I love to read books and always have. In the last few years, I have been enjoying books on tape or cd and have to admit that I enjoy having someone else reading to me almost as much as I enjoy reading the books myself. Which do you prefer?
Would you prefer audiobooks if they came in the format necessary to play on your MP3 player or IPOD?
[question posted by paidreader]
responses and comments:
I prefer to read. I've actually never listened to an audiobook before, tho. I've heard it's a great way to get a little "reading" in while exercising, cleaning, etc. If I ever get an MP3 player, I might try an audiobook while exercising... [wiccania]
I burn them to CD. Much more portable that way, lol. :) [paidreader]
I have listened to a few books on tape, they're good, but I prefer to read it myself. I sometimes go back a line or to to get a better picture of events in my head. [suzieb]
That would be cool. [suzieb]
I find that to enjoy the book or story, I need to be the reader, and see the words. On the other hand, I love to read to other people. I also find that grownups like to eavesdrop, if I am reading to children. I would probably enjoy a job making audio books. I need to put some things on tape or something for my grandbaby, now she is one year old. [GardenGerty]
I may try that friend, who knows where it could lead. [GardenGerty]
I love books on CD, but it depends on the book and the author. There are some books that are too wordy, intense, or detailed for me to read them, like Potter, Outlander, or anything by Jane Austen. Others, I think it's fun to cuddle up in bed or on the couch and read for hours. [dfn12968]
I've spent countless hours completely engrosseed in books, but there are some audiobooks that have been just as engrossing in the audiobook form. My sister got me started on suspense/mystery tapes. Then my niece lent me her first 3 HP books on tape. I had to track down the 4th audiobook at our local library, lol. They really are amusing. For the last two, I did buy the books so I could give them to my niece (after I finished them), then found out she prefers the audiobooks. You're right the HP books are rather wordy. My niece is dyslexic so the audiobooks work better for her, so even though she's reading at a much higher level now, HP is still difficult to get thru. [paidreader]
I prefer reading them myself simply because I can get into the story better that way. When someone else reads to me, I find the story choppy and it doesn't flow well, that alone ruins the entire story for me. I need to be able to read it myself to really get into the book. [highflyingxangel]
That's true, depending on who is doing the reading. The audiobooks I've listened to have some very good readers. [paidreader]
You know, I have never listened to any audio books. But I think that is mainly because I am one of those people that have to still read along when another person is reading to me. I just don't process it the same when someone else is reading and I can't follow along with the words. :( But I have been thinking about getting some for my children to read along with. Just for extra practice. :) [brokentia]
Thanks! I'll have to check that out because I have ages from 6 to 17 yrs. :) [brokentia]
I never have imagined of somebody reading a book to me. Yes, I have listened to sombody's open newspaper reading, but not a book. I read myself and in solitue, as far as possible. Then only I can follow and enjoy the book. This is a very good subject for discussion, thank you paidreader. [abroji]
Thank you for the link madam. I will check it out later today. All the best. [abroji]
I do prefere audio cd/tapes because i have trouble reading (i make up words and miss paragraphs lol! very wierd) but now and then i will venture into a book and i will happily keep re-reading pages for the sake of reading it if its a really good book. [chloe9013]
I admit that some of the character names are most difficult to pronounce and I reference them as Mr. or Ms. whatever. Sometimes it's nice to hear the audiobook of one of your favorites so you know their real names, lol. :) [paidreader]
I love to read them myself, I love the pleasure of reading, with some background music, and a good mate to drink, he he... Never enjoyed when someone reads to me, my mind goes away and I lost track of the story... [marinarovi]
I guess it would have to be a good story to hold your attention. :) [paidreader]
I have several of my favorite books on CD. I love to listen to them when I'm doing housework or working on my hobbies. If I'm just relaxing I prefer to read a book myself but the CD's sure are fun sometimes. [craftcatcher]
They can definately make your traffic commute a little easier to bear. I agree though, if I'm not doing something else at the same time, I'd prefer to read an actual book. :) [paidreader]
