Audio Books? Print Books? Digital Books?
What format do you prefer for reading and does it matter?
Is reading with your ears preferable to reading with your eyes? Or vice versa?
Is a certain format better in certain circumstances?
Hey! As long as I’m consuming fiction or nonfiction content, I’ll use any format, but I do have my preferences. What is your preference? Do you have physical bookshelves or virtual bookshelves?
*This post contains Amazon affiliate links.
Audio Format
Honestly, audio format isn’t my favorite.
- It takes me longer to finish a book when I’m listening with my ears than when I’m reading with my eyes. I’m a fairly fast reader and I admit to skimming sometimes. Even though I listen at 1.25 speed, I can’t listen as fast as I read, and skimming is impossible. I am forced to listen to every single word!
- I’m easily distracted when listening. My own thoughts can distract me. I can be listening and thinking about something else entirely.
- Or I fall asleep! I seem to think I can focus on an audio book better with my eyes closed. Apparently not, because before I realize it, I’m dozing off.
- It’s impossible to highlight passages and cumbersome to add bookmarks. I may add a bookmark but when I go back to listen, I can’t remember exactly why I added it.
- I’ve had experiences where the narrator has absolutely ruined the reading experience for me.
- That being said, I have enjoyed a few audio books. In fact, I think at times that the audio format may be better than a print or screen version. Ten of my favorite listening recommendations include:
- Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (compelling narration by Ray Porter)…I can’t imagine enjoying this as much in print and highly recommend the audio!
- Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown (poignantly narrated by Edward Herrmann)
- Born a Crime by Trevor Noah (cleverly narrated by the author)
- An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth by Col. Chris Hadfield (earnestly narrated by author)
- Finding Me by Viola Davis (heartfelt narration by the author)
- The Dutch House by Ann Patchett (quietly narrated by Tom Hanks)…. this might have been a DNF in print
- The Day the World Came to Town by Jim DeFede (respectfully narrated by Ray Porter)
- And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle by Jon Meacham (expertly narrated by the author)
- West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge (authentically narrated by Danny Campbell)…some reviewers have not appreciated the narration, but I think the performance fit the older man who is reminiscing about his life quite well (I have a free book club kit for your book club here)
- The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of September 11, 2021 by Garrett M. Graff (memorable full cast narration)
Print Format
I used to read exclusively in print until I obtained a Kindle. A major benefit in reading print books is that they are easier to share with friends. A major disadvantage is that I can’t increase the font size! LOL! I’m so spoiled by that feature of a Kindle! Another disadvantage is that books are heavier than a light Kindle, they are more cumbersome to carry around, and they take up more room in a bag. Plus, books accumulate and collect dust, although I think books are the soul of a house. I regifted ALL my physical books and I miss them, but my children will thank me when they are left to deal with all my stuff!
Digital (Kindle or Libby) Format
A kindle is my reading format of choice for several reasons:
- A kindle is so light to carry around! It easily tucks into a bag.
- I can carry my entire library around with me! If I’m not sure what I want to read I can load several books to fit different moods.
- I can look up words without having to find a dictionary.
- I can highlight (in different colors!) and also export my highlights.
- I can share my entire library with my mom because I connected her kindle with my Amazon account.
- A kindle is lightweight and easy to hold.
- No blue light to affect your eyes.
- I can have a kindle app on my phone or ipad and the book I’m reading on my kindle will sync with my other devices. This means if I don’t have my kindle with me and I’m suddenly waiting in a long line, I can open my Kindle app on my phone and read a few pages!
- If I’m not in the mood to read my current book or if I decide to DNF, I can immediately obtain another book (bought from Amazon or borrowed from the library).
- You can borrow from the library digitally (through the Libby app) and read the library book on your kindle or through the Libby app on your phone or IPad. On the due date, the book automatically disappears (unless you return it earlier)…..no overdue books! If you have multiple library cards, you can connect them all to Libby.
One disadvantage to reading on a kindle is that it’s difficult to see what other people are reading! Yes, I’m the person who’s always trying to see the title of your book in the waiting room! We need to normalize just asking!
Which Format Do You Prefer?
Do you have a strong preference of reading formats? Do you switch off between different formats for different genres or different reading situations? Some readers prefer reading nonfiction via audio and fiction via print/screen; other readers prefer Kindle for traveling and print for home.
***Reading Tip***
A favorite reading tip: If you are having difficulty with a book and think you might DNF, try switching formats. Sometimes, a different format makes a big difference.
QOTD:
Which format do you prefer and why?
Do you have an audio book recommendation for me?
I’m linking up with Deb @ Deb’s World, Sue @ Women Living Well After 50, Donna @ Retirement Reflections, and Jo @ And Anyways… for the September installment of #WhatsOnYourBookShelfChallenge.
I’m also linking up today with the 2024 Book Blog Discussion Challenge hosted by Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction and Shannon @ It Starts at Midnight.
Happy Reading Book Buddies!
