Let’s Talk Bookish: audio books – reading or not?

It’s Friday again, I just went for a run, met up with my bestie and studied some math. So, a packed day and tonight, I’m meeting my mum and aunt for dinner, so I don’t have much time to write this post. I wanted to do it anyways, as Let’s Talk Bookish hosted by Rukky @Eternity Books is one of my favorite tags! Today, a topic I might not be very great at judging since I don’t really listen to audio books: should listening to audio books be considered reading or not?

Is listening to audio books reading? I would say so!

I get that some people might argue that you’re not actually reading as in looking at the writing, holding some kind of book, but as you experience everything else, I would consider it reading. You can still be enchanted by the book, the story can still be gripping and you can still learn from the book. I know that the aspect of learning how to spell and how to write properly can’t be considered here, but you can still learn new vocabulary.

I know the reason many people chose audio books is because they are able to relax or do other things while listening and enjoying a good story. Furthermore, they can read while driving, going for a run or simply on the train. Personally, I think the invention of audio books is a great development for literature. Some might not consider it real reading, but for me, it’s a great step forward. You don’t have to be somewhere you’re able to take a book with you, you don’t have to buy a physical copy, it doesn’t have to be your only activity at that point – there are only upsides! (And it’s also a really great opportunity for small children to enjoy stories without having to be able to read before starting primary school!)

So, all in all, I would say it counts as reading because all the experiences are the same, except for actually following the letters with your eyes. Reading is about the experience and joy and you shouldn’t define it simply by your physical activity at that point!

That’s it – sorry for the short post today, but I want to enjoy my book now and won’t have any time if I write a really long post! Tell me, do you consider audio books reading or not? Feel free to comment! Happy reading!