Audiobooks discussion
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Do You Think Listening to a Book is Cheating?
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Cassi aka Snow White
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Jan 02, 2011 08:48AM
I have a 25 minute commute to work each way and a job that has me on the road a lot. It's illegal and unsafe to drive and read a book at the same time. It really helps me with the long drives that I otherwise dread. Plus I figure that I gain more from listening to a book than the radio most of the time.
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If I don't have a book on CD in my car, the only radio I like to listen to is NPR or classical. But 90% of the time it's a book, and I look forward to the ride.
For me, reading books will always be my number one love, but I believe a reader is so lucky to have both options available, because both provide advantages. I just "read" my first audiobook, and have fallen in love! I'm going crazy now searching through my library's collection as well as all the collections on-line.Before this book (Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin), I wondered if something would be missing from an audiobook that I get from actually reading. But I still get the same feelings while listening to the story, the same excitement and interest and visualizations, as well as the lingering thoughts of having experienced a new book. The funny thing is, unlike many people who've posted in this thread, I didn't particularly like being read to as a child. I never before liked listening to books. However, as I've gotten older time has become more and more precious and multi-tasking is almost a must. In addition, I'm in graduate school and there's so much abstract and technical reading that my eyes go a little cross-eyed after a while. So, feeling like I'm reading a book I've been wanting to read for a while and accomplishing something else at the same time still seems like a godsend to me.
John wrote: "I listened to Elsewhere and loved it!"If you like Elsewhere you should read Earthly Pleasures: A Novel by, Karen Neches I don't know if its available in audio but I liked it much better than Elsewhere.
Susie wrote: "John wrote: "I listened to Elsewhere and loved it!"If you like Elsewhere you should read Earthly Pleasures: A Novel by, Karen Neches I don't know if its available i..."
Thanks for the suggestion. I like books about different ideas of the afterlife.
I'm glad Elsewhere was my first audiobook experience. Though I found the narrator's voice slightly shrill at times, I immensely enjoyed listening to it and looked for any excuse to keep listening (this also meant I cleaned my apartment much more than usual this week, haha).
Jackie wrote:, I immensely enjoyed listening to it and looked for any excuse to keep listening (this also meant I cleaned my apartment much more than usual this week, haha). Thats one of the perks to listening to audiobooks while cleaning if its a good book you don't want to stop!
IMHO, watching a movie that's based on a book is cheating...audiobooks are not cheating.
Dawn wrote: "IMHO, watching a movie that's based on a book is cheating...audiobooks are not cheating."I agree with you there because audiobooks are the exact content movies never are!
Cheating implies that there are rules to be broken, and there aren't any rules about how you should enjoy books. That being said I suppose I feel that reading (or listening to) abridged versions of books is cheating somehow.I find audio books really useful for helping keep my brain active while I'm busy doing housework, and listening to them gives me time to enjoy books when I otherwise couldn't.
It isn't cheating, but it is different. I love audiobooks, but the only thing I miss is bringing my voice to the experience: my tone, my inflection, my pace. There have been several times when I've gotten a different impression of a character when I've both read and listened to a book.
Call it what you like ... since discovering audible books, I have enjoyed many books that I could never have got thru if I had to read them. Good narration brings them to life.
Maybe it's a slight cheat if you're listening to the abridged version. But when you're listening to unabridged, I don't think it's a cheat at all.
I started this thread ages ago, and I'm so glad it has generated so many comments. It seems just about everyone is in agreement - it's not cheating, it's another reading option. I love audio books! I won't listen to abridged books, though. That's not for me.
well I have started first audio book tonight as I have fair few pictures to do for my art course so I figured I could paint and read at same time - lol. Got 2 from library today (cost me £1) one is The Memory Keepers Daughter and other is 'The Difference a Day Makes' by Carole Matthews - there wasn't much choice I must say! I just finshed CD2 (of 10) of the Carole Matthews one, its OK, the readers voice is rather posh though so taking some getting used too and the story is....I think....going to be predictable - but easy listening and am enjoying multi tasking. Someone told me audio books also available via iplayer and bbc7?
