Reading a physical book and listening to the audiobook are two different paths that lead to the same destination. Each creates differing experiences and memories, but neither is better or worse than the other.
Because I wonder this: https://curledmark.in/is-listening-to-an-audiobook-the-same-as-reading/
Opinions?
©2021 CBialczak
Stine Writing 
My husband insists it is the same – I disagree. Watching a movie is not the same as reading a book, listening to radio is not the same, attending a play is not the same and hearing a book read to you is not the same as reading! Mostly in my opinion, reading engages the sense of touch as well as higher brain function. Reading is active where listening is passive…
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I have been looking at different responses and articles, etc. and the one thing that makes me say it is the same is that you have to engage some sort of brain work to help in comprehension because there is no visual cue like in a movie. That being said you have to be involved in actually listening to what is being read, not just half listening.
I don’t know…I am mixed about it but when it comes to “books I’ve read” I put them on the list.
As a special ed teacher we used to use audiobooks as a strategy for students who either couldn’t read and comprehend or who wouldn’t read. If there is the expectation that comprehension is necessary I think that makes an impact on the engagement. The biggest difference is actually decoding the words in written form. It can probably be argued both ways on so many levels.
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I love a real book and turning the pages BUT I have learned to really appreciate audible books too! For now when I am folding clothes, doing dishes, organizing my closet, etc. I can listen to a book and it makes the job so much more pleasant. 🙂 and hesring the expression the narrator puts into the book makes it come alive.
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I listen now when I am walking the dog. I get so engaged in these books it is almost like I am reading it. Just recently I listened to one and I really couldn’t stand the narrator. That makes it more difficult. I think some of the “sameness” between listening and actual reading is the engagement.
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Yes, a bad narrator does ruin it. Good point about the engagement, I agree.
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I’ve never listened to audiobooks. But most of my reading of books is on the Kindle app on my iPhone, rather than with a paperback or hardback physical book.
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I couldn’t stand listening to books for the longest time. Teachers I worked with swore by them. Then on one of my trips driving I got so sick of the same music so I put on a book and now I am hooked. I listen when I drive, walk the dog, do chores…I get really drawn into the stories too.
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IMO I prefer to hold an feel the actual book, turn the pages quickly when the drama builds, read it myself and I love the smell of books.
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My biggest reason for loving audiobooks NOW is that I miss reading. When I sit with a book I fall asleep instantly and I have always loved reading. I have listened to so many good books and that makes me happy.
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Happy is all that matters! 😁
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