I think we all know I love a good book, but what I apparently don't like is listening to a good book. As part of the Read Harder challenge, I had to finish an audiobook. I picked Jennifer Government because I've been wanting to read it for awhile (my name is in the title, people), and it was available from my library.
I think I liked the book okay (pretty standard science-fiction type stuff with a healthy dose of satire, but many of the consumer references are now dated), but I know I didn't engage with the characters or the text as much as I would have had I been actually reading the book instead of just listening to it. I know lots of people like to listen to them in the car, but I find I just zone out and pay attention to neither the book nor my driving. Not a good scenario. I doubt I'll be listening again, but at least now I can say I've tried it. And I still don't like it.
4 comments:
Maybe we should try some harry potter?
Audiobooks have never appealed to me. Maybe people who listen to talk radio like them more, but I just want to hear music while I'm driving. The only audiobook I'd consider would be a memoir read by the author, being more personal. I once listened to an audiobook (back when they were called "books on tape"!) written and read by Tom Bodett of Motel 6 commercial fame. I love his voice.
I tend to keep the following opinion to myself because some of my good friends love audiobooks but (sigh) listening to audio books is NOT reading! It actually pains me when people tell me they've read X many books and when I ask how they managed to do that they tell me they listen to them. It just seems a little like cheating. But whatever. I'll deal, I guess.
Patricia, I'm with you! I don't count audiobooks as "reading," either, for the exact same reasons.
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