Does Audio Book Count as reading

[Erik]

Sometimes a good Narrator brings a book to life.
Sometimes since I drive so much its the only way to get through a book
Sometimes the Audio book has extra or added content that makes the experience even that much more enjoyable.

But if you pretty much ONLY listen to audio books, are you still considered an Avid Reader?

[✨Crystal Leigh✨]

I almost exclusively listen to audiobooks! I consider it reading because you are learning the story of the book just like you would if you actually read it. I don’t have a lot of time to sit down and read an actual book, and I get headaches while reading. So audiobooks are perfect for me! 😁

[Anshika]

100% yes.. it provides exactly what physical reading does. Your vocab, your emotional intelligence every advantage you get with physically reading audiobook does the same.

[Kindle Jenner]

Absolutely! And I don’t understand why it even comes up for debate. If I physically read it and you listen to same book, we both have the same information, so we both read the book.

[Jenny]

I think it does count as reading. For me personally, it's not my preferred mode of reading, but I know plenty of people who switch between reading physical books/kindle and listening to audiobooks, and those who exclusively listen to audiobooks. It all comes down to preference, and if you're engaged in the story, no matter how you're doing it, is all that matters and what I count as reading.

[Sindy]

I created two good reads accounts lol One for books i actually read and the other for audiobooks.

It’s preference at the end of the day lol some narrators enhance the story, while others can ruin it.

I would say No, but again it’s a personal decision.

[Thomas]

Yeah, listening to an audiobook totally counts as reading. You’re still taking in the same story, ideas, and information — just through your ears instead of your eyes.

[Maranda]

I think that it counts.

[Kaitlynn]

I would think so, you may not be sitting down with a physical copy of a book, but you’re still getting the same information that you would get if you did.

[Desmond]

As a truck driver I listen to Audio books while driving, my boss gets upset if I read while driving 😅. When you experience a story by reading or having it read to you you can definitely say that you have read the book.

[Taneka]

Yes, it does. If you commute or drive as a profession, audiobooks are ideal. Also, it is great for reluctant readers. I would listen and read along to improve my reading skills. I knew how to pronounce and spell Hermoine and that was always a bonus for me. :)

[Sue]

why are we still asking this question? there is literally the word "book" in the name!!!!

[~sarah~]

I think audio should count as reading, especially as many people find it hard to read for various reasons.
I recommend Spotify for audiobooks and podcasts, it has a vast amount, and the narration is mostly very clear and well voiced!
I hope this helps

[Natural]

Audio is absolutely valid. Keep in mind, the most important part of reading is comprehension. If someone visually reads the words on a page but doesn't understand their meaning, have they truly gained anything? On the other hand, if a person listens to an audiobook, understands the content, and learns from it, they’ve clearly gained a lot. So, what’s the most important aspect of reading? It’s not how the words are taken in — it’s the ability to comprehend and retrieve the message the text offers.