The debate about reading physical books vs. audiobooks got heated at my club last night

So at our last book club meeting, Susan said listening to an audiobook doesn't count as 'real reading'. She was super loud about it. Then Mark pushed back saying he 'reads' 3 books a week through audio during his commute. I sat there stuck in the middle because I actually do both depending on my schedule. Has anyone else run into this kind of argument in their book club?

3 comments

3 Comments

mark_carr71mo ago

Funny timing. I just read an article that said audiobooks and print books light up the same parts of your brain. So Susan can calm down. I used to be a print snob too until I started listening during my commute and realized I was still getting the story.

angela3551mo ago

Mark, that article nails it, the brain doesn't care how the story gets in there. Speed is the real hidden factor, you can blast through a 20 hour audiobook in half the time and still catch everything if your brain can handle it. People get hung up on the medium but the actual comprehension is way more about your focus than whether it's paper or audio.

murray.jana1mo ago

Wait, does that mean I can speed up my life too or just the books?