if i read i get a headache or sleepy. so i'd prefer to have it read to me, but i personally just like to watch t.v. or use the internet, i don't really get into books. i used to read the john grisham novels those r good. [mgmagana]
I used to get headaches when I'd read. Everyone said eye strain since I always had my nose in a book, lol. :) [paidreader]
I'd like to use audio book that didn,t need a more thinking to understand such as novel,short sory.for scientific book which need more concentration and should be read until understand may be I still read the common book. [anjrit]
I know that but I still not common with it.maybe I need time to like the another way to read the book by listening the audio book. [anjrit]
i like to read books myself... [sandys]
i enjoy reading my books myself.i dont prefer anybody reading it to me. [srisruthi]
I prefer to read books manually. I like to read in bed just before I go to sleep. Reading occupies my mind so I don't think about stressfull things, and I can fall asleep easier. Otherwise I lay in bed and think about my problems and can't fall asleep. I like books that are fiction about suspense stories or love stories. Especially historical romance. What kind of books do you like? [helenfillion]
I enjoy mystery, suspense, thrillers, horror, sci-fi, romance, and historical romance. Luckily I've found many audiobooks in these categories. They're great for the commute to & from work. :) [paidreader]
I really enjoy reading and have since I was in grade 7, that was more years ago than I want to count so early in the morning. I know that while I was in Alberta and had to drive my daughter from appointment to appointment I'd get her to read to me to avoid road hypnosis. I'd also get her to read when I had a very boring job to do. But now I would think that having someone read to me would give my brain too much leeway to wonder to anything around me. [JMCarebear]
Hi JMCarebear! You and me both. My addiction to reading began in 6th grade, lol. To help my daughter with her reading, I would get her to read aloud to me when we had to go somewhere too. She use to get so annoyed with me when I would correct her as she read aloud. She used to say "This isn't English class Mom!" I think she enjoyed our switch to audiobooks on cassette as much as I did. ;) [paidreader]
i think i would love to have a book read to me. it would be a useful pastime, especially if i'm standing in line haha. i really do wish we could download ebooks in audio into our phones that would be cool! [teleios]
Audiobooks really are nice to listen to. I use them mainly when I have a long drive to make. It used to take an hour to get to work each day, so it made traffic a bit more bearable, lol. I don't know if these audiobooks would work on phones, my phone isn't that advanced yet, but if you'd like to see if they're compatable, this is a great audiobook site. I hope you'll check it out. http://www.leisureaudiobooks.com?aid=104852 [paidreader]
i prefer to read a hardbound copy of the books i want. I haven't experience yet a books on tape but it sounds like ok im not opposing it maybe any of the two will do. Unless its educational and can enchance and add new knowledge .I think there is an advantage in audiobooks while you were in a car or jeepney it can prevent eyeblindness coz reading in a car or bus is not good but if you like to sleep just read a book that is not so interesting. [thesia03]
Audiobooks come in a wide variety of subjects now. Including instructional subjects. I really enjoy them on long drives. :) [paidreader]
I prefer to read it myself. I can ejoyed reading the bool quitely but if someone reads it to me they may read too fast and didn't understand a word he/she said :) [aprilgrl]
That's true. I have noticed that some of the good audiobook readers do tend to read faster at some of the exciting/critical parts. :) [paidreader]
I like to read books and in the meantime to have them read it for me. It depends. Topics on motivational, i prefer mp3 audiobook, plug the earphone into my ear and listen to the mp3. Books like computer stuffs and something that sounds technical my type of books ( magazines ) :-) [steveyu85]
I loved audiobooks on cassette and CD. Being able to get them in MP3 format is great! You can literally listen to them anywhere now. They come in such a wide variety of subjects too. I found a great audiobook site. I hope you'll take a look. http://www.leisureaudiobooks.com?aid=104852 [paidreader]
