the story, remembering characters, etc. I'm envious of people who can do audiobooks!

[@knowheretobe_6396]

If you think that listening to a book is the same as reading a book and that I’m elitist for saying it’s not the same, you don’t have a problem with me you have a problem with verbs.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

whoa

[@JoshO1822]

I use audiobooks at work. I’m a mail carrier for USPS and have 6-8 hours every day of mostly solitary work. I also have young children so the amount of time I actually have to read physical books in my ‘free time’ has diminished significantly over the last few years. I agree it’s not the same as reading, and it’s not the same experience. However when you have list after list of books you want to read but don’t have the time to sit down and read the physical copy’s, audiobooks are a great alternative. They let me experience more of the stories I want to read earlier than I would be able to otherwise.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

Thank you for sharing your story. I know it may not seem like much but thank you for what you do. I've heard that it isn't the easiest job in regards to the social aspect. I can totally see how an audio book can really help especially when you don't have much time to physically read.

[@cdomenicci]

As a Visually impaired Reader, Audio Books and Read Out Loud is very important. This is the only way for me . I do have a Kindle Paperwhite, that's read outloud to me . Great Video by the way

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

Really appreciate your perspective. I'm so happy we have audiobooks for those who are impaired. Thank you so much for hanging out again!

[@pxcci3566]

I used to use audiobooks as a way to pace myself faster through a story while also having the physical copy in my hand and there's some good and bad sides about it. The good is that it led to me actually being able to read way faster than before because I would speed it up while also reading the physical copy. Also, it helped me get through stories faster and helped me read more books in general. But, I will say that overtime I got bored with mostly using audiobooks when reading and made me also feel like I was messing with my enjoyment of these stories. I didn't really like using them as a way to get quicker through stories because there's no need to rush at the end of the day and honest enjoyment in a story takes time to build up and it felt like I kept rushing that process. I'm now reading without audiobooks and I'm getting through my book way slower, but I love taking in the detail and getting really lost in pages sometimes. At the end of the day, I think they're a good way to either consume a story while not always having time to read a physical book and I feel like they're also good to use to make your reading pace faster when you aren't listening to one.

[@JaiBlast]

I think about this a lot. I've always struggled a lot with my dyslexia and reading because of that. I would always find reading a book super daunting and because of that I'd never finish them. If it wasn't for audiobooks I 'd have missed so many amazing stories and I truly think I'd have ever got the focus and discipline to enjoy reading a physical book as I do now.

[@baugettearchie3718]

A strange thing I love is when I’m reading and I don’t fully understand a sentence the first time and I read it again and try to work out what it means by myself, and when I do I feel very accomplished. It happens a lot when I’m reading classics.

[@Twiceborn_by_grace]

Idk how long you’ve been on KZbin, but I wish I found you sooner. I love when I see you’ve posted a new video. The way you spoke about your mom makes me understand why you were so compassionate and understanding about my reading speed and lazy eye.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

That warms my heart. Thank you. Never let your reading speed get in the way of enjoying a book!

[@noodlemans]

I don’t know how you did it, but you quietly became one of my favorite KZbin channels. Somehow you broke through the algorithm and slipped into my feed. I guess we have the wheel of time to thank for that. Cheers. Btw, Elden Ring is amazing.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

I'm happy you found me! Glad Wheel of Time made our paths cross! LOVE Elden Ring. Still haven't beat it but I will get back to it once I am done with the Witcher 3!

[@frecksncurls]

Highly recommend the LOTR audiobooks read by Andy Serkis (played Gollum in the movies. They're on Audible and Spotify)! I've read LOTR multiple times and listening to Andy Serkis' audiobooks feels like an indulgence of something already really, really good

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

I've been told this! Still haven't read LotR yet. So my first time through will be a physical read! But I will absolutely give the audiobook a listen down the line! Thank you for the recommendation

[@Szystedt]

I often struggle to concentrate on reading or listening to books, so if possible I prefer to read and listen at the same time! Makes me feel much more immersed and less easily distracted :)

[@-yake-]

I’ve tried that but I read much faster than the narrators speak.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

I like that. I can see how that can be engaging AND immersive!

[@iheartoppa]

Immersive reading is a game changer & is my preferred way of reading now. I feel the most immersed in the book when I am reading it whilst its being read out loud. I think all 3 are different experiences, listening to the audiobook, reading the book or both combined but I think eventually you get the same result which is that you finished(or simply just 'read') the book. I think some people get irritated on when people say they read the book when they listened to the audiobook because 'its not the same thing'. Whilst I agree that the literal definitions are not the same reading is reading and listening is listening but I think in a social setting saying you read that book too when you have listened to the audiobook is adequate as it means you finished the book too. Eg. you make your bed in the morning, you say 'make' but you mean resetting the pillows and duvet, you don't literally make a bed with wood & stuff but you still say make to mean that.

[@milesknightestrada3286]

It is a matter of mentality and circumstance. I personally prefer to sit for 3 to 4 hours and knock out a physical book in a single sitting. The satisfaction that comes in the aftermath is like nothing else! These days, my time is often very limited, and if I don't have those hours availed to me, I do consent to listen to audio books, or write my own. The matter of focus is a fickle thing, which is why I don't do it regularly. E-books give me headaches, and I'm endeavouring to drop devices for good here soon. I figure the odds are 50/50.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

Being intentional with time is so important and choosing to sit down and read a physical book is far more rewarding and satisfactory than ripping through an audio book in the background. Developing discipline and focus is so rewarding. And you get that through time management and being intentional with that time. Thank you for sharing your insight and thoughts!

[@zac9933]

I'm curious what kind of books you read that you can get through them in a single session? I'd love to do that but there's no way I can read 100+ pages an hour, at least not while retaining any of the information.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

@@zac9933 I don't even know what my page per hour rate is. Nor do I care haha Some people are gifted. They can read books so so fast. Sometimes in a single sitting. I know a handful of friends who can do that. Do they remember the books? eh that's a different story.

[@milesknightestrada3286]

​@zac9933 To answer your question, I read all kinds of books. But mostly novels from the late 19th and early 20th century, myself a writer in practise. I can read about 60 pages an hour, which is a double increase from my speed four years ago. I have no explanation for this, apart from endeavouring to read absolutely everything.

[@davidmoolenaar1758]

What about taking time to listen to the audiobook and having complete focus on it. Do you think that the experience compared to reading physical books will still be different. Will there still be the benefit of increased learning and focus?