Diane wrote: "I started this thread ages ago, and I'm so glad it has generated so many comments. I won't listen to abridged books, though. That's not for me..."
to me an adbridged audio book would be like reading a Reader's Digest condensed version of a book (in the 60's and 70's you used to be able to get volumes with 3 or 4 classic novels in each one - all condensed though). While it might give you the flavour of the story it's not the correct version of the book as the author intended.
to me an adbridged audio book would be like reading a Reader's Digest condensed version of a book (in the 60's and 70's you used to be able to get volumes with 3 or 4 classic novels in each one - all condensed though). While it might give you the flavour of the story it's not the correct version of the book as the author intended.
I disagree with that as a blanket statement, although in general, I don't like abridged either. I've heard audiobooks that should have been abridged, and listened to a memoir that only came abridged, feeling that the details left out were probably not necessary. I think there are times when the author has prevailed against an editor who (correctly) suggested stuff that should be cut.
Bernadette wrote: "to me an adbridged audio book would be like reading a Reader's Digest condensed version of a book (in the 60's and 70's you used to be able to get volumes with 3 or 4 classic novels in each one - all condensed though). While it might give you the flavour of the story it's not the correct version of the book as the author intended."I grew up with Reader's Digest Condensed Books. I loved them. I read To Kill a Mockingbird as a condensed book when I was in 3rd grade. Those volumes gave me access to books I would have never read otherwise as a child and young teen who had a high reading level. I suspect they were pretty well sanitized.
Booksdingle wrote: "well I have started first audio book tonight as I have fair few pictures to do for my art course so I figured I could paint and read at same time - lol. Got 2 from library today (cost me £1) one is..."You had to pay for audiobooks you got at the library? In my perception of libraries, one should never have to pay! That's why it's a library! Is that a British thing? Do you have to pay for books in print as well?
Yes 50p each (around $1), you also have to pay to borrow CD's and DVD's. Books in print are free to borrow unless you go overdue and then you get a fine!
I have to pay $1.00 dollar for DVD's, but there is no charge for audiobooks. Hope they don't start that!
We pay $5 per item for Inter-Library Loan (towards the postage).
John wrote: "We pay $5 per item for Inter-Library Loan (towards the postage)."I would pay that if I could, but my library won't allow us to get audiobooks or DVD's through ILL -- just actual books. The ILL books are free though, so that is good :)
We can't request DVD's or music CD's (or print books less than a year old). Moreover, we can't request a regular print book, if all they have is a Large Print copy, but we can request an audiobook, even if the library has the book in print; I guess they're afraid to discourage visually impaired patrons.
John wrote: "I disagree with that as a blanket statement, although in general, I don't like abridged either. I've heard audiobooks that should have been abridged, and listened to a memoir that only came abridge..."
But that's a different argument all together - there will always be crappy writing and poor editing. I'd still rather have an author (or editor) having the say in in what's in and what's not than some suit-wearing censor at Reader's Digest or ISIS Audio Books or whoever it is that decides in condensed/abridged versions. For me that way danger lies.
But that's a different argument all together - there will always be crappy writing and poor editing. I'd still rather have an author (or editor) having the say in in what's in and what's not than some suit-wearing censor at Reader's Digest or ISIS Audio Books or whoever it is that decides in condensed/abridged versions. For me that way danger lies.
Sandi wrote: "I grew up with Reader's Digest Condensed Books. I loved them. I read To Kill a Mockingbird as a condensed book when I was in 3rd grade. Those volumes gave me access to books I would have never read otherwise as a child and young teen who had a high reading level. I suspect they were pretty well sanitized. "
I'm sure they did do that Sandi - for lots of people - but I would still argue that having read a condensed version of a book is not the same as having read the book as it was published. I'm not saying it's cheating (as per this thread) just that it's not same thing and not something I personally would choose to do. The idea that it's a sanitized version of a book just makes it that much worse in my opinion - I'd rather not read it at all in that instance
I'm sure they did do that Sandi - for lots of people - but I would still argue that having read a condensed version of a book is not the same as having read the book as it was published. I'm not saying it's cheating (as per this thread) just that it's not same thing and not something I personally would choose to do. The idea that it's a sanitized version of a book just makes it that much worse in my opinion - I'd rather not read it at all in that instance
The first audio book I listened to was Anna Karenina. Not a good first choice. Now, let me just say that I do not recommend this book, however, if you must insisit on reading it, then Audio is the best way to go. Otherwise, you will have to learn to pronounce russian names like Stepan Arkadyevitch Oblonsky, etc. I must say that the narrator did an excellent job with the names of the characters...much better than I could have done. Had it not been for the audio version, I would not have made it through this book.