I have a large mixture of both. I love to read, but I also love being read to. As long as the reader doesn't grate on my nerves,(it has been known to happen) or pronounces things in ways that annoy the heck out of me, then I love audiobooks. I walk to work for 45 mins, and home again every weekday, and It's great to listen to an audiobook rather than getting bored by the same songs over and over. My MP3 player currently has 9 Doctor Who audio books, the entire Bartimaeus trilogy, and many more on it. That said, when I have the option of either, I prefer to read, as I can set my own pace, pause to imagine things whenever I want to, without having to hit pause every so often, and lets my interpretations of character's voices flow better. [flakmagnet]
LOL, I'm glad to know I'm not the only one that gets annoyed when something gets mispronounced. I love audiobooks and haven't had too many bad readers yet. I'm so glad that they're available in MP3 format now. It's much easier to make them portable. I hope you'll take a look at the great audiobook site I found recently. http://www.leisureaudiobooks.com?aid=104852 They have a wide variety of subjects and you can actually listen to a sample to make sure you like the readers voice, lol. [paidreader]
hi there my friend i really love to read books because i can learn alot from different of books and i do believe in sayings that go readers are will make you smart, well its my opinion my friend, its just my habbit before that to read books before ill go to sleep. :) happy posting. [shane1987]
Reading can definately teach you alot, depending on what you read, lol. Hope you don't fall asleep reading something scary. ;) [paidreader]
I have never attempted to listen to a "book". I think I would get distracted and not hear what is being read to me. I accidently purchased one online and I just can't see myself listening to the story. I would rather read it. But I might just give it a try. I would have to be in a position where I can focus. [patgalca]
My grandmother got me into reading in 6th grade and used to make me look up anything I didn't know how to pronounce much less know the meaning of. It was a well learned lesson. Even in audiobook form, I'll find myself jotting down a note to look something up, even if I misspell it. Sometimes, I'll have to listen to that section again after I look it up, just to make sure I still understood it. :) [paidreader]
I was blind for a couple months and relied heavily on audiobooks for entertainment, but if I had the choice, I definitely prefer to read books myself. [pendragon]
LOL, the blow test isn't too nice, but I agree it's worth having done, since early detection is important. Hope all progresses well with your latest surgery. [paidreader]
i have tried this several times and to be honest, i detest audio books. They just aren't for me. When i read, i read faster than the tape, and i don't particularly enjoy the readers voice. It also just isn't the same. I like to think for myself. I create the image and setting in my mind of whats going on the story. Whenever ive tried to listen to the audio tape, i get bored and stop paying attention, even with my favorite books. My teachers used to make us listen to audio tapes sometimes but instead i would read ahead while the tape is playing or read it at home becuase i just wouldn't pay attention. oh well, i know a lot of my friends who rely on these tapes, but they just aren't for me apparently. [egortizv]
When I got hooked on books in middle school I became an accelerated reader too. Sometimes that made for some embarassing moments when I'd be pages ahead of the person that was reading aloud when I was called on to go next. Oooppsss! :D [paidreader]
I can't stand having things read to me. I find it impossible to follow. I also find it impossible to hear a word that's spelled out loud. It will take me a good few seconds to know what someone says when they say "W-O-R-D." [GettinCookies]
LOL, I know what you mean, but I think that's the reason for spelling out the word. At least it was when we did it in front our daughter when she was much younger. I think she wanted to know what we were saying & practiced her spelling until she could. Hubby didn't always spell things correctly though, just to throw her off the track, lol. :D [paidreader]
someone reading a book to u .. :D .. its for kids .. wen thier parents tell them . gudnight stories to make them sleep .. i for sure like reading books myself :) [devilangelo]
Not always. I found the mysteries or thrillers to be very entertaining for the ride to & from work since I was driving an hour in each direction. You'd be surprised at the wide variety of categories they have available on audiobook now. :) [paidreader]
I love to read books by my self, as a hard copy and not on tape or CD. Reading by my self give me the possibility to wright short notes and well understanding. Reading by my self is more interesting than have someone else reading to me. [taheraa]