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

I absolutely know listening is another skill to learn and develop. There are great benefits with an audiobook. But when it comes to audiobooks, I just think it's too easy to wonder or go do things while it's in the background. And use it as a crutch. Or an excuse. When I physically read, I am carving out that time to be with that book. My eyes following that text. My brain processing the information. I am limiting other distractions and fully focusing on the lines in front of me. The act of sitting down with a physical book takes more skill especially NOWADAYS with how easy it is to access media. KZbin, podcasts, music, audiobooks, etc. We have lost a sense of focus and discipline to sit down with something physical as a book. I think people sometimes use audiobooks as a crutch or a replacement of the physical book. Also, sacrifices have to be made. Especially nowadays with how easy it is to access digital content. This past year I have developed as a reader and have become more disciplined. I've given up a lot of the tv shows and visual medias. And use that time for books and reading.

[@FabioAlac]

Yeah, I totally agree with you, Thomas. And man, The Witcher 3 is such an awesome game.

[@aleenatj5360]

I agree. Personally I prefer the act of reading compared to listening to audiobooks. For me, developing the habit of reading mattered and I took to redeveloping it this year. This is why I cannot accept listening to audiobooks as a form of reading. Sure, in the case of audiobooks you are completing the book, but you aren't 'reading it'. When in school I had tried listening to creepy pasta stories through a narrator but it just didnt work for me. Listening to audiobooks also requires a certain skill which many may not possess.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

I totally agree with you! Listening is definitely a different skill to develop but audio books more often than not are a cop out vs sitting down without distractions with an open book in hand. When I listen like for a class or workshop, I take notes. That helps me stay engaged and actually retain the information.

[@huntercooper6273]

If I am reading a book I can’t read anything else until that one is finished I don’t know how to break that feeling

[@juliall255]

I was the same as you about audiobooks until I recently listened to the first four books of WOT by Rosamund Pike. and physically read book 5 onwards. Now currently on book 8 and I am looking forward to her narration of Fires of Heaven next year (fingers crossed!) I have never understood the appeal of audiobooks until I listened to her doing it...and I think get it now. like, oh my god, i REALLY get it. Pike's narration of eye of the world prologue had me hooked, she goes so damn hard. I was NOT prepared for that level of emotional investment and thought ''oh this woman is about to get **BUSY** ''. While most people narrate, she PERFORMS. I felt the emotions of every sentence she read. Her voice was made for narrating high fantasy and I will fight for her honour on those who disagree. She can easily do any man or woman no matter the culture or age that they belong to, it's uncanny. Mat sounds distinct from Rand, as does Moraine from Perrin, she can do anyone in the White tower. Can jump from a 50-year-old Irishman to a 20-something girl with a Texan drawl who are speaking to each other like it's just two different people chatting. . . She can do high-class, she can do low-class, she can do literally ANY voice that's thrown at her. There have been times when I have to literally pause and remind myself that this is all one woman narrating a vast amount of characters..., she's insane. She'll even put something in her mouth if a character is described to be speaking while smoking a pipe or taking a drink from a goblet.And will cover her mouth if someone has been gagged. She goes 110%.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

YES! I dabbled a little bit with her performance in the first few books though I mainly read WoT physically. She is AMAZING. Truly one of the only reasons I wold listen to an audio book is for the narrator's performance. Now that I am 12 books, looking back some of the voices just don't stick with me in my mind. Like the Seanchan haha. But anyways so so so good. It feels like she cares about this role as narrator. I would listen to the entire series just for her. My mother In-law started the first 2 books with her. Then accidentally downloaded the older version of Dragon Reborn. SO BLAND haha

[@juliall255]

@@Thomas.R.Howell Yeah I know it's sacrilege to not like Reading and Kramer but I can't enjoy someone getting chased by trollocs. when it sounds like a 1960s forecast rendition of the weather

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

@@juliall255 EXACTLY Goodness Kramer is bleh. I am thankful for narrators would truly embody the feeling and tone of a book. Will Patton is another one for me who blows it out of the water with his performance. SO good. He did the Bill Hodges Trilogy by Stephen King.

[@zack-apsalar-rake]

As long as my eyes work, I will always prefer reading over audiobooks. The main reason is that I truly relish the act of reading itself-the tactile experience and the immersion it brings. I’m someone who enjoys revisiting earlier pages, checking if I missed something, or seeing how my understanding shifts as I gain new insights. I often flip back through chapters, reflecting on how my perspective evolves with each new detail. I’ve never been one to skim a book or rush through it. For me, reading is a hobby, not something to measure or set goals for. I would never impose a KPI on it.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

This is awesome. I too like to return to older chapters and seeing the bits of foreshadowing or early moments of a character's development. I am taking my sweet time with the book I am reading now. I never want to rush!

[@anth636]

My favorite audiobooks to listen to are autobiography’s/memoirs narrated by the authors themselves. A Movie Making Nerd by James Rolfe is soothing to listen to on a walk, and Me Myself & Bob by Phil Vischer hits so much harder when it’s coming out of the mouth of the man who experienced what he’s talking about.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

That is amazing. I know Stephen King has a book on writing and the first half is an autobiography of his life. AND it's narrated by him. Makes that book more special. You get a different connection with that book when it is told by the man who wrote it.

[@thereadingmama]

Audiobooks are so helpful, it's the only way I can read books and choose for our curriculum (homeschooler here), but there are so many books that as I'm listening I make notes, commonplace, etc. The audiobooks just help me weed through choices faster. Though I do agree sometimes I just need to read the physical book, and it is my favorite way to read but not always possible with big family. Audiobooks in our home are primarily for fun and to spend our time better (like long drives). Another benefit of audiobooks, sometimes a particularly tricky book to get into can be redeemed with a good audiobook narrator. Robinson Crusoe was hard for me to get into and my children, then we grabbed an audiobook version. It was amazing, so amazing that after that my kid kept "stealing" the physical book to read ahead because she couldn't wait for the audio installment. Same for my dyslexic child, listening to a book and following along helps her focus. Audiobooks even got my non-reader husband, to start picking up books more. That said in a very literature & reading focused family, reading physical books will always be primary. There are studies that show that just reading the actual words on the page (or ereader) help promote most of those tricky language skills we struggle to assimilate in school like spelling, vocabulary, grammar, etc.

