Why Are Audiobooks Controversial in the Book Community? 

I think the medium in which you consume a book is completely irrelevant. This debate has very much been about the pedantic debate about the specific meaning of reading. People who try to gatekeep what qualifies and disqualifies someone as a reader is entirely missing the point that we are all falling in love with the same stories, same authors, same characters. we need to start ignoring this weird kind of reading elitism and come together as community to celebrate WHAT we are consuming, not how we are consuming it.

Scientific studies have shown that the same part of your brain is engaged whether listening to a book or reading a book.

No it isnt. But its not a bad thing. You are listening to an audiobook. You're still absorbing the book you're just not physically reading it. If i listened to an audiobook id just say "i listened to that book through audiobook" simple as that

The difference between books and audiobooks is that with an audiobook you need to like not only book itself but also voice actor

Definitely in the camp that an audiobook counts as reading. For the monthly book club I attend, I pretty much only use audiobooks because that's what I have time for, with a 45 minute drive to work. I am able to fully discuss and understand the book with the readers that had a physical copy with ease. The semantics of reading vs listening just feels like arguing for the sake of arguing about it. Also, the video format of you politely arguing with yourself was a fun and pleasant watch. Love it 😁

I need audiobooks because i'm dyslexic pretty badly, and I love huge chunky fantasy/science fiction stories. I can't even imagine trying to finish one of these, let alone a series. It takes me multiple minutes to make sure I read a page correctly. I love audiobooks and i'm beyond grateful for them, I always have one on.

We all are right. No one ia wrong. Just do whatever you enjoy

If you're listening to a book (and not doing something else at the same time) it's easier to visualize what's going on in the book, than if you're reading it. I wonder how many authors dictate books with voice recognition software, or record what they say and hire someone to type it up? I suspect prolific writers like Brandon Sanderson do that. And it surely counts as "writing" the book 😄

I respect people's different opinions. However, in the olden days, stories would be told around the fire or during festivals. So both that and audiobooks nowadays should absolutely be considered reading, and it's great the consuming stories is possible in such a variety of platforms!

Idk if it's anyone else but if I listen to a song or a podcast my mind isn't constructing a movie in my mind. I'm basically just listening to what someone is saying versus when I listen to an aufiobook my brain is building a world just like when I physically read a book. Also what is it called....audioBOOK, what do you do with BOOKS, you READ them.

I don’t think of listening to books as reading because it’s listening. It doesn’t make it not count as a book that you’ve finished. Reading and listening are two different skills. You still get the same story and that’s fine, but I think of reading as… reading letters and words. I do both pretty equally, normally finish an audiobook or two a week and a physical book a week. I love both. There’s no issue with listening to me, I just don’t see how it’s reading.

I have three children. When they were young it frustrated them that their reading levels would limit what books they could “consume”, also each child has vastly different reading interests so depending on the reading time with me wouldn’t necessarily work. They had access to a large library of audiobooks and spent hours listening to books while also doing others activities. They did also regularly have physical books they would enjoy reading. As a result all three of our children tested exceptionally well on vocabulary levels as well as reading and listening comprehension levels were also tested as very high. They are still avid readers as adults. One also entered the world of Indy publishing and really enjoying that as well.

This is a big point of contention in my book club and one of the members only listens to audiobooks and wanted to make it a rule that only books with audiobooks be nominated. This ruffled the feathers of other members and we had to make a rule that you could opt out of “reading” the book if you couldn’t access it in your chosen medium. I find it fascinating people have such strong feelings on both side of this argument.

I’m so glad you brought up accessibility. ❤ I have severe nerve damage in my face, and as much as I love to hold a real book it’s just not feasible. I can’t spend very much time with the lights on bright enough to read. Audiobooks have been a lifesaver for me.

My parents instilled bibliophilia in us from a young age, they used all the forms of reading to ensure we were well rounded (reading to us, audiobooks, silent solo reading, and reading aloud). Unless the goal is increasing your visual/aloud reading skills audios 100% count. I would also argue that audios are even essential even for people without reading disabilities, I would have very little reading time if I wasn't using audio while driving at work.

Im actually of two minds about this, on the one hand I don't care how someone consumes a story, never have -maybe due to having listened to audiobooks myself all my life 😅 On the other hand, depending on my mood i can get annoyed when people say they've read a book when they've listened to the audiobook but thats a me problem, because I can also get annoyed when people are being pedantic. Then there's audiobooks that are abridged in which case you really did not consume the (original) book. I actually listened to an abridged version of one of my favorite series and i plan on reading reading the actual ~1000 page books some day. Bottom line: I dont care whether you listened to the book or read the actual letters as long as we can talk about the content😊

I like audiobooks because they allow me to consume books at an insane rate. I listen while I'm driving or doing chores. I still like reading and mostly read during slow times at work and before I sleep. I am usually progressing through one of each at any given time. There are so many books I want to read and audiobooks will help me finish a lot more of them!

