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View Full Version : Which do you prefer physical/ digital book, or audiobooks?


Tatts4Life
06-06-2014, 02:38 PM
Like the title asks do you prefer to read your book or listen to it? I own a bunch of books both physical and on kindle but I find it harder and harder to find the time to be able to sit down and read. I've started to think about getting the audio version so I can listen while I'm working in the yard or driving or what ever else.
jhanic
06-06-2014, 02:42 PM
Physical book. When I try to read off an e-reader or computer, I get a headache. I don't spend enough time in a car for audio.

John
Merlin1958
06-06-2014, 03:00 PM
I'm "Old school" give me a physical book and I'm there. Though I do see the convenience of an audio book for commuting, etc.
Tatts4Life
06-07-2014, 03:33 AM
Too bad audio books cost around $40.
Jean
06-07-2014, 04:12 AM
I've tried audiobooks a few times, and just can't follow. They speak at the rate of about 5% of my reading speed, and I just can't slow my perception down. I start thinking about other things between their pronounced syllables. Anyway, a book for me is printed words, not spoken words; something purely verbal, - not aural by any means.
mae
06-07-2014, 05:28 AM
Audiobooks or ebooks do not have that heavenly book smell.
WeDealInLead
06-07-2014, 05:50 AM
Real books at home, e-books at work (convenience), audio books in the car and when I'm running.

Give me books or give me death.
dnemec
06-07-2014, 06:39 AM
I am a real book person all the way. But when I started my current job, I started driving a lot--around 40,000 miles a year. Coincidentally, I was reading On Writing at the same time. King had mentioned listening to audiobooks in the car while driving from Maine to PA to film Creepshow (at least I think that's when he was listening...my memory isn't for shit!). Anyway, I figured if it's good enough for King, I'll try it. AND I LOVED IT! I've reread a bunch of King books that I otherwise would've waited on. In fact, now I have a pretty decent King audiobook collection. Give it a try!!

By the way, it doesn't have to be expensive. The library is a good place to find audiobooks. As is ebay--the bulk of mine have come from there. And don't forget Amazon too--I am currently listening to Hearts in Atlantis that I picked up on Amazon for less than $4 plus shipping. $8 for a 18 CD audiobook?!? Yes please!
Ricky
06-07-2014, 07:12 AM
I'll take a physical book over an eBook or audio book any day. There's nothing like holding an actual book and flipping actual pages. I borrowed a friend's Kindle to read Mile 81 when it came out, and it just wasn't the same. For some reason, it felt almost impersonal whereas a book feels more intimate, I guess. I've never listened to a full audio book before, but I don't think that I would like not being in control of my "reading" speed. That, and I can't focus as well on listening as I can reading (I'm more fully absorbed when reading).


Physical book. When I try to read off an e-reader or computer, I get a headache.

I am the same way. I don't know what it is about screens (computers, iPods, etc.) that get to me.


Audiobooks or ebooks do not have that heavenly book smell.

This x3.
Ben Staad
06-07-2014, 07:15 AM
Physical books for me. I've purchased and used e-readers and do not care for them. With ebooks and audio books my comprehension of the material seems markedly less compared to a physical book.
Br!an
06-07-2014, 08:32 AM
I am a bibliophile. I love books. I much prefer reading a book to reading an e-reader or monitor.

I do own a Nook though. I read it almost exclusively in bed where it's light weight and backlight are convenient. One reason I bought it is because there are now stories that are not published in book form that I wish to read. Another is that I can read public domain stories for free.

I have never listened to an audiotaped story other than back in the day when they had radio stories.
BROWNINGS CHILDE
06-07-2014, 09:46 AM
Much prefer actual books. I do read on my Ipad, mostly at night with white letters on black background because it doesnt disturb my wife. It is funny, even if I have a book in electronic format, I don't feel like I own that book. As for audiobooks, I have listened to a couple of them, mostly on long trips. I like them alright, but dont feel compelled to listen to them more often. Nothing compares to a finely crafted old book.
Girlystevedave
06-07-2014, 11:49 AM
I prefer a physical book - a paper back to be exact. I have a Kindle that I received as a gift, and there are cool things about it, such as being able to download library books for free, having the light on it for reading in bed...but it still doesn't compare to the feeling of a book in my hands. :wub:

I can't do audio books. I tried to listen to one a while back, and a few minutes in, I realized that I wasn't paying attention at all. :lol:
Lookwhoitis
06-07-2014, 02:59 PM
Physical Book :heart:
DoctorZaius
06-07-2014, 03:33 PM
Never audio, but I prefer reading on my iPad now. I love increasing the font as my eyes go bad.
DoctorDodge
06-07-2014, 03:43 PM
I've tried audiobooks a few times, and just can't follow. They speak at the rate of about 5% of my reading speed, and I just can't slow my perception down. I start thinking about other things between their pronounced syllables. Anyway, a book for me is printed words, not spoken words; something purely verbal, - not aural by any means.

This is why I'm a massive fan of excellent audio drama but I'm not a big fan of audio books in general. I've tried following one or two audiobooks before and it has no real appeal for me, whereas audio drama - particularly science fiction and fantasy, where its not limited by a budget for visual effects - always appeals to me.
ICry4Oy
06-08-2014, 10:23 AM
Physical book. When I try to read off an e-reader or computer, I get a headache. I don't spend enough time in a car for audio.