[@Christian-ut2sp]

Great video, love your perspective. All I’ll say is I listened to this while doing the dishes and was fully engaged 😉

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

love it hahaha

[@dana7340]

For me audiobooks are a learning tool. I have a rather boring job that I’ve been doing for 32 years plus I work alone, so I operate on autopilot the majority of the time. So I use the time as an opportunity to learn about anthropology, archaeology, geology, social sciences, politics, animal husbandry, soil sciences, philosophy, history and the list goes on and on. Physical reading is where I enjoy genre reading: horror, historical fiction, fantasy & sci-fi, it’s more entertainment for me.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

I can relate to that. I've dipped my toes into practical non fiction books through audio.

[@NathanOnline]

I have to agree here, I’ve heard it said (I’m not sure where, it’s just one of those thoughts that float around in my head) that audio and physically reading are the same but I never found that to be true in my experience. I always prefer reading a physical book, for me, it just works. Not sure why but it does. I found audio books to be great for non fiction books though, typically I’m less apt to read them but audio books make it more enticing and almost all non fiction I’ve read (or listened to I guess haha) was through an audio book. So yea, I think they’re different :)

[@glauer42]

Agreed. No one would say that listening to an informative podcast, such as NPR, is reading. So why is listening to an audiobook, which I consider the exact same act, considered by so many to be reading? Yes, when one later reflects back on the information, how it was absorbed likely doesn't affect the ability to retrieve it and regurgitate it. But the act as you acquired it in the first place? Listening vs. reading is engaging a different set of skills. Edit: what do you think of reading ebooks vs paper books? Maybe there's a video there waiting to be made!

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

EXACTLY! This! Every word. So true. I absolutely want to make a video on that. I happen to read from a kindle every now and then. And I will explain why in a video!

[@glauer42]

​@@Thomas.R.Howell I buy a physical book for things I really like, and thus want a physical keepsake. But otherwise? When I decided to read A Song of Ice and Fire, I did the experiment of, let's only get this in e-form, and see how it goes. I found I enjoy the space I've saved by not having those huge tomes somewhere in the house vs having "the thing."

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

@@glauer42 Love that approach! I also go to a lot of used book stores. So buying physical then handing it down or around just keeps the book traveling into new hands. I buy hardcovers of books I love. Anniversary or illustrated editions. Collectibles. But I only have a few because books are supposed to be read not displayed on a shelf like a museum.

[@glauer42]

@@Thomas.R.Howell I still buy used books as well. A few months ago I got Catch-22 and Bluebeard (Vonnegut) for a couple of bucks each. New? I'll buy a book if it's by a fav author, otherwise I'll get it from the library and/or wait for it to go on sale for $2-3 as an eBook. I've gotten so many eBooks (both classic and modern) at that price that I truly have enough books to last me until the end of my life.

[@marnieholdsworthgreen8449]

I’m a music student, so this idea of listening vs. reading is incredibly interesting. Especially when it comes to digesting information. As far as audiobooks go, I can’t say I’ve ever managed to get through one - I can’t listen to podcasts either because I find it hard to focus on something word-based without actually looking at the words. Processing music is a completely different listening experience, you see. But trying to process regular, conversational or informational words without any kind of visual aid is a thing I really struggle to keep engaged with. I always found it interesting though, that I am really good at processing words by listening if I am taking notes. For example, listening to a podcast - I can’t do so idly, but if I am actively seeking information for a class, I can listen to a full hour and take notes; maintaining full engagement all the while. But, I would speculate such a shift comes from the fact that I am manipulating the aural experience into a process whereby the audio becomes visual. I am turning the words I’m hearing into words that I can see. For all of that though, I can process things audibly and retain them. Conversations with people are a good example of that. But those are strongly situational and most of the time, are inextricable from the visual and spatial context in which the conversations were had, so it isn’t just the aural reception of information, but the entire scene. Such an interesting discussion topic though! I love your channel - one of the only ones that I find peaceful on here. I really like this video concept of just posing an idea and encouraging open discussion in the comments - it feels like a little seminar.

[@marteninanattic6496]

okay, but tbf, my mind wanders when I read too; not just when listening to audiobooks, I think.

[@cdomenicci]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this particular Topic . Greetings from Wisconsin

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

Greetings from Cali! I have a few friends from Wisconsin. Hope you stay warm! Winter is coming.

[@cdomenicci]

@@Thomas.R.Howell thanks, I love winter hahaha🙂🙂🙂

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

@@cdomenicci me too even though we don't get much of a winter here haha Its the perfect time to read!

[@popculture3394]

@@Thomas.R.Howell I am in Cali. Bay Area.

[@Chloe__Andrew05]

I have an audio processing disorder so when I listen to an audiobook I don’t retain anything I’ve heard. I do listen to audiobooks but for me I don’t count them as reading I count them as a separate entity. I am actually so jealous of people who can read audio mediums because I would use them so much more.

[@DannySabraArt]

I feel that the differences between audio books, ebooks and paper books really depend on the type of book and how important it is to me. For instance I really enjoy reading spy thrillers and police procedurals. I prefer to listen to those even though they’re very fun to read as well. But I enjoy the pacing and atmosphere (especially when you follow the same narrator through a long series). On the other hand audiobooks do not work for me with complex works like philosophy for instance or a highly quotable book. I have to pause so much to stop and think or rewind and listen again to try to understand. Paper is much better in that situation. Some nonfiction which is light or popular science can be really good as an audiobook. The paper book will slow me down but listening just delivers the info in a digestible way for me. Ironically I tried starting the Wheel of time about four times with the audiobook and just couldnt get into it. As soon as I started reading the paper version I got immediately sucked in and I love it. Savoring the descriptions and enjoying the slower process of experiencing the world is great for a book like that.

[@TheBlindFates]

Personally, I like to read physical books when I can (kindle when I cant), then I'll resort to audio-books for any "re-reads" I want to do. This way I dont need full focus, since I've already read the story before

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

That's awesome. Love that routine.

