Month: May 2013

Summary of Posts: May 5th 2013

What’s the difference between reading and listening to books? What are the best qualities of audiobooks? What are some great suggestions for audiobooks to listen to? We discussed all of these questions in this cycle’s articles – check it out here:

  • Trying to find some quality audiobooks for your next long trip? Here’s a helpful list with the top ten audiobooks to listen to when driving around.
  • As more and more Americans begin to recognize the benefits of listening to an audiobook, audiobooks are rising in prestige. Amy Harmon talks about audiobooks and how they’re growing in popularity.
  • When do you listen to audiobooks? Where do you listen to audiobooks? How much time do you spend listening? Join the discussion on Goodreads.com.
  • Check out a list on the Quirky Bookworm with seven reasons you should love listening to audiobooks here.
  • Do you have children in your life who would appreciate a good audiobook? A list from Grandparents.com has ten unforgettable audiobooks to give to your grandchildren or other young children in your life.
  • Are there any major differences between audiobooks and regular books? Are these differences beneficial or not? Join the discussion about reading books versus listening to audiobooks.

Reading Versus Listening

I would say that listening to an audiobook is the same as reading a physical book, but there has been much discussion and debate regarding this topic in the past. Now, we have more and more Americans turning from just purely reading to listening to audiobooks as well. The popularity of audiobooks has led many to wonder about the benefits of listening versus the benefits of reading. For example, when we read we have the option to read faster or slower; to skim through parts we dislike; and to even sneak a peek at what’s going to happen in the next chapter. You can do this to an extent with audiobooks, but trust me, it’s much easier to skim a portion of a book when you’re looking at printed pages as opposed to listening to an audio version of your book. There are more differences between audiobooks and printed books than you might at first think. But here’s the question that I want to answer: do these differences matter? And if so, are they beneficial or harmful differences?

The first thing that I want to point out is that audiobooks are just plain practical. Not all of us have time to sit down and read a book in our busy day. Sometimes, there are occasions where we don’t have the option of reading a book – for example, in the car. I love to listen to a good audiobook when I’m in the car. Another great thing about audiobooks? They keep you focused. It’s way too easy to pick up a book and then set it down again when you’re getting bored. Audiobooks keep your attention captured. The reader draws out the story, keeping you on the edge of your seat. You get the full benefit of the literature – description is changed from blocks of text on an impersonal page to a fascinating image of the world you’ve been drawn into. So, I would say that YES, the differences between reading and listening DO matter, but that these differences are beneficial. I think, in many cases, it’s better and more convenient to listen to an audiobook then read a book. Not that I don’t enjoy reading a good book every now and then – I just find, that during busy days, or boring periods spent in the car, or even while I’m working or performing menial tasks, an audiobook colors my time with interesting tales and stories when I don’t have the time or means to read a book.

Impact Your Grandchild With Great Audiobooks

Do you have grandchildren who are just entering the age where they can start absorbing information around them? Maybe you know a few tweens (or even teens) who are starting to understand the wonderful world that a good book opens? If so, then you’ll want to encourage these children on their journey with some well-picked audiobooks. Mike Olson recommends ten audiobooks that your grandchildren or younger acquaintances shouldn’t miss.

Source: http://www.grandparents.com/grandkids/toys-books-and-entertainment/sshow-10-best-childrens-audiobooks

7 Reasons Why Audiobooks Rock

Audiobooks open the door to new worlds of adventure, fantasy, nonfiction, and mystery without us having to do anything but sit back and relax. They provide us with all sorts of benefits that a regular, physical book doesn’t have. Read an article by Jessica of the Quirky Bookworm about seven reasons why audiobooks rock (my words, not Jessica’s).

Source: http://www.quirkybookworm.com/2012/06/i-love-audio-books.html

Do You Listen to Audiobooks or Read Physical Books More Often?

On a Goodreads thread started by a user named Jay, the topic of physical books versus audio books was discussed. Specifically, how much time was spent by users reading versus listening to their favorite pieces of literature. Read the interesting discussion here, and add your voice to the conversation by telling us whether you read books more, or whether you listen to audiobooks more.

Source: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/705754-do-you-listen-to-audio-books-more-than-read