John

Word-for-word exactly how I feel.
needfulthings
06-08-2014, 10:49 AM
Just what was the question again?:unsure:
http://imageshack.com/a/img853/7144/vcli.jpg
Priest
06-08-2014, 12:40 PM
i buy usually one of each...
jhanic
06-08-2014, 01:15 PM
Just what was the question again?:unsure:
http://imageshack.com/a/img853/7144/vcli.jpg

How do you find anything in there?? :smile:

John
dnemec
06-08-2014, 05:15 PM
Just what was the question again?:unsure:
http://imageshack.com/a/img853/7144/vcli.jpg

What a lovely room! :drool:
Merlin1958
06-08-2014, 05:19 PM
Just what was the question again?:unsure:
http://imageshack.com/a/img853/7144/vcli.jpg

What a lovely room! :drool:

A little "Sloppy" for my taste!! LOL J/K LOL
needfulthings
06-08-2014, 05:37 PM
You're WELCOME to stop by and straighten up Wild Bill.
Merlin1958
06-08-2014, 05:41 PM
You're WELCOME to stop by and straighten up Wild Bill.

Actually, I was just pulling your leg, but it would be my pleasure!!!
needfulthings
06-08-2014, 06:04 PM
"BETTER YET SEND A MAID!"
http://imageshack.com/a/img834/3338/pnwpq.jpg
evilash
06-09-2014, 04:02 AM
Physical books, 100%.
Jean
06-09-2014, 02:28 PM
Just what was the question again?:unsure:
http://imageshack.com/a/img853/7144/vcli.jpg
that's what my mother's whole apartment looks like. And books stand two deep on her shelves. My own apartment used to look the same, but now that I have my darling Kindle, I gave some books to friends, some to hospitals and other institutions... so now there's at least some room to put a cup, a lamp, a teddy bear...
needfulthings
06-09-2014, 02:51 PM
Jean... Did you see the book in the lower right hand corner? (IN THE PHOTO ABOVE)

"THE OTHER CORNER"
http://imageshack.com/a/img855/9677/y7bh.jpg
JUST PART OF THE OVER 10,000 BOOKS IN THE COLLECTION (AND I STOPED COLLECTING THESE 18 YEARS AGO)ALL MOVIE & T.V. TIE-INS & FILM RELATED BOOKS & MAGAZINES & PULP REPRINTS.
dnemec
06-09-2014, 04:28 PM
Jean... Did you see the book in the lower right hand corner? (IN THE PHOTO ABOVE)

"THE OTHER CORNER"
http://imageshack.com/a/img855/9677/y7bh.jpg
JUST PART OF THE OVER 10,000 BOOKS IN THE COLLECTION (AND I STOPED COLLECTING THESE 18 YEARS AGO)

I reiterate...WOW! :drool:
Merlin1958
06-09-2014, 06:25 PM
Is that an empty shelf, Bruce???? What the hell is that doing there??? LOL
needfulthings
06-09-2014, 09:18 PM
Believe it or not behind the bookshelf above is a window & behind that window is a bird nest & my two cats ("CHURCH & HEY... LITTLE ONE") throw the books on the floor to watch the birds so I leave them empty & those are the ONLY empty ones in the house.
http://imageshack.com/a/img823/4358/t319.jpg
Part of the T.V. scripts & Monster Magazines collection. There is a door behind the wall on the left.
The other side of the door.
http://imageshack.com/a/img819/1606/ypsr.jpg
Hardcover Movie Tie-in Books & magazines
Jean
06-09-2014, 11:03 PM
Jean... Did you see the book in the lower right hand corner? (IN THE PHOTO ABOVE)yes!!! I don't recognize the book, though - is it one of those "unauthorized" biographies, God forbid?
needfulthings
06-10-2014, 12:51 AM
http://imageshack.com/a/img829/6720/22g8.jpg http://imageshack.com/a/img841/4575/ct3cs.jpghttp://imageshack.com/a/img849/8927/n01m.jpg
Jean
06-10-2014, 05:07 AM
yes, Kiernan book is a real gem. I wrote about it in my blog. It's one of these rare products of imagination where there's not a word of truth (that includes the prepositions, conjunctions and all the rest of that crap)

sorry for the offtop

[end offtop]
Heather19
06-10-2014, 07:00 AM
Definitely physical books for me :wub: I've listened to some audiobooks as well because I have a long commute, but I reserve that for books I'm re-reading or ones I wouldn't otherwise read.
BROWNINGS CHILDE
06-10-2014, 07:16 AM
...I reserve that for books I'm re-reading

I think that is good usage of audiobooks. I might be able to get into audiobooks for rereads.
Tatts4Life
06-10-2014, 07:18 AM
Holy crap needfulthings that right there is why I had to switch to reading on my iPad. I own about 100 book and 1,000 comics. The comics are on my iPad and a good portion of the books I have are through the kindle app. I'm slowly switching over my book collection to kindle and keeping the really good books. Things that have been written by both Stephen King and Douglas Preston and Lincohln child will always stay with me.

On a side note Kindle has just released an update for the iPad that will sync both the kindle and audio version so you can switch between the two. You can also play the audio version while reading and the kindle app will flip pages automatically for you.
mikeC
06-12-2014, 05:57 AM
Like the title asks do you prefer to read your book or listen to it? I own a bunch of books both physical and on kindle but I find it harder and harder to find the time to be able to sit down and read. I've started to think about getting the audio version so I can listen while I'm working in the yard or driving or what ever else.

I only read physical books on vacation. I do buy them and it feels great to buy a physical book bc I know exactly what I'm going to read, when and I know I will enjoy it!
I'm in the car 20 hours a week so I listen audiobooks pretty much non-stop. I love it and I'm really glad that Steve made them a viable medium to ingest stories.
Some narrators are better than others though so try previewing a book before you buy.
I've read books on the phone and the kindle, once I'm into the story it doesn't matter what its on.