[@jordynlillibridge2769]

I will listen to harder books first and then go back and read them once I have that baseline of understanding. Doing this right now with the Intellectual Life.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

love that

[@robertgall92]

I find this particular topic really fascinating. Personally I also prefer reading physical books, but that’s mostly because my mind wanders terribly when I try to listen to an audiobook - I really do envy those who are good at active listening and are able to enjoy a story this way. ps. I just bought The Name of the Wind today based on your videos. I’m really looking forward to reading it.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

It really is a fascinating topic especially with how split down the middle it is. Thank you for sharing your perspective! I'm so excited for you! I always get sad when someone tells me they read Name of the Wind but they actually listened to it. The narrator is dull and takes away so much of what makes this book so special. Physically reading it you will see and appreciate the intricate wordplay and sentence structure. Truly haven't read anything else like it. Excited for you to dive into it!

[@michaelgarcia2973]

Hey Thomas I enjoyed listening to Jeremy Irons read TS Eliots poems on audio as I read along on TS Eliot and it made it come more alive !

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

Jeremy Irons is amazing!

[@SuperStrangSshadow]

I do listen to audiobooks sometimes because of chronic fatigue. But I mostly read pyshical and prefer physical books because they keep my attention a lot longer. And when I read physical books it gives me the oppurtunity to listen to music/ambience videos while reading.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

I LOVE listening to ambience or music while reading. For Wheel of Time or anything fantasy I listen to Skyrim ambience in the background. So so nice.

[@hatthawattha]

As working with Ukrainian elderly people who 1. can't really read because eye problems and 2. can't access the Ukrainian books since there are very little of them available, I would imagine the AI thing would be beneficial if it could just switch to ukrainian while listening. However with the current AI and the art of writing in general, that would require still someone to translate the book to capture the essence correctly. But that's something I have noticed in my work regarding audiobooks that there's a need for that especially with any immigrants far from their own country and not knowing the language.

[@DimitrisRebelYell]

Amen. Amen! I only read physical books. Can't imagine anything else.

[@zac9933]

They've done studies that show the benefits of reading and audio books is close to identical. They both have small tertiary benefits that the others don't, such as reading comprehension vs listening comprehension, but the overall net gains are nearly the same. I'd also push against your perspective of sitting down to focus on a book vs the ease of distraction that comes with audio books. I think it's a matter of intentionality, one can just as easily sit down with some headphones with the intent of solely focusing on the audio book. Similarly, I've seen people read novels while walking down the street with their dog. The level of focus is dependent on the users intent. All of that being said, I do prefer physical books and if I do listen to an audio book I like the performative aspect kept to a minimum. Not a fan of the reader doing sound effects and a bunch of different voices like it's a 1 person play. I also do NOT consider audio books reading. It's a pet peeve of mine when people say things like they "read a lot on audible." I have no problem with audio books, but you are explicitly not reading them. I see audio books as being more akin to podcasts. And that was my novel of a comment, thanks for coming.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

You make some great points! I too share that pet peeve. I'll hear over and over how someone read a book or reads books only to find out they actually listened to it. It's just not the same. Really appreciate your thoughts and perspective!

[@doomslug6449]

I read printed books until high school, then later switch to audiobooks and ebooks after losing my sight completely, and my experience with either medium isn't really that much different. With physical books, I read the words then visualize everything that's being described in the text; with audiobooks and ebooks, I listen to the words then simultaneously visualize the scenes and the text. I even had a bit of experience reading in braille, and again, not much of a difference; I just read the words using my fingers, then visualize what's being described in the text. The level of how distracted I would be while reading depends entirely on how gripping the writing/story is and has nothing to do whatsoever with the format of the book I'm consuming. I guess what I'm saying is yes, the act of reading and the act of listening are literally two different things, but being particular about how one has consume a book is kinda unnecessary. Unless you only want to discuss the visual stuff, e.g. the cover, interior illustrations, etc, then maybe someone who has only listened to the book can't partake on that discussion. They can always look them up, though. Some audiobooks even have descriptions for interior illustrations now, too.

[@Michael2512]

I could never do fictional audiobooks. My mind would wonder too much. Eventually I learnt I can do fictional audiobooks if I’m doing something else like driving or doing chores. However, I use audiobooks strategically. For example I’m using them to get through the SLOG in the wheel of time. I don’t think I could do it without it. I’ll also use audio books for less serious ‘fun books’.

[@CampbellNotTheSoup]

The smell of a newly bought book cannot be beat

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

How about a used book? Those can be pretty nice too. Although I prefer the new smell, a used book has a story to it.

[@CampbellNotTheSoup]

@@Thomas.R.Howell Every year I have a relative who gifts me a random used book, one time one of them had an old note card with some notes about the book. They can be very insightful about the perspective a book from just a random log someone kept.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

@@CampbellNotTheSoup so so cool. I found an old John Wooden book with his signature in it. He is a legendary UCLA basketball coach.

[@TheBlindFates]

I agree with your points. However, I beleive this debate is brought up most frequently when people are counting how many books they've "read" and it's more a matter of whether listing to a book counts as having read that book. In this case, I think that reading and listening are two different activities, but in regards to getting the experience of the story of the book, either option yields the same result, and I think, that's what people mean when they ask if audiobooks "count' as reading. I dont think they're question whether the activity is the same or not.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

YES! Great points! I've noticed more and more people fixate on pages read, speed they are reading at, books they've read, and NOT actually enjoying and metabolizing the book in hand. They focus on all the other little things. Making reading much more of a competition than a VERY enjoyable and relaxing and beneficial hobby.

[@csjacko_]

Completely understand where you are coming and i agree, however for me I switch between the two because I do not have time to read that much with my job going on. So I read the physical book when I can, and listen to the audio book while im working. Not cause i wanna rush the story, but because I am so hooked (currently reading/listening to The lord of the rings) Loved the video btw

[@virginiajb]

I've only listened to a couple audiobooks because there was no physical or written version, but I always read books. I completely agree with your opinion, for me actually reading is having the book in your hands and read the text. Sure audiobooks are useful for some people and are a much better option than wasting time in socal media, but I just love reading my books.

[@hatthawattha]

We had children's books by Astrid Lingren read on tapes back in the 90s in Finland and I remember listening to few of her books that I was not interested to read. So when the audiobooks came, it was nothing new to me. However in Finland the books are often read without acting them. I have also listened books in english and in german and I often find the same audiobook so much more enjoyable in german than in english. For me if the language sounds really cool, I prefer reading the book but if it's just the matter of knowing what the hype is, then I listen. The act of doing it is different and listening really doesn't stick in the brain like actually reading it. It is difficult to remember sentences to note down from audiobook. Sometimes I have the actual book and listen it while reading it. Especially classics that I have on my bookself. But then there's a matter of accessing books that you otherwise would have to buy that are not published in Finland. In Finland though there's a fight of money going on since the subscriptions are so little in money that the companies only pay pennies to the authors. So Many Finnish authors have announced that they read their books themselves or they have pulled all their audiobooks out of the subscription services. So if you want that book you are forced to actually read it. We also got our first Finnish book readers giving their voices to AI (on Storytel) so you can switch the reader. But there's just something that it doesn't sound quite right.