Haha! I do that too, depending on what I'm reading. Usually it's the educational books that have me making notes. The audiobooks I prefer are more for entertainment. [paidreader]
I read about maybe three books a year. I am not much into reading, but if it is a good one then I am all for it. I hope you have a great day, Have not heard from you in a while. Hugs! [hoghoney]
Hey hoghoney! It has been a while hasn't it? The last few months have been rather difficult but I'm still hanging in there. I'm sure all those dark clouds must have a silver lining hiding somewhere. :o [paidreader]
I don't like audio books. I have to read the book myself otherwise I just don't enjoy it much and I find it boring. I have to have that book in my eye and my eyes and head taking in everything, its much more enjoyable to me that way. [Penguinsangel]
I can understand that since I spend quite a bit of time between the covers of a good book too. I've started using the audiobooks for my commute to work as it helps make traffic easier to bear. :) [paidreader]
i prefer to read the book by myself. it's more exciting and it enhances my imagination. not like when it'sbeen read to you. especially, if the one reading the book to yu is not a good storyteller. [jeanne94668]
LOL, yes the reader does need to have a good story telling voice for it to be an enjoyable experience. :) [paidreader]
i prefer to read the book. i can choose my pacing for the story, like if i prefer to read faster, it is fine since i still read everything or if i like to slow down and repeat the paragraph again, i can do so. besides i find asking someone to read the stroy boring. i feel sleepy and sometimes i really dose off :) [gwenmari1029]
That's true gwenmari1029. It really does depend on the book doesn't it? There are some books I'll read slower than others. The really good ones go faster since they're so hard to put down, lol. I've run into the same situation with some audiobooks too. I've gotten so involved in the story on the way home from work that I have to bring it in to finish it that night instead of waiting til the next morning. :) [paidreader]
I love reading as well and have enjoyed reading very much since I was young and first learned to read . There is a whole new world out there when you get to read and it just gets one's imagination going . I have never had a book read to me or even heard of audiobooks before but don't think I would care for that as much . I like to be able to sit down and relax at night when it is quiet and have some alone time to read . I don't believe I would care for this on an MP3 player or on an IPOD either as it is just something I enjoy to do when it is quiet and I like the quiet , so wouldn't care to hear the noise lol . [samtaylorskykierajen]
The imagination really can soar with the worlds that books bring to us. I used to get into so much trouble for having my nose in a book all the time, but I really was hooked on books early. My schedule has changed over the years so I don't get to read as much anymore, but the audiobooks are pretty nice for long commutes or when you're in an area with bad radio reception. :) [paidreader]
If it using my own language, i dont mind if i juz hear it from mp3 or someone reading it for me. But if Foreign Language i better reading it by myself, thats make me more understand. [scizophomiya]
Audiobooks categories have expanded quite a bit and they even have Foreign Languages now. I found a great audiobook site that lets you download in MP3 format. Let me know if you're interested in checking it out. They even let you listen to sample clips. ;) [paidreader]
I prefer to read books which are printed. I like the font to be good and the topic interesting. [nrsatish29]
Do you prefer the larger font? [paidreader]
I am an avid reader, and I prefer to read books myself - I don't enjoy someone else reading to me. However, I would listen to autio books on my MP3 whilst either driving, or at the gym, or out walking. [abbey19]
Thankyou for the site. I will certainly use it, it looks good. [abbey19]
I have both. Although the audio books are only about "understanding" how we humans act and things like that. Thought it would interesting to hear, as I already had some interest in psychology. I do read books, just not very often. ~Joey [joey_matthews]
Hmmmm, I haven't tried those on audiobook yet. So far, I've selected mine for entertainment purposes. They really make the commute to work more pleasant. I did find a great audiobook site with lots of categories. Let me know if you're interested in checking it out. I've been having fun listening to the sample clips. :) [paidreader]