Jackie wrote: "Booksdingle wrote: "well I have started first audio book tonight as I have fair few pictures to do for my art course so I figured I could paint and read at same time - lol. Got 2 from library today..."They're free at my library in California.
Booksdingle wrote: "Yes 50p each (around $1), you also have to pay to borrow CD's and DVD's. Books in print are free to borrow unless you go overdue and then you get a fine!"Well, I can understand because audiobooks are so expensive. My library has a decent selection and then through an on-line system the whole state (Montana) has its own audiobook circulation with a great selection and you can "check them out" for 2 weeks and they transfer to your ipod or smart phone. I feel like libraries are truly a miracle. If I ever have more money than I know what to do with, I'm donating to public libraries.
I suppose you could call it cheating as you are able to do more than one thing at once, and reading a tablet or book you have to give 100% concentration, other than that I think no, your just following the story in a different way, it's not necessarily cheating.Our local library does not have as much selection as most, living in Cornwall, so I purchase those on offer, or download from 'audible'.
I do both, read avidly, but put on headphones before going to bed, or while walking or doing housework & listen to a book.
I find talented narrators a real treat, that give a different essence & understanding to the book, but on the other hand I have been disappointed before, by poor interpretation, or even accents can make a real difference to enjoyment..
My daughter's boyfriend knows I'm an avid reader. He was over this weekend and saw me "listening" to a book. He teased that he's disappointed in me and thought I was a REAL reader, not faking it. I was arguing with him saying listening to a book is just a different way of reading it and I AM a reader. He said me saying I'm a reader when I'm "listening" to a book is like him saying he's an actor when he WATCHES a movie. lol Kid cracks me up!
Would've been a perfect opportunity to ask him if that makes blind people "illiterate"?
File that under: What I SHOULD'VE said! lol
He's a teenager....what can ya say. He was just TRYING to be funny. I laughed, anyway! ;-)
Sharon wrote: "I suppose you could call it cheating as you are able to do more than one thing at once, and reading a tablet or book you have to give 100% concentration, other than that I think no, your just follo..."Sharon said she "put on headphones before going to bed". I've given up on doing that, since too many times I fell asleep and next day had to go back and search for the part where I lost consciousness. I had lost the gist of the story, mixed up characters, ended up listening more and understanding it less.
Like I've seen mentioned in the thread before, I'll say it again--if I didn't have audiobooks to listen to, I wouldn't get much "reading" done. I spend about a little over 8 hours/week on the road driving back and forth to school. I find it a great way to keep me from getting bored, especially on the return night driving trip home. My sister and I have had the conversation before about why audio is great--she still likes to have a physical copy of the book (including e-Reader format). I tell her, what could be better? You have someone else doing the hard work for you. The narrator reads, "holds the book," and "turns pages," while all you have to do is listen. That frees you up to do other things, like crafting (I like to knit and crochet), or helps when you are on the road. And a great narrator keeps you so riveted and interested, that you just feel the need to keep listening even when you have arrived to your destination. There have been numerous times I've sat in a parking lot so I can finish, or rush into the house and put the CD into the player so I can find out how it all ends.
Another way audiobooks help me is that I learned speed reading for a former job I had. As a result, I tend to miss a lot of what I have read when I read a physical book. By listening to a book, I am a captive audience and can't "cheat" by skipping through/reading too quickly. That's my take on "cheating."
Great thread by the way!
I really think this is a mute point for me. I still physically read books everyday - audiobooks help me "read" even more books everyday.
Heidi I wrote: "I really think this is a mute point for me. I still physically read books everyday - audiobooks help me "read" even more books everyday."And there you go. The crux of the matter. Listening to audiobooks helps you enjoy the process of ingesting more books. That's the bottomline. With our busy and varied schedules, we need a tangible way of accessing more literature or else lose the capacity to appreciate the contents of books. It's not cheating, it's another way.
The very act that someone thinks being able to access books by some other means is cheating, lets us know that they don't read enough and have become very rigid in their ability to comprehend that there are multiple modes of learning and reading. We all don't process information the same way. Some of us are more aural and some more visual, some of us are even tactile. Depends on our individual make up. These are 3 very different modes, but produce the same end. The whole point of reading a book is to get at the information inside and via our senses. Whether I read it or listen to someone read it or even feel it (if I'm reading braille which I don't)in the end when I discuss the book's content with anyone who has read it, I will be on equal footing with them. For me I remember more when I hear it, but I process more when I read, so I love both. Reading braille would had a whole 'nother dimension I'm sure.