[@Meerkat184]

I love music too much to listen to audio books. When my headphones go on it's just for music. When I've tried audiobooks in the past but I've ended up trying to multi task and lost track of what was being told. But music is great for this, either in the background or just to listen to. When I'm reading a book it's only because I've deliberately set aside the time. But I appreciate they are a more acessible form of "reading" when not able to, like when driving.

[@Coronaboii88]

Nothing like having a physical book to read as well as a physical library in your home to go to. I no longer care about owning physical copies of video games. I'm ok with buying them digital. But books? Nah, I gotta have them physical.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

I LOVE physical books. There is something so special about holding the physical book. Feeling the pages in my hands. Something no one can take away from me. Something digital though...idk feels like they can take a game or a kindle book off the servers and poof.

[@popculture3394]

I agree with you audiobook is not reading. We don’t have a better word for experiencing a book. So I just say I read the book so it’s not a debate. Another aspect is learning disabilities. I am dyslexic so I often listen to audiobook while following along with the book. Some other people can only experience the book through audiobook so they often feel less than the “readers” so going back to the language of how we talk about books. I do both. My favorite audiobooks is biography read by the other. You get a different experience vs just reading.

[@Gronmin]

I have a learning disability as well that mostly effects my reading, and yeah I completely agree. I don't think people actually think listening to audio books is the same as reading, but it's an easier short hand to just say you read it for conversations. Also how do you read and listen at the same time? I tried it once and it felt like the two got separated from each other, with the audio always getting ahead of me. Is there a system or technology that you use for it?

[@popculture3394]

@@Gronmin Hello, Thank you for sharing. I do read and listen at the same time. But I change the speed. When just listening and no book I listen to it at 1.25 speed. When I have a book I listen to 1.75 or 2.0 speed cause I can stay up with that speed with book and my mind doesn't wonder. As with any disabilities, it all depends on the day.

[@Bigbluemeanie234]

I hear ya on the two mediums being a totally different experience. That being said, I often tandem read with both on the same book/series. I don't always have the time I'd like to sit down and read the book (although I'd much prefer that). The time I get to sit and read usually comes at night times after my kids have gone to bed.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

nighttime reading is best! Problem is I fall asleep pretty quickly. So morning reading is where I get most of it done.

[@bighos98]

I love reading the book, but i agree if the narrator is amazing i can easily listen to more than i read. Andy Sarkis for The Hobbit was amazing, but the narrator for the book im reading now isnt as immersive imo so i will physically read that whole book.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

Will Patton for me is one of the best for the Bill Hodges trilogy by Stephen King and the Outsider book. And it sucks when a narrator is dull and boring and literally just reading the words. It can ruin an entire book. I get sad when I hear people audiobook my favorite book Name of the Wind. Feels like a missed opportunity. They didn't get to experience the story through reading the words. The intricate writing style and sentence structure.

[@bighos98]

@@Thomas.R.Howell that book is on my TBR will try and get it some point next year only heard amazing things about it. I will keep that in mind if i ever listen to stephen king books Thanks

[@dellh86]

Audiobooks are totally "getting it done" lol. I do use them though, since there are many nonfiction books I consume purely for the information in them. I audiobook science and philosophy(if the philosopher is someone I don't find particularly important) For philosophers I take more seriously and literature, I always read the words. I think the big thing that audiobooks lose it the "feel" of reading. You will get the information, though.

[@Gronmin]

As someone with a learning disability, maybe it's because I'm weird but I actually feel the same experience when I'm reading vs listening. Or maybe it's because for both I create and follow the same picture in head of what's happening regardless of the medium. The main difference for me is the speed, as I do read really slowly and will often need to reread sentences to understand them (and you miss the sentence structure as you mentioned in the video). I personally say I read X unless I'm talking further about it as it's an easier short hand to use so you don't have to explain it everytime. Also because I do a mix of both (but I will only either read it or listen not a combination) reading and audio it's easier to summarize it all as reading rather than consuming or something like that. But maybe my thoughts on this have changed since I've been behind on my reading for the last... almost year now. Edit: Also don't multi task it doesn't actually work, your just switching between the tasks very quickly and not immersing yourself in either. With small exceptions for very light physical activities (like slow walking along a route you know well ie 0 thinking involved), but I'm not sure where that line is although it's pretty low a traffic crossing probably causes you to cross that line. Starwars books are the only books I'd say might actually just be better as audio books then as books. All of the performances are great and the production quality with the sound effects, the music, their actually incredible

[@Bryan-qz4np]

I feel the same way about audiobooks; they're important, even crucial for some people. We listen to audiobooks on long car rides with the kids, and they're a great form of media...but it's definitely not reading. When driving, I can definitely tune out and let my mind wander and miss parts of the story and then come back to it. For this reason above all others, we exclusively choose for our car rides audiobook versions of stories we've already read to the kids. Lord Of The Rings narrated by Andy Serkis is a current favourite (the kids absolutely love his Gollum voice). One time, when my wife asked the girls if they wanted maybe a Wings Of Fire audiobook, my eldest replied "Mom, we like it better when Dad reads it first". I don't know what I'm trying to say here, other than maybe I missed my calling as an audiobook narrator!

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

I love that. I heard amazing things about the Lord of the Rings audio book narrated by Andy Serkis. But I will physically read it when I read it for the first time! Love that you read to your kids. What special moments those must be

[@Froahk]

Thank you for pulling up the definitions. I've had a strong opinion about this ever since I first saw a video where someone made the argument that audiobook listeners can call themselves readers. I would say that’s just literally incorrect. There are clear definitions of both listening and reading and they are not the same.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

Normally I don't like to use the word literally but in this video and on this topic. I can use it with confidence. Reading and Listening are LITERALLY two different things. lol

[@George__Parasol279]

If someone reads half a book and listens to half the book, can they say they read the book?