What an excellent question!! I guess I'm the designated reader in our family and everyone else listens. We are always reading a book in the car no matter where we go... well, I guess I'm reading while everyone else... you get the point. My hubby enjoys driving, and I like reading, so there's the payoff. :) If someone is reading to me, I tend to drift off and not pay attention. That even happens when my children are reading their library books outloud to me. (sigh) I know I've missed some great stories by drifting. [creematee]
I'd be the designated reader in my family too. Sounds like your road trips are very entertaining. Now that my daughter is grown, I have a tendency of playing the audiobooks if I have a long drive. You have to be careful and select one to keep you awake and entertained. If you pick a slow or boring one, oh my.... ;) [paidreader]
I love having books read to me. I used to have a husband with a beautiful voice and he was a good reader. He read books to me I didn't want to read because the writing was to small for me. I only read books with big characters en not to many pages. He read Lord of the rings to me, part I and part two. It took us weeks. It was great. The last part I finally read myself, I had to know how it finished. Recently I listened Harry Potter bij Stephen Fry, a reader with a wonderful voice. So yes, I love it. Reading, being read by a person, and listening to my MP3 with audiobooks on it. [Morganite]
Isn't Stephen Fry fantastic? He really has a wonderful story telling voice. I listened to the first 4 books but read the next two. I'm buying the last one in book form but then I'll probably track down the last 3 on audiobook, just to hear him read to me again, lol. That should keep me busy as they work on the final movies. :D [paidreader]
I prefer to read them myself. I tried listening to an audio book once and ended up falling asleep about a quarter of the way through it. [aelfgiva]
Hello aelfgiva. I can do that with a book too, lol. What were you reading that put you to sleep so quickly? [paidreader]
Hello paidreader! I never tried audios before. But i like reading books. Yeah, i do read but if i have an IPOD i would try that as well. Well, have fun.. [chase07]
Hello chase07! I like audiobooks when I can't read a regular book. They have come a long way since I started listening to them though. I found a great site that lets you download in MP3 format, which makes it easy to listen on your computer (I don't have an IPOD either), or burn to CD so they're more portable. Let me know if you want to check out the site. :) [paidreader]
I prefer to read than to be read to. I've never been interested in audio books, because my mind tends to wander. I'd probably miss too much of the story if I listened to audio books. [KATRINKA]
I think alot of people feel the same. I think it may have something to do with the audiobook too. Some are far more entertaining than others. ;) [paidreader]
I prefer to read them myself. However, I do read to my wife, and she finds it very nice and relaxing. Sometimes, though, she finds it a little too relaxing, and I have to backtrack a page or so the next time we read again, lol! [muscare]
Even the most entertaining book can put you to sleep if the reader has a very soothing voice. There's something about being so still and relaxed that just makes it so easy to drift off to sleep. ;) [paidreader]
Hi paidreader, lol, the second choice is so hard, lol :D , if it available, I will never read, I will listen simply from reader by pay him, so he will be paidreader, not you friend, but this idea from your username, and if I'm rich I will pay person to read to me what's obligatory to know, because I hate reading :D ~~~~~~ bacem, http://extrablogspot.blogspot.com [extra_man]
LOL, actually many people enjoy audiobooks. They have even advanced so far that you can download and listen to them to your computer or sync to your IPOD or even burn a CD. I found a great site with thousands of audiobooks available. Let me know if you want the link to check it out. ps. you don't even have to be rich to have someone read to you via audiobook ;) [paidreader]
I have recently discovered audio books and really enjoyed that, I can concentrate more while listening to someone, so it would be nice if all the literature and even academic books were available as mp3 or audio books. Do you know any site that gives bestsellers as audio books? [dbhattji]
Great site, Thanks for the link. I will definitely give it a try. [dbhattji]
I prefer to read then to listen thru MP3 or Ipod as i really enjoying reading books, magzines, articles. As far as listening audiobooks, its ok but not to perfer in comparision to reading. but listening songs thru MP3 is acceptable to me as that i dnt want to read atleast. lol [swatig]
