Paperback, ebook, or audiobook… What’s your preferred method of reading these days?
I’ve learned something about myself over the last few years that I never considered before: I’m a slow reader. Not that I stumble over words or struggle in some way. No. I just read to myself like I would read to my children . . . with dramatic flare. Therefore, I only consume a few books a year since I need to use most of my time to write. This is annoying when, as a writer, I should be reading a good deal on a regular basis.
This past year I’ve taken to listening to audiobooks whenever possible. I can listen to three or four books in the time it would take me to squeeze in one with my eyeballs. Recently my daughter shared an app she learned about at her local library. It’s called “Overdrive.” Have you heard of it? Basically, you link the app with your local library and use it to checkout audiobooks and ebooks from your phone or device for two weeks! No need to make a trip anywhere, no need to purchase a thing, and no late fees! When your checkout time is up, the book just disappears from your device. Brilliant!
I’m excited to learn that The Tethered World will be getting an audiobook made for Audible.com. It’ll be great to offer the listening option to busy people (or slow readers!). Of course, there will be an ebook and a paperback version too, something for everyone. And there are those with very definite opinions about these options. I have a friend that refuses to read ebooks, though I’m not sure how she feels about audiobooks.
How about YOU? What’s your preferred method of reading these days? My plan was to insert a poll at the end, but WordPress is being uncooperative. Please leave me a comment instead 🙂
Yes, I love the multitasking capabilities of audiobooks! Still, nothing beats good ol’ paper 🙂
Nope!
May favorite is paper back, but I’ve found that audio books let’s me read more so I use that when I’m cleaning, weeding, or sometimes even resting. I generally use my Kindle for books my library doesn’t have, or for night time reading. So, I do all of the above and can’t wait to get your book in many of these forms! 🙂
I used to think I had turned into an ebook person. Then lately I bought several paperback books to read, and I felt like I was home again. It was the strangest thing, but so nice. I really am a paperback person. It’s where my roots are. 🙂 I enjoy ebooks and paper for different reading times, though. Sometimes I wish I could switch a book I’m reading from one to the other! I like audio books in theory but I think I wouldn’t be able to listen to it very carefully if I was doing any other tasks.
I think we are all paper readers of circumstances allow (at least it sounds like everyone has that preference). Thankfully there are options, though! Your a busy mom so you’ll fluctuate a lot, I bet!
Well, I couldn’t have said it any better! Yes, on the convenience of bringing many books as ebooks. Yes on the convenience of multitasking with audiobooks. And YES, nothing beats curling up with a great adventure and no time constraints to enjoy the real thing. That’s still my preference too! Unfortunately, it’s a luxury these days 🙁
P.S.~ I always thought The Tethered World would make an awesome audio book, so I’m so psyched that’s going to happen!! And I hadn’t heard of Overdrive before…totally checking it out. Sounds perfect! Thanks for the info. 🙂
I will use all three options, but my absolute favorite is still paper. Guess I’m old school that way. 😉 There’s something magical to me about the feel of the paper between my fingers, the smell of old books, the physical action of turning pages and feeling the weight in my hands. So if given the option, that would always be my first choice. However, I do have a Kindle which I’ve found to be particularly advantageous on trips since I can bring as many “books” with me as I want while taking up minimal packing space. Brilliant! I also enjoy audio books, especially when I’m cleaning or driving–and since I travel teach, I do a lot of driving so audio books are a good way to fill up my time. All in all, however, nothing beats the feeling of knowing you hold an entire world in your hands brimming with new adventures! Plus, they look good on bookshelves. 😉
I prefer paperback!
But I like audio books for long drives or spring cleaning days.
I think I may have heard of that. Never listened to it though.
So much fun for EVERYONE. Highly recommended. Most libraries carry him.
How exciting that your book will be made into an audio!! That must be thrilling. 🙂
I myself prefer print copies. I love them. They’re much easier for me to read too – on a good week, I can sail through at least one book, if not more, depending on the size and greatness of the book. 🙂
Thank you! Nice to have options. I agree that paperbacks trump the ebooks. I’d take the real thing over the other every time.
If I get a really enthralling book, I can neglect my children and husband and read it in a couple of days. But that’s not a very popular option around here for some reason 😉
Well, at the moment, with all my books in storage, I prefer my Kindle. I will be trying out the audio choices once I get moved somewhere with reasonable internet options.
Gotta do what ya gotta do! I need an update on the whole moving situation soon. Miss you, friend!
“Paper, Ebook, or Audiobook?”
My answer is yes. I love reading, but have picked up audio reading over the years. My least favourite is the e-book–though the non-lit screens (Nook & Kobo) help.
Same here, I really would read through any means available. But if I want to actually make progress, audiobooks seem to be a good fit for me, LOL. Yeah, those non-lit screens are terrible.
I’ve a visual person so I really prefer paperback or ebook over audio book. Trying to focus on the story can be taxing for my attention, not to mention I like being in control of how fast or slow to read. (I’m a fairly quick reader except when things get exciting and then I have a tendency to read the same page or paragraph half a dozen times to savor every word and not miss out on any action.) Ebook or paper doesn’t make much difference to me except I’m less likely to flip back and forth in an ebook (or cheat and peek at the end – I’m bad!! lol).
However, my daughter and husband are both dyslexic. Hubby is mildly dyslexic and can read just fine but it’s a slow process and not very much fun for him (unless he’s really into the book – like the Harry Potter series). Daughter is still struggling to learn and her ability is very below her interest levels. So Overdrive was a Godsend when I discovered it about a year ago. Hubby has a 30 minute commute to work every day – it’s been a blast finding books for him to “read” on his way to and from work. So many books I’ve always wanted to discuss with him and now I can. Daughter is similar – listening to books has become more appealing than television (yay!!) and now she isn’t begging me to read to her until I’m hoarse. (Though I still love doing that, too, of course.) We’re blessed to have a library that will order 50 items a year per patron, too. So when they only have the first in a series, I can order more and they get them very quickly. (Much quicker than if I ordered a physical copy.)
So I’m glad to hear your books will also be audio. Sadly, a lot of books don’t get made into audio and it’s limiting for those who won’t be able to read them otherwise.
Wonderful that technology has given your family something for everyone 🙂 You’re a naughty reader, though, peeking at the end of the book! For shame, LOL! That’s especially great to have a way for you and your daughter or husband to discuss a book together!
Wish I’d heard about Overdrive sooner! Do you know if there’s a way to renew a book? I remember seeing that feature when the app gave its initial ‘walk through.’ However, I can’t find it now that I need it on my current book :-/
I’m super excited about the audiobook being made too. Apparently we get to have auditions and everything, woohoo!
I believe you can only renew a book during the last three days. The option isn’t available before then. And you can only renew once and after that you have to go through the whole process again.
I only peak at the end when I’m worried someone might die or I really, really need to know *now* if a couple end up together. So when the tension becomes unbearable and the author has done a great job keeping me guessing. lol But I know it’s so naughty – lol!
Thanks! I’ve got three days left on the one I’m listening to and can’t find the renew option. Maybe because I’m on my phone?
I won’t tell anyone about your naughtiness 😉