Alyssa Tyler editor in chief
In the past few years social media platforms have created their own ‘channels.’ One of these being ‘booktok’ and ‘bookstagram.’ Through these platforms accounts and creators discuss book recommendations, book ‘icks’, and begin many debates. Ranging from what’s better, contemporary romance to fantasy romance, is cracking the spine of a book a cardinal sin, and of course, does listening to audiobooks count as reading?
If I was asked these questions years back, I would have answered with a resounding no. As I’ve mentioned in previous reviews, I do consider myself to be a book snob, and believed that reading only counted if you had a book in front of you. However, as my schedule has filled up and I have found less and less time to physically read a book, my opinion has changed.
When I was a kid (without adult responsibilities) I was able to sit and read for hours a day, however, when I do find time to sit down and read, I would rather spend it doing other things. Such as spending way too much time on my phone and scrolling through social media.
So, when there is time in the day to just listen, but not physically read, I find it easy to just turn on the latest audiobook and just listen. Without this option, I most likely wouldn’t read at all.
If one reads (no matter the format) they can still digest and understand the information they hear. Also, this format of reading opens the power of reading to many people that may not be able to sit down and read a physical book. For example, those who have difficulties with seeing, ranging from lack of vision to those who may get headaches from reading. Then, this allows people who get stir crazy just from sitting to still read and interact with different forms of literature. For example, I will listen to audiobooks while working out, driving, or completing tasks that do not take much brain power.
Overall, reading can and has taken many forms. While the question of ‘do audiobooks count as reading’ will stay around for much longer, I do believe that this format has brought better than not. For those interested in finding audiobooks, I recommend getting a library card (Pittsburg Public Library or any others), then downloading Hoopla or Libby and sign in using your library card credentials, there will be thousands of options for audiobooks if your library participates.