Is one Way of Reading Better than the Other?
When Audible first launched I was one of the first people to jump on board. Working nights alone meant many endless quiet hours. But with listening to books meant I could work while enjoying my time doing something I loved which was reading. Of course by the time it came out I had read thousands of physical books by then and realized the experience was much different.
Even still I loved listening to books, quickly finishing the first four Game of Thrones books in less than three weeks. It didn’t last long when I was promoted leaving me ZERO alone time and a constant need to be listening to my team and surroundings. But I got back on the wagon only a few years ago as well as physical reading which I wasn't doing much of in my spare time.
While doing both I realized there were pros and cons to each meaning one method surely had to be better than the other. So Let's check it out!
Pros of Listening to a Book
On the Go/Multitasking
One of the main reasons I first got hooked on Audible books was because I could listen while working on projects at the same time. Hours spent doing two things at once meant I could work on other things physical reading might not let me allow.
Tired Eyes/ Lighting
I don’t know about you, but as I get older the more my eyes hurt when I read. I have this weird thing that because my eyesight is so good it needs more light to work properly. This means reading in darker rooms or even a cloudy day can make my eyesight hurt. But with listening, my eyes aren’t strained or tired as they would be with a physical book.
Millions of Options
Amazon runs Audible, but there are so many other options for you to get free books. Especially from your local library. With these options at the touch of your finger you can be listening to your book in seconds. For mood readers this comes in clutch.
Cheaper
Have you seen those hardback book prices lately? $30 for a book is just ridiculous. Many listening sources have either free or rather low end prices when it comes to listening instead. Listening definitely saves your wallet.
Different Voices
When reading out loud the voice actor may do different voices allowing you to get an overall better enhanced experience. It also helps identify the characters better.
Easy to Understand
Along with the different character voices having a book read to you makes it possible to sit there and easily listen along. I find difficult books with older language are easier to understand since I don’t have to concentrate on the reading aspect.
Speed
Reading can be fast, but it can be super fast when you bump up the dial. Books that may have taken half a day or even several days to finish can be listened in only a few hours saving you time while increasing your listening skills.
Cons of Listening to a Book
Earbuds Die/Hurt
While listening you do need your devices charged and near you. If you don’t have a way to charge them, you won’t be able to continue for long. They can even start to hurt yours ears after awhile.
Lose out on Health Benefits
There are so many health benefits that come with physical reading that you just don’t get while listening. Some include gained knowledge, advanced critical thinking skills, memory retention, reduced stress, increased imagination and creativity, improved writing skills, vocab expansion as well as higher concentration levels.
Hearing Loss
Along with the earbuds most people blare the sound. With constant noise you can lose your hearing after a bit. I work production and listen to books so my hearing is gone!
Lose Details
While listening you might drift off or have someone interrupt. In doing so, you can miss the smaller details the author has left for you to find elevating the story to another level.
Lose the Joy of a Bookstore or Book Launch
Growing up one of my favorite things to do was go get a book or go to a launch party. They were so much fun but with audible you miss out on that shared experience as most likely you won’t be leaving the house.
Not Considered Reading
Many people don’t count audible as reading. I completely understand as they use two different senses and experience. So be aware you might get in an argument with someone if asked if you read the book.
Voice Actor
If you have one bad voice actor, a really good book can be ruined and possibly DNF’d.
Pros of Physically Reading a Book
Endless List of Health Benefits
I already mentioned this above but I'll repeat it again! Creativity, gained knowledge, increased vocabulary, improved focused, improved memory, reduced stress, better sleep, etc. The list goes on and on! I believe reading is one of the healthiest habits you can find while also making you smarter.
Cozy
The feeling of reading is different than anything else. Sitting down to read a good book is one of those experiences you don’t get often in life. So do it! Grab a book, a blanket and some tea and get cozy.
Cool Shelves/Art
With physical reading you have a lot of books to shelf which means cool ways to decorate your book shelf to display your novels. It makes a statement and also shows others you are one smart cookie thanks to all those health benefits.
Get Lost in Your Imagination
In this day and age we need to leave realty and find a better place to go. Another benefit from reading is opening up your imagination to endless possibilities and ideas.
See you Progress
There is nothing more satisfying then turning the page of a book. Especially when you are flying through it. It makes the book so much more enjoyable.
Cons of Physically Reading a Book
None… Just Kidding
With reading being so positively healthy one would think there aren’t many drawbacks. But see the list below!
Takes up Time and Space
Physical books take up lots of time especially those longer books that may take several days to read. And once you are done you have to find a space for it to go along with the millions of books you already own.
Money
Again those book prices though! Even the paperbacks are getting more and more expensive. If you are an avid reader buying anywhere from 3-5 new books a month just might cost you rent!
Hard on the Eyes
Physical reading can be hard on the eyes especially when you do it over several hours without a break. Eventually you might need to get glasses.
Attachment Issues
The worst con of all.. you might become attached to the characters on paper.. remember they aren’t real!!!
After going through each pro and con I still love both forms of reading. But overall, books I’m most excited for will be left to the physical reading. I seem to enjoy the experience more and that’s okay!
Which reading method do you prefer? Tell me in the comments below.
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