Diane wrote: "I absolutely love that I can listen to books on CD. I only listen to unabridged copies. I've heard some people scoff at listening to books, saying that's not reading. I disagree. If you hear th..."I enjoy read the volume as I listen. If I could afford it I'd have every book matched with avabile tapes or CDs. It fun with the misreading.
I did not see an introduction thread so I'll do it here.I enjoy a number of genres esp. horror, thriller/mystery. Been a 2 book a month credit member of Audible.com since 2004.
When I tell friends of books I have recently read they smirk and ask if I really read it or listened to it. Frankly, I see no difference, a book is a book. I look forward to your insights on audiobooks and hope to participate in discussions as well.
Welcome and thanks for pointing that out, Michael -- there are group "upgrades" that need to be looked at here, with an Introduce Yourself section as a distinct possibility.
Welcome Michael from some of your posts I think you'll be right at home here!
Michael wrote: "I did not see an introduction thread so I'll do it here.I enjoy a number of genres esp. horror, thriller/mystery. Been a 2 book a month credit member of Audible.com since 2004.
When I tell friends..."
You nailed it Michael: "A book is a book".
We have variable ways of learning so why can't we have different ways of ingesting a book? The real question is: did I comprehend what I just read/heard and can I discuss it? Many people can only say "it was good" or "I didn't like it" and not much else. That's the sad thing.
Welcome aboard.
I just finished my first audio book so thank you all for the encouragement to try one! I listened to 'The Difference a Day Makes' by Carole Matthews - whilst I can't say I enjoyed the story that much (I found it a little predictable) and the readers voice did start to grate after a while, I enjoyed the experience of listening rather than reading and will definitely try more audio books - listening to a book rather than reading it meant that I could paint some pictures at the same time so my Art tutor will also be pleased! I now have 'The Memory Keepers Daughter' to try, hopefully I will be producing more Art or even doing a spot of housework while I listen to this one - Happy Listening everyone!
Yay! I'm glad that you have tried out audio books. Baby steps are always a good thing. I hope you can find some really great narrators that make the story so much greater--they really are out there!
ofcourse not.......audiobooks helps u read more without exerting a lot of effort besides sometimes it's the best way to read certain books like a novels....but still i prefer paper books....
Booksdingle wrote: "I just finished my first audio book so thank you all for the encouragement to try one! I listened to 'The Difference a Day Makes' by Carole Matthews - whilst I can't say I enjoyed the story that m..."Glad you enjoyed the experience. I just picked up the various haunts of men by susan hill on audible. I have a hellish journey to work and they definitely make it more tolerable.
Joe, I think you made a really good point when you said "The real question is: did I comprehend what I just read/heard and can I discuss it? Many people can only say "it was good" or "I didn't like it" and not much else. That's the sad thing." Sometimes I feel that it's harder to write a review of a book I listened to than of one that I've read because I don't have the book to refer to. But it's also, I think, because when I read a book, I can slow down my reading, stop reading and reflect, reread - all things that are hard to do when listening (though I do rewind quite frequently when I feel I've missed something or want to remember something, especially when listening to non-fiction).
Your comment made me think that listening is "cheating" maybe because the book flows over you too quickly and you don't have the means (if you are doing the dishes or driving or whatever) to slow it down and digest it, as you would in reading.
Just some thoughts!
Good points made here, especially about comprehension. I took a speed reading course related to a former job I had in hopes of increasing our work output. Sadly, it resulted in my comprehension actually getting worse (and after a 3 month study, even our accuracy of our work decreased--something that they hadn't wanted nor expected). I find that audiobooks help me to "slow down" and listen to every word. And if I missed something (as my mind does wander, or I have to suddenly focus more closely on something while driving), I just relisten to the track(s) to catch it again. Sure, I often miss having a hard copy of a book to go back to to re-read certain sections or see the spelling of names, but I think (my opinion) that each person is different in they way they take in information (as was also mentioned in this thread) and perhaps there isn't going to always be a perfect way to "read." But we are lucky that there are various means to do so and enjoy the stories. :)
Audiobooks
Books mentioned in this topic
To Kill a Mockingbird (other topics)Earthly Pleasures (other topics)
Elsewhere (other topics)
Elsewhere (other topics)
Earthly Pleasures (other topics)
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