“Ah, how good it is to be among people who are reading.” ~Rainer Maria Rilke
“I love the world of words, where life and literature connect.” ~Denise J Hughes
“Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones.” ~Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
“I read because books are a form of transportation, of teaching, and of connection! Books take us to places we’ve never been, they teach us about our world, and they help us to understand human experience.” ~Madeleine Riley, Top Shelf Text
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All books I review are bought or borrowed from the library unless explicitly stated that they are free (arcs).
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Audio is my favourite, Carol, as you probably know, but I also love a nice hardback as well, as long as the print is a good size! 😂
Yes to large print! 😂😂🤓🧐
If it’s a book in any format, I like it! Different formats suit me at different times. Audio lets me enjoy more books at a time when I can physically sit and read for example if I’m driving or walking. Kindle great for portability and all the reasons you mentioned. But I do still love a paperback too.
I do like audio when driving!
Great post Carol! I’m with you on audio books and enjoyed your thoughts, many of which I agree with! Audio books come into their own for long car trips or when I’m walking. I can’t just sit and listen to an audio book as I get distracted or fall asleep, both of which you mention! I enjoy print or ebooks the most and mainly for the reasons you suggest. It’s interesting my 86 year old mother can’t physically hold books in her hand anymore so prefers the kindle – it’s not something I’d thought about the weight of the book. Thanks for joining us for #WOYBS with your regular posts.
My 98 year old mom reads exclusively on kindle for that same reason….and also because getting to the library is too difficult for her. And yes to audio on road trips!
Since my learning style is auditory, audiobooks are a natural fit for me.
My husband feels the same way! I can do it but it’s hard work!
My favourite format I think will always be a physical book. I can’t get on with audio books partly because they take so long but also, they don’t hold my attention in the same way for some reason. I enjoy reading on my kindle and love the ease of carrying my library around with me but still prefer an actual book with real pages to turn.
I totally understand! I miss my physical books!
Hi, Carol – I read books in all types of formats, but recently my most common reading format is digitial on my phone. I do listen to some books (or at least parts of some books) on audio when I am housecleaning. When I download an audiobook, I often try to download the digital format of that same book, so that I can switch back and forth as the situation allows.
Thank you for the reminder of ‘The Day the World Came to Town’. I just saw the musical ‘Come From Away’ and I definitely would like to read more about Gander.
It’s an inspiring story and the musical is well done!
I use all three formats Carol, but admit to still having a love of print books. I always have one on the go. Kindles are great for reading in bed, and I love listening to an audiobook when I am doing my housework or any other mindless task. 💖📚
I think it’s great that we have options to fit our moods or circumstances!
I haven’t listened to or read any of these books. I prefer to read a book, but I do love audio books, but only when I’m on the move. I can’t sit and listen. If I’m sitting I’d rather have an actual book in my hand. The biggest negative for me with audio books is that it’s difficult to go back a few pages, to check something or re-read.
Yes, it is difficult to backtrack! Thanks for sharing!
I always have one in each format on the go. I mainly listen to non-fiction in audio – or classics. I listen when I’m walking, driving, or baking. I like to mark passages or things that interest me in non-fiction so find that’s the biggest crunch point for me with audio.
Yeah…it’s more difficult on audio. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Carol, thanks for sharing at #WOYBS?. I listen to audio when I’m in the car, running or walking. I then alternate between e-books and print. I like your tip about switching formats if a book is heading for DNF list. I might try that. Thanks! x
You’re welcome! It’s saved a dnf for me on occasion! Thanks for commenting!
I LOVED this post…those were great lists…I like all formats, but it’s only been in the last few years that I’ve started listening to audio books. I listen to them mostly when I’m in the car or cooking in the kitchen or cleaning..otherwise I can’t focus. I usually go back through the “bookmarks” on an audiobook and write down or type out what I meant to bookmark. I can usually be pretty accurate. I have a list in my notes with each book and then the quotes I liked.
I love books on kindle for the same reasons, and of course a physical paper copy is a fave too.
Just now seeing this comment…sorry about the slow response. Thanks for your kind words! I’m happy to hear you’ve found what works for you Kristin! Happy reading in all the formats!
It depends on the book. And more and more it depends on the availability of a book in large print. If it is a book I want to read by sight and not listen to, I look for it in large print. If I can’t check it out in large print, I’ll opt for Kindle since I can adjust the font size. What a wonderful time we live in! Endless choices!
Yes! I love all the choices for every mood and situation! I’m so spoiled by increasing font size on kindle! 😂🙌
I am, too, Carol! Also, I like being able to highlight on my Kindle. This is too funny…. One day I was reading a print book and literally rubbed across a line with my finger trying to highlight it!
Yes, or clicked on a word to get the definition! 😞
Yes! I’ve done that, too!
I agree with you Carol. Physical books can be cumbersome and I am gradually passing mine on as I get them in ebook. I think I listen and read ebooks about the same and enjoy being able to switch between the two, especially if I’m having issues with one of the formats. I also would probably not have finished The Dutch House if I had read it.
Dutch House was much better on audio I suspect! Gotta love TH ❤️
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