[@thegreatwaugh]

I like both, but my preference is physical reading.

[@Justin_Rose]

Love the video. As an author, I've written novels and also written a script for a full cast audio drama. I adore both mediums. I've listened to so many hundreds of hours of Michael Kramer and Kate Reading reading high fantasy, that they feel like friends. But they are not the same. Prose on page is a much purer distillation of author intent and skill. The beauty of the piece is restricted to a single person's intent and ability. Whatever beauty is there comes only from the words, not their presentation. There is a closeness to the author and his story that will not be found in other mediums. Audio is another type of art, a more collaborative synthesizing of multiple skill sets to create a new work. And I love it. My audio drama is probably my favorite thing I've made. But it is different

[@BarryPLAYz]

Audio books allow you consume more content than reading. You can’t read while driving in a car or doing many things at the gym. It’s hard to read a fantasy while booking spaghetti too.

[@Lvsl_iftdv]

What about immersion/immersive reading? Reading a physical book while listening to the audiobook. For me, it's the best of both worlds and it helps staying focused. An amazing narrator can really change your experience of the book imo. That's what happened to me when listening to The Three Musketeers in French. There are some fantastic French narrators whom I could listen to forever. I haven't listened to LOTR and WOT yet but Andy Serkis and Rosamund Pike seem to have done a wonderful job. I would add that I can personally appreciate the writing style with audiobooks as well and that my mind wanders just as much when reading a physical book. I had to "train" my mind to stay focused when I started listening to audiobooks. I recommend starting with memoirs read by the author. It almost feels like the most natural way to "read" memoirs to me. It's as if the author was telling you their story directly. All in all, books are a magical thing but I've recently began to feel like audiobooks are just as magical, in a different way. Being able to "turn on" a story told by a great narrator at any time of the day on your phone or computer feels magical to me. You could also see audiobooks as a theatre play. You can read a play but seeing it played live in a theatre, or even watching a recording on KZbin, is a different experience. As someone else said in the comments, stories and books were first told or read aloud and experienced collectively. To me, audiobooks are part of this tradition. They make me feel connected to earlier humans.

[@HipHoboHarold]

I do agree with certain points. Particularly the pros/cons to them. I love my audiobooks because I can take my dog for a walk and still get my story, but there are times when something happens and i lose concentration for a second. Sometimes I will go back, but sometimes I just move on. Books I can lose myself in them more, but Im also stuck just reading. I also think audiobooks mostly work best for fiction. I also think if the prose is important for a particular book, reading is the best option. I tried the audiobook of On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous, and I stopped to get a copy to read instead because while it was still beautiful to listen to, I felt like I couldn't take my time to appreciate it. However, everytime this conversation comes up, I disagree with just about everything else. For starters, I dont see it as a different medium in the same sense. The words and the words. The story is the story. When you go from a book to a movie, it's no longer a story being told, but being shown. It's not written, it's acted. You can then take it a step further with video games, where the interaction is a big part of the focus. But the big difference between book vs audiobook for me is which sense do I use. Looking or listening. I don't pick them based on if I'm just wanting to get a book over with. If I feel that way about a book, I just stop reading it and move on. I also don't feel any more of a sense of accomplishment from sitting down and reading over listening to the audiobook. 95% of the time I don't feel like I ultimately get more out of one or the other. I think it's similar to the argument of physical book vs eReader. For those who enjoy feel of a physical book, great. Like the smell? Awesome. I get that. I do buy physical books because I do enjoy them. But I also mostly read on my eReader because it's convenient and the story is exactly the same. Ultimately for me, that's what I am focused on. And that's not to say it's less important to you or anyone else. I guess it's more that the other aspects are just less important to me. I've both read and listened to the entire Sherlocke Holmes series, so I've been on that edventure twice and I loved in both times. Ive done the same with the Dark Tower series. I recently did the audiobooks for Before the How High We Go In The Dark, and just like with reading some books there were moments when I stopped to take in exactly what was going on and contemplate things. Before the Coffee Gets Cold was a fresh take on a concept like time travel, and I really felt for each of the characters, despite it being told to me audibly instead of being printed on paper. So I still consider it reading.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

I see your comment trust me I am not ignoring you, I want to really give it my full attention before I respond. Seriously thank you for sharing your thoughts and insight! So happy to have conversations.

[@robertpatenaude]

I can never quite get why this is a debate? Like you stated, the word reading has a meaning. Consume the book in whatever format that you prefer, or works for you, but you cannot say that you have read it, when you only listened to it. To me it comes down to the meaning of both words. Be well, stay safe.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

I agree. I really don't know why either. As I said in the video I am not against audio books nor do I look down on people. It's just a bit odd when they redefine the word "read" and equate it to an audio book.

[@bibhakargayen]

i personally prefer physical books as they help me focus in the book more immediately and it is more enjoyable.. only if i like the book.. i have never tried an audiobook should i? and yeah i can perfectly see through my eyes.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

If you like physical books! Stick with em. They are truly amazing. If you want to try out audio books why not? I just prefer Physical books over the audio medium.

[@auistin2001]

Audiobooks are the next level of reading. 80% of my reading for the year are audiobooks because I drive a lot and if I read a book I will fall sleep. It’s just my opinion and my experience.

[@adrianthueler9611]

It’s a very interesting topic. Me personally I do both often I buy the paper book and the audio book. Like this I’m able to go for a walk and get a second time through the text. I struggle more with the question or paper or e-books. I just love the feeling of the paper the possibility to annotate. But a im often traveling it’s hard always to take paper books with me so i take it on a e-book which is also reading but is still not the same. In the oder hand the annotation ist digitally which is an advantage as well. However thanks a lot for sharing your thoughts with us.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

I dabbed into e-books here and there on kindle. It's convenient especially when I travel for work and low light reading...but I now fully read only physical books. Even if its a thick book, I'll still bring it on my travels.

[@huntercooper6273]

I feel threatened by big novels and can’t start them I don’t have the motivation to because I’m worried I will start it and never finish it

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

I made a new video on this topic. What timing!

[@huntercooper6273]

@ your videos really help me thank you I’m in the middle of misery and after I want to read IT Which has like 3 times the pages you really give me the motivation to read it you’re right about counting the pages will ruin the book, reading should be about not wanting the pages to end because you’re so lost in the story. Thank you again for your videos they help a lot more people than just me

[@booksbeerhorror753]

Great conversation. Personally, I don't retain as much from audio. It's hard to focus. I will occasionally try an audiobook only for quick/easy stuff like a light romance or thriller. Never for dense fantasy or historical, etc...

