It really is! I’ve had this discussion multiple times with many people. If a book isn’t on audio, I probably won’t read it. When I tell you I read a book, I listened to the audiobook. Life can be crazy and busy and audiobooks are how I get my book fix. I like to be able to multitask. I love that the book goes with me wherever I go and fits in my pocket when I use Libby or Axis 360. I even listen to them as I fall asleep in place of a radio, which makes my toes start tapping when I hear a song I like. In fact, as I write this blog post, I’m listening to “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens. #winning, am I right!?
I still read physical books, I just take a lot longer. I fall quickly asleep trying to read them. Not because I don’t love the story. Usually, it’s late at night and like many of you I’ve worked, cleaned house, walked my dog, and then watched a few episodes of my current Netflix binge. I didn’t feel as bad about my audiobook habit after reading a study released in September 2019 where researchers at UC Berkeley found that our brain responds the same and processes the words the same whether we read them from a book or hear them from an audiobook. Now, this won’t settle the debate – some people are made for reading audiobooks and some aren’t.
I don’t always remember exactly what happened in a book. Sometimes when I’m listening I become Charlie Brown and my audiobook, his teacher. The same thing happens when I read a book though too. I can recall MANY details, but not all. If you think you’d like to give it a try, I suggest you start with something light and funny. My audiobook journey began with Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series. It was funny and usually kept me engaged, but the details weren’t so important that if I Charlie Browned, I wouldn’t understand what was going on.
If you’re interested in using your phone or tablet for audiobooks be sure to check out Libby and Axis 360. If you’d like suggestions or need help getting started, stop in and ask for Emily, I’ll be glad to get you started.