I agree that reading the books yourself is the preferred method, but they sure are handy for the commute to work. ;) [paidreader]
I prefer to read. I have not try audiobooks but i don't think i'll like them.. [Palace_Girl]
I prefer books too but audiobooks can make long drives more entertaining. As with books, the selection makes a big difference. :) [paidreader]
I love to read books and always have too. I also love to be read to. I especially enjoy audio books on long driving trips. I can't seem to listen to them while just around my house. My mind tends to wander and I constantly think of others things I should be doing. I would definitely try out audiobooks on my IPOD. [makingpots]
I must agree that they are better suited for use away from home. There have been a few that I just couldn't wait to finish. I started listening to them on my commute to work and there have been occasions that I had to bring them home to finish the last section instead of waiting til the next morning. :) I found a great new audiobook site that does let you download in MP3 format. It sure is easy to download and listen on the PC or burn to CD or even sync to IPOD. They've come a long way since I started listening. Let me know if you're interested in checking out the site. :) [paidreader]
i enjoy reading,i prefer to read them myself. i do like audiobooks however for long trips,such as on the bus.keeps the mind occupied when it is dark while travelling. [scarlet_woman]
Audiobooks really are good for long drives, but I like reading them myself when I have the time too. :) [paidreader]
I love to read. I have been known to read an entire book in 24 hours. That's the rare occasion when my kids are at grandma's [Caila611]
I do too. Depending on the size of the book, it could take just a few hours or a whole weekend. :) You know they have a lot of audiobooks for children now. It's a pretty interesting way to keep them entertained in the car. :) [paidreader]
I definitely prefer audiobooks. I don't care if they're not in mp3 format, as long as they're on CD it's easy enough to change the file type. I'm not a great reader (I have a reading disability), so I love that now after discovering audiobooks, I can enjoy books rather than find reading to be super frustrating. [Pigglies]
I found a nice site with audio samples for audiobooks. Let me know if you'd like to check it out. :) [paidreader]
I would prefer reading over listening to audio books.Reading for me is a hobby that transports me to another world.As my eyes scan the words,my mind and imagination form a picture of what is going on and I love it immensely.Listening does not provide me such a wholesome experience because I am very prone to absent mindedness and suddenly my mind goes off at a tangent when i am listening to something.I am more or a read person than a listen person. [nageswari75]
I like them both, but the story does make a big difference. You can be transported to another world, place or time just by turning the pages of a good book. :) [paidreader]
I do love to read books. But since most of the time I spend online, I dont find time to read the books nowadays. It will be really good if someone can read me out the books I prefer to read. But I dont think nobody will be ready to do that for me. One option for me can be, I can use some Text Reading softwares, that can read the text given to it as Input. Another option, is to buy books in audio format, which I can listen when I work online.. [senthil2k]
I've rented audiobooks from the library in cassette & CD formats and have found them to be very nice for long drives. I recently found a site with audiobooks in a wide range of topics and you can download them to listen to on your pc or burn to cd or sync to your IPOD. They have come a long way since I started listening to them. :) [paidreader]
i would prefer books any day. when you get a feel of the book and there is a personal touch to it. when you are reading on a book you can read it back again if you missed a line or so but in audio formats it will be time consuming to go back and hear it again and thee the flow of reading will be gone. [aswinpai]
That's true. I did some damage to the cassette form for too much rewinding, lol. :) [paidreader]
I'd still go for the old-fashioned,traditional way. Nothing beats the feeling of reading a book while under a tree. [alphabeata]
I definitely prefer to read them myself, especially when I get to curl up in bed with them right before I go to sleep. However, I think audiobooks are interesting, especially when it's an autobiography read by the author because it gives a more personal demension to the story and allows you to hear it in their voice from their perspective. [skydancer]