Reading: I form images in my head reading the words. Audio: I form images in my head listening to the narrator. I'm 100% sure both "ISA's" are adorable. This was amazing . You put a lot of thought into the content provided and it shows. BOSE: I have the Sennheiser HD 4.40. I love them.

Listen to audiobook is not the same as reading a book. Because you are not reading at your own speed and reading word by word. Also, it doesn’t take away the fact that people who only do audiobooks are still bookworms or bookdragon whatever book fans wants to call themselves.I listen to true crime podcast does that considering me reading a book? No, because someone is telling me the story. I watch gamers play their games does that consider that I played it? Nope! Audiobook is someone telling you the story. And yes, I do listen to audiobooks not against it. Also, sometimes I listen and follow along. But hey is my opinion! 😊 Looking forward to more videos !

Another point. What group is behind the audiobooks Vs. reading study? Who paid for the study? Was it Audible? Other audiobook companies? That matters?

I can't concentrate when I only listen to the spoken word. When I try I either fall asleep pretty quickly or my minds starts to wander soon enough and I won't register the spoken words anymore. When I realise that after a while I have already missed too much and don't get the connection and content anymore. So for me the only way is reading a printed book. Listening to audios is a real nuisance for me. That's is why I also never listen to podcasts, I need something visual to keep my focus and concentration.

Amazing video! Wish my arguments in my own head were just like this. :D For me listening to audiobook and reading does count the same and the main reason is that you will devour the same content. You can even talk with each other about the story, about the writing and stylization, the hidden messages between the lines (which you would not be able to do if someone only watched the move - even if it would be very very loyal to the book adaptation). Very good points on both fronts however! I agree that the comprehension is a bit different with both formats and me personally need a bit more effort to completely get and enjoy audiobook compared to physical book.

great work girl! 👍 You are so nice to yourself when you are arguing with yourself. I cannot believe how many people are wrong.

As someone with a physical disability that means I unable to hold a book due to weight I find audiobooks a god send! I’d like to set up a YT channel that focuses on reading audio books only! I think giving people the choice is a good idea, I use my kindle too but that’s not always good to hold either. Just let people use what they love as I think there’s an argument for why both should be used!

I love how the iPhone/ipad kindle app highlights the word while listening to the audiobook. This is ESSENTIAL for me to enjoy a huge tome like fantasy books. It keeps me focused and present with my reading. My ADD is terrible. I love your analogy with watching/reading the close captions.

I think people should be allowed to consume books however they prefer. For me personally, I read physically and listen to audio books while at work. However, I do find it strange that audio book listeners will say I read this instead of I listened to the audio book. Like, surely it should stay as I listened too? 😂😅 But, to my original point, as long as books are being consumed and enjoyed, the format used should not really matter.

I prefer to read, whether it’s digital or physical books. I’ve tried auto books and it didn’t feel the same in my head lol!

I like doing both at the same time since some names in fantasy books are harder to pronounce so I will listen as I read along and I love doing this. This is how I got through The Greenbone Saga series since I really wanted to know the pronunciation of all the names and cities 😊

One problem I have with audiobooks is I cannot count them to the amount of books I read in a year 😅 I dont mind or discount other people when they do it but in my brain when I say I want to read 100 books this year audiobooks don't count. Unfortunately

I think it counts. For long books especially, I read them both ways. When I have time to sit down with the paper version, I do so but when I am standing in a crowded train or bus, doing my laundry or dishes, etc, I like to keep "reading" them with the audio version.

Let’s put this into context. The only people who say audiobooks are the identical to reading are those who listen to a lot of audiobooks. It’s a biased audience. The BookTube community has been colonized by privileged people who want to make reading a “sport.” The only way to make it a sport is to increase the amount read. So instead of reading they listen to audiobooks to increase the numbers.

If grandma reads a book to a child, who read it? child or grandma? Both consumed the content but only one read it. When you read you imagine everything, even the voice and sounds. So reading is reading and listening is listening, two DIFFERENT methods of consuming content. Don't get me wrong, both great.

I have Aphantasia and have found that, when it comes to getting "lost" in a story, audiobooks are the only way for me. While I do read and listen, I prefer my fiction to be through audiobooks since a lot of descriptors authors use are very unique and I have no real life basis of understanding, but great narrators really help!

The book is going into your head no matter how it gets there. I do both audio and physical reading and enjoy both. My favourite way to read is listening tthe audio while reading along best experience ever ! Audiobooks require just as much concentration as reading physically. I usually find the ones that are most harsh to audiobook listeners are the ones that say oh i cant listen to audiobooks i cant concentrate for that its not really reading. (Heard this so many times) That tells me its harder than reading 🤷‍♀️

Commuting and audio books….match made in heaven 😄

I'm a hybrid reader. I bounce between the book and the audiobook. When I can sit and focus, I read. When I need to drive or do housework, I pick it up in the audio.

