Got into a debate about audiobooks vs physical books at my book club last month

We were discussing The Martian and this guy Dave kept arguing that listening to the audiobook doesn't count as reading. I asked him if he thinks blind people aren't really reading either and he just got quiet. Then this older lady named Susan jumped in and said she's listened to 40 books this year while driving to work and she remembers every plot detail. I told Dave I actually got more out of the audiobook version because the narrator added personality to the jokes. He still wouldn't budge though. Has anyone else had a book club member act like audiobooks are cheating?

4 comments

4 Comments

logan2713d agoMost Upvoted

Yeah, totally agree with you and @angelamurphy about people just wanting to feel superior. I had a guy at my old book club tell me listening to The Hobbit audiobook was "lazy" and I was like, does the narrator doing all the voices make it less valid? I actually remember more details from audiobooks now because I can focus on the story without my eyes getting tired.

angelamurphy4d ago

Oh people like Dave just want to feel superior about something. I've run into that a few times at my own book club. Susan sounds like she knows what works for her and 40 books a year is impressive no matter how you consume them. Audiobooks have opened up reading for so many people who just don't have time to sit still with a physical book. Good for you for standing your ground because that narrator for The Martian really did bring the humor to life.

troyc174d ago

Tbh is it really that deep though

kevin_williams3d ago

Respectfully, yeah it is that deep for some people. Reading vs listening hits different.