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

same! Wheel of Time is a must physical read. It's so dense! That if you audio book it, you'll miss out on so much.

[@alinigurumi6311]

Since you always ask so nicely, I would like to leave you a comment under this video again (last time it was under the coffee-table book video, but I haven't bought one yet, but plan to). I'm sorry if this comment is too long, but I also love talking and discussing books. It's exciting that your mother was a history teacher. I'm currently writing my master's thesis and plan to teach politics, economics, German language and literature afterwards and thus accompany the adolescents to the Abitur. So, logically, books also play a big role for me and I'm pleased that you've found such a nice solution with your mother. My opinion on audiobooks: I don't count them either, I always say I've consumed X number of books this year and X of them have been read. Although I only say that when I'm asked, because I think it's ridiculous to be happy about the number of books you've read. You simply can't compare reading a 300-page romance novel and on the other hand War and Peace also counts as one book. But even then I think it's stupid when people gatekeep. I'm happy about every person who reads! No matter what he or she reads. I'm one of those people who drive a lot and therefore enjoy listening to audiobooks, but they're always either books for young people (Eragon, for example) or books that I've already read. With Lord of the Rings, where I'm currently reading the second part, it's important to me that I get the full book experience through the real pages of a physical book. But I also like to travel with my Tolino (in America I think the kobo is used, Tolino is for German-speaking countries). I can easily borrow ebooks from the library and take them everywhere with me, as I never leave the house without books. So no, audiobooks don't count as books read, but they definitely have their place and I'd rather people listen to audiobooks while doing housework, driving or going for a walk than miss out on the wonderful world of stories altogether. In terms of audiobooks, I found these audiobooks better than reading them myself - Finding me by Viola Davis and The Storyteller by Dave Grohl; the fact that they both recorded them themselves and you can really hear teir own voice breaking at some moments - goosebumps. Yes, those were my thoughts for now, sorry for the monologue and thanks for taking the time to read it!

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

Love every bit of this. Please don't apologize for long comments at all. I LOVE talking books! I fully agree with you! I totally believe audio books have a place in this world just like movies and television. I just prefer a physical book. And I do believe they are two different things. My whole thing is when someone who is able to see and read and they have the time, they still choose to use an audiobook. THEN they say they read that book. It's something I've noticed more and more throughout conversations in life or hearing people discuss books online. It hurts hearing that. No I will never gatekeep. If someone prefers audiobooks by all means! Do what makes you happy. I guess for the lack of a better term, my pet peeve, is when someone claims they read a book when in reality they listened to it. Two different experiences. You cannot change the definition of read and listen. The point of this video is to really bring attention to the attitude and perspective when approaching reading/ listening to audio books. And realize the reality of each medium. And but of course if someone tells me they read a book when in actuality they listened to it, I won't call them out! I will listen to them and talk books with them! AND nor will I ever look down on that. Everyone has their own life and circumstances.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

oh also I always find it interesting when people count how many books they read in a year. It just seems to stray away from the right motivation toward reading. If your motivation to read is to read a number of books a year but not metabolize what you read, then..... what are you doing? ALSO book length. I know it's a different topic but the length of a book should never scare you away from reading it. Let's say you read 2 300 page books. That's 600 pages. So why was a 600 page book more frightening to approach than 2 300 page books? It's interesting. I might make a video on that!

[@alinigurumi6311]

​@@Thomas.R.Howell Never heard the expression “My pet peeves” before :D You always learn something new! Everything you described came across exactly the same in the video :). Some of it was more for people who read this comment who are also interested in books. So the point of your video came across exactly the same. I don't actively count what I read and I don't have goals for how much I read :D. But since I borrow many books from the library, I would still like to have a small overview of what I have read, since I don't always see it all physically. Just like I track movies on letterbox, I track the books I read on Storygraph. I like the app because it also uses graphs to show me what I'm reading and how. So I'm not interested in the numbers, but as I can otherwise lose track of the library, I can always see which books I've read and when, and how much I liked this book, as I also rate it. I find this particularly interesting if you read the books again at some point, because as your life circumstances change and you get older, you look at books differently and the ratings can therefore also change with rereads. Personally, I don't care how many pages a book has and it doesn't put me off, but I'm definitely a mood reader and like to jump from one genre to a completely different one. When I'm in a strong mood for change, it can be nice to quickly switch genres again if the book is shorter (but it never stops me from reading thick books). I probably want to read “a little life” after Lord of the Rings, but I know from a friend that it will bring a lot of sadness and I will either read a “good mood” book in parallel or afterwards (knowing me). I think that at some point you also said that you only read one book at a time and only when you've finished one do you start a new one. If I remember correctly, our opinions differ on this. I love to think about what mood I'm in every evening and if a book is making me sad and the day is bad, I want to be able to read/get to know a good mood book or some distant fantasy world, for example. But I also have to say that I don't have any series or anything like that as an alternative. I work in a movie theater alongside my studies. I/We either watch a movie there in the evening or I read. My boyfriend also prefers watching movies to series :D. So I either read alone while my bf is playing a computergame or we watch a movie about once a week. That's why it's important for me to really be able to jump around. But I never read more than 2-3 books at the same time. But at the moment, for example, I'm “only” reading Lord of the Rings and nothing at the same time. So it's not always the case that I switch.

[@hanna_books]

Hi there. KZbin recommended this video to me and yes, now you have another one subscriber. I agree with you ^_^ Being able to physically read a book is a luxury for me. When you are completely immersed in reading without the outside world, highlighting interesting phrases, being completely concentrated. . For me personally, audiobooks are not my thing. I listen to them very rarely and only when I have other things to do (like housework and so on). . I also agree with the comments below - that having both makes my life worth living. Thanks for the video, it was interesting to hear your opinion:)

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

Thank you so much! So happy our paths crossed! What kind of books are you into? What are some of your favorites?

[@hanna_books]

@@Thomas.R.Howell I love dramatic, not typical stories without a happy ending (I don't know why😅) I am currently reading Janet Walls' memoir The Glass Castle

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

@@hanna_books Same. I don't need all the happy endings for my stories! Means that story is grounded in reality.