For the poll question of does listening to an audiobook count as reading, by reading do you mean reading as in experiencing a story from a book regardless of whether or not you initially get the information first from decoding letters into sound or directly from sound without the additional step of decoding or reading as in the act of decoding letters into sounds? If reading means experiencing a story from a book regardless of how you came by the information then yes listening to an audiobook is the same as reading a book. If you mean reading as in decoding something none auditory into something auditory based then no.

IMO… Yes it does for several reasons 1) if you are a person with dyslexia reading physical books can be near impossible depending upon its severity, making audiobooks the only/best way to be able to engage with stories. 2) if you are a person with impaired vision who is unable to physically read words that are written, audiobooks become the only way to engage with stories 3) if the purpose of reading is to expand your mind, knowledge, and to bring you joy from engaging with a story how does an audiobook not do that? What are u able to get from a story by physically reading the words with your eyes that you do not get by listening to the story? 4) if a persons ability to listen to an audiobook at faster speeds is what makes it “not reading” then anyone who has ever skimmed or skipped sections/chapters of books that are slow/boring/repetitive/overly descriptive for no reason/a pov of a character you do not care about/romantically explicit cannot not count that as a book you have read even if you finished it 4) if the ability to do other things, cleaning/exercise/etc, while listening to an audiobook is what makes it “not reading” bc your sole attention is not on the story, then again anyone that has ever listened to music/had the tv on/the radio on/etc while reading can no longer count that time/book as reading bc you were engaging in other media/activities while reading I don’t get the hate that ppl have for audiobooks. For some ppl this is the only way they are able to engage with stories. Why are they viewed as lesser then even though they engaged with the same story and got the same information?

I discovered audio books in 2006 for commuting and have never looked back. It brings it to life

Reading, listening, immersion reading, even watching adaptations for the screen (big or small) you still get to enjoy the story. My question is WHY IS "HOW4😮MANY BOOKS I READ" CONSIDERED A COMPETITION?

I understand people that need it and use it,it’s just not for me. Growing up we were “tested” as what kind of learner we are in school at the beginning of the year. I always got tactile and visual. Audio was my lowest and it’s hard to focus on something that’s just audio for me so I will not use audio books. I also don’t really like reading novels on my phone or kindle though comic books,graphic novels,and manga are fine in ebook form for me. Though personally I’ll always choose physical over all when I can. A bigger debate instead of this would be: Hardback vs Paperback vs MMP MMP should go away(in my opinion)

Sorry, not sorry, but if you are someone who believes that audiobooks don’t count as reading you’re an ableist or ignorant to the fact that there are people who physically can not read a book for various reasons one being visually impaired. I find it is important that we educate ourselves on why someone may prefer audiobooks over physical books, not assume even if they can read.

The way I see it, not using the cop out answer of let people enjoy what they like. I would say Audio Books do count as reading, because even though you are not physically reading it yourself, someone is reading it to you so therefore it’s still a read out-loud story. Like how parents read to their children before bed for example. So it still counts IMO

Whether we read with our eyes or our finger tips or our ears, reading is an amazing thing! Sometimes we need a little help with our imaginations and a gifted narrator like Jim Dale (Harry Potter books) can open up a whole new world for us.

Wow, great breakdown! As the dad of a kid with dyslexia, I feel passionately that saying audiobooks “don’t count” is thoughtless and cruel.

Of course it is. I think the ones that say no, are just proud of how fast they read. Some are even against reading in a device. This video was needed! 👏👏👏👏

If you read a book to your child did they not read it?? That’s as close as an audiobook as you get in the real world so I’d say if you read to your child at bed time and it counts as them reading a book them it’s the same for an adult!!

People criticize audiobooks because they think it's easier, but for me it's harder. My mind will wander within minutes. My wife is right, I'm a bad listener. But physical book or kindle - no problem. When I was a kid I enjoyed being read to. Not sure why that changed.

First off I want to say you presented this in a fun way getting into character for both sides of the question. While I agree with gray sweater you, I think we should not be so picky about how other people decide to do reading or anything

As a disabled person I’m sick of the ableist nonsense that audiobooks aren’t real reading. Why does anyone care how others read anyway?

As someone with ADHD, I can listen to 10 books during the same period of time it takes me to read one...

I used to hate audiobooks, but then I got children haha. Now it's mainly how I consume books, because I can do it during chores or driving to work. Awesome video! Subbed :)

It may not be the exact same, but it is equally valid.

I get irrationally mad when people say they don’t count 😬😆 Probably because I mainly listen to audiobooks because I don’t have much time to sit down and read but I still want to read! Definitely a worthy topic of discussion!!

No! But I did read a movie once and watched a book

Final point: The journey matters. What If you told your health club peers that I jogged to work everyday but you actually took an Uber. The destination is the same…So does it matter? Absolutely!! Reading is jogging, Uber is an audiobook. Integrity matters.

No.

No one learns to write better by listening to an audiobook. 🤷‍♂️

for me personally i don´t like audiobooks and no i would not count the as "i have read that book", listening and reading are 2 complete different things. but if someone counts this as reading its ok

The answer is NO it counts as listening. You don't read a book with your ears you read a book with your eyes!!

In my opinion... NO!