[@Tarasreadingnook]

Two different mediums but i personally think it's actually reading its proven that your brain takes it as if you are reading.

[@RhinoViper]

I think also why audiobooks good a bad rap from some people...at least on social media...is because everyone seems to be fighting for #'s. Whether that's #'s of books read or #'s of views on their social media accounts or whatever. And so a lot of these "influencers" will utilize audio books and even audio books on 2x speed just to boast their 150, 250+ books read and all that. It isn't about "reading" for these people, it's about knocking out as many as possible by any means necessary. But yeah, I really enjoy reading and at last half of what I enjoy about reading, is....reading itself...the act of reading...feeling the accomplishment of reading. I'm not really interested in being read too personally...i'll listen to podcasts for that or just music...usually podcasts though.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

People focus on the numbers! You are so right. Quantity over quality.

[@noodlemans]

I’m going to comment twice, once before I start the video and again after watching. Let’s see if you change my mind. Before: audiobooks do not count as reading a book. For me at least. I can’t stay focused during an audiobook. I just drift off. I appreciate the voices but they don’t compare to anything in my head. But for people with eyesight issues, I think for them it does. Oh boy, this is a slippery slope. After: well I think you just echoed my original thoughts. Cheers to anticlimactic endings.

[@unpretentious_book_talk]

[This was almost a response video, but I'm feeling lazy] 100% agree - listening to audiobooks is *not* the same as reading. I'm not going to shame an audiobook lover, or tell them that my experience of reading is objectively superior to their experience of listening - but *for me personally*, in my subjective experience, the act of reading IS superior to that of listening. I struggle to maintain focus with audiobooks & my retention suffers considerably. Strangely, my focus is pretty good if I'm listening to podcasts though. Anything with a conversational tone is good, even if it's a monologue, however, listening to a single voice reading a story at length is hard for me. I'll say that part of me does WISH that I could be an audiobook guy, but I just can't. I do best with audiobooks when it's nonfiction, since if I zone out for 30 seconds I'm less likely to experience confusion as my focus returns - it's easier to drop in and out as life is occurring around me. If I'm listening to fiction I feel like it requires a more intense & constant focus than what I'm able to give consistently. I probably do best when I'm driving, but most of the driving that I do is 15-minutes or less, so I'm not knocking out large amounts of audiobooks. Sometimes I do like listening to an audiobook as a re-read. It works better then since, if I space out, I don't have to worry about missing important details to the story. I've enjoyed Rob Inglis's narration of LOTR as well as Michael Kramer & Kate Reading's narration of a few of the earlier Wheel of Time books, but I would never choose audio as the format for my first experience of a novel that I'm excited about reading.

[@wallyunicorn]

Thank you for sharing your story ❤

[@andypayne4002]

Totally agree with all you said.

[@jesseengland456]

As much I like Audio books nothing can eplace reading

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

agreed!

[@FictionConvert]

Physical book superiority!! 😅

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

lol

[@pf66666]

text for fiction, audio for non-fiction :P

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

I like that. I sometimes do that. Even tough non fiction books I find really easy to read physically vs fiction. Words just flow well. It's like the person is talking to me.

[@JKC1138]

I spent like two weeks playing Witcher 3, got the "bad" ending and was so devastated that I immediately spent the next two weeks replaying it. It was an emotionally visceral month.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

I'm going to be sad when it ends, but for now I will play gwent and hunt monsters. Maybe I will make my way to Skellige eventually.

[@JKC1138]

@@Thomas.R.Howell Yeah, it's the perfect game to take your time with. So expansive, with so many things to do before even progressing to the next area of the map. Question marks galore.

[@RhinoViper]

If audiobooks was "reading" then I read podcasts and music as well....of course not.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

haha Love it!

[@choco1199]

Hey. I personally disagree. I think that when people say. read they usually mean consuming the book in general. I think it has two meanings kind of. I have the same eye condition as your mom. Was beautiful to hear you talk about her.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

I appreciate your honesty! I love having conversations even if we disagree. I can see how a lot of people use the word Read as a general term nowadays. My mom was amazing. So happy I can carry her legacy with each day of my life. Thank you for hanging out and watching!

[@Bakeremt239]

Love the content! I hate to plug a product, but watching you drink lukewarm coffee hurts my soul. I got a Yeti Rambler insulated mug 5 years ago and it changed my life. Hot coffee for hours!

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

Thank you! Yes yes I know they've got those nice insulated mugs out there but I love drinking from my themed mugs. (Stardew, Wheel of Time, etc). Plus when I am not filming a video, I am able to drink my coffee at a more normal rate and enjoy it's hot temperature! Thank you for sharing!

[@andy_2901]

Real ones do both at the same time

[@chibimeee]

I am easily distracted so audiobook is definitely not for me

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

It's too easy to use that freedom to achieve other things while the book plays in the background of your mind.

[@anamoralsb]

It's great that you enjoy reading, but what's the real argument? Is it that audiobooks aren't 'real' reading, or that reading is somehow superior? Sure, listening to an audiobook isn't literally reading, but does that make it less meaningful? You argue that reading builds focus and discipline, but can't the same be said for listening to audiobooks attentively? People often appreciate a book's writing style even if they listen to it. As for vocabulary, humans primarily learn language through listening, not reading. So, why dismiss audiobooks when they also engage us with the story, which is the true purpose? It seems your argument assumes listening to audiobooks lessens the experience. But the real question is: Does the way you consume a story-reading or listening-really matter if you're fully engaged with it? How do you define engagement? Feeling the pages of the book, sitting at a coffee shop, etc? These things seem superficial to me.

[@jesamavi]

What I like to do is listening to an audiobook and for the last 5-10 minutes I finished them by reading them. So I can have the best of both worlds.

[@sovereignprints_217]

I totally agree with you that listening to an audiobook is NOT the same as reading. This is actually something I've been thinking about a lot over the past few months, as I've been consciously trying to listen to more audiobooks - because they're awesome! Historically, mass produced books is a very new thing, and the primary way people experienced Story for most of history was through oral telling. They listened to the audiobooks of their day, you might say. That being said, I do believe that if you listened to an audiobook, you can say that you have read the book. Some people (not me, alas) can get sucked right into an audiobook the way some get sucked into reading with the eyes. They are two different things, with different pros and cons, some overlapping, but fundamentally you still experience the same story. And, sometimes (not all times), that is the most important thing. Cheers!