@Samsara I do that, too. In that case, I don’t count them. But if I’m listening to an audiobook for the first time, I haven’t read the book, and it’s unabridged I count it.
Katelyn Reeves Because while I think it’s great that people are still interested in literature and consuming the material, I don’t consider it “reading” because by definition you aren’t “reading” an audiobook. You’re listening to it, so I don’t think it counts towards a “Reading Goal.” Reading is setting aside time from your day and doing nothing but sitting with a book in your hands. With audiobooks, you can listen on your daily commute but you’re not reading, you’re driving. And you can make dinner or work on a hobby while listening to audiobooks but you’re not reading, you’re cooking/crafting/knitting, etc. As far as a reading goal goes, I don’t think it’s fair that some people say they read 100 books but half or more were audiobooks when all the books I’ve read on my goal have been physical copies I’ve set aside time for. And I know some people have really busy lives and can’t make time for physical reading and that’s fine, but I don’t think it should count toward a reading challenge.
@Madison i mean. I understand kind of what you’re saying. But its still the same material you’ve read. If you read Lord of the Rings and I listened to it, could we not still discuss the book? I set aside time for reading, but i also listen to audiobooks. Honestly, i work full time, have a toddler and will have another baby in April. Being able to sit and read happens after bedtime and all the housework is done. So while i understand to an extent what you’re saying…i dont agree at all, because the reality is I’m still absorbing the same book you are.
Or put it this way, if you are blind and have to listen to audiobooks, does that mean blind people never “read”, not with the eyes but experiencing then story just the same as you and me
Madison Renee Chappell Braille books are extremely expensive and only a small percentage of them are translated because they are also expensive to produce.
You may think “it’s not fair” to you for others to count them for a personal goal, but this is not a contest. It is a hobby. You do not have to count them for yourself, but you have no right to discount them for others.
@Shannon I’m just saying it’s possible and yes blind people can read. This is totally missing the whole point of the post, by the way. Who knew people could get so upset over the littlest things.??♀️
Only if I legitimately pay attention to the entire book. I generally use them to fall asleep so I end up counting 3 or so that I listen to every year. I’m indifferent to whether other people count them or not. I don’t count audiobooks that my son listens to unless he’s following along in a book since he’s 5 and learning to be a better reader. Books aren’t experienced the same with the ears as the eyes. For me, it’s the difference between listening to music versus reading the lyrics. They’re both valid experiences but not the same thing.
I just started reading audiobooks myself because I have other hobbies I love that require my hands. So if I can take in the same info with an audiobook. Then so be it. It counts.
Yup. You’re still getting the information. Not counting it is dumb and creates a weird sense of elitism that excludes blind people or people who have difficulty reading, or even just people who “don’t have time.” Plus, this is a hobby, not a contest. As long as you’re having fun, why SHOULDN’T it count?
Yeah, why wouldn’t you?
@Jennifer Brain fart. I meant audiobooks
@Kris lol. If you’re still getting the same information, it still counts. 🙂
Yes. I’m still consuming it, no matter in which format.
@Joel That’s fair
I do.
Yes
yep
Yes
Yep
Yup
Yes
Yes
Yup. I do.
I only get audiobooks that I have read in book format as I use them to fall asleep and can’t do that if I am wondering what happens next.
@Samsara I do that, too. In that case, I don’t count them. But if I’m listening to an audiobook for the first time, I haven’t read the book, and it’s unabridged I count it.
Yup
Yes i do!
Nooooooo.
@Madison can i ask why you don’t? Im just genuinely curious.
Katelyn Reeves Because while I think it’s great that people are still interested in literature and consuming the material, I don’t consider it “reading” because by definition you aren’t “reading” an audiobook. You’re listening to it, so I don’t think it counts towards a “Reading Goal.” Reading is setting aside time from your day and doing nothing but sitting with a book in your hands. With audiobooks, you can listen on your daily commute but you’re not reading, you’re driving. And you can make dinner or work on a hobby while listening to audiobooks but you’re not reading, you’re cooking/crafting/knitting, etc. As far as a reading goal goes, I don’t think it’s fair that some people say they read 100 books but half or more were audiobooks when all the books I’ve read on my goal have been physical copies I’ve set aside time for. And I know some people have really busy lives and can’t make time for physical reading and that’s fine, but I don’t think it should count toward a reading challenge.
@Madison i mean. I understand kind of what you’re saying. But its still the same material you’ve read. If you read Lord of the Rings and I listened to it, could we not still discuss the book? I set aside time for reading, but i also listen to audiobooks. Honestly, i work full time, have a toddler and will have another baby in April. Being able to sit and read happens after bedtime and all the housework is done. So while i understand to an extent what you’re saying…i dont agree at all, because the reality is I’m still absorbing the same book you are.
Madison Renee Chappell you must not be blind… I believe those that are blind do count audiobooks as “reading.”
Absolutely
Yes!
Yes.
Yes
Yup!
Absolutely
100%
Yes. Content is the same one.
Yes!
Totally
Yes, if they are unabridged.
No.
Yes, I mean if you were to read a book out loud to a child, or with a friend, are they still getting to experience the story? It counts in my opinion.
I can’t with the “audiobooks are cheating” crowd. ?
@Shannon me either
Or put it this way, if you are blind and have to listen to audiobooks, does that mean blind people never “read”, not with the eyes but experiencing then story just the same as you and me
Braille.
Madison Renee Chappell Braille books are extremely expensive and only a small percentage of them are translated because they are also expensive to produce.
You may think “it’s not fair” to you for others to count them for a personal goal, but this is not a contest. It is a hobby. You do not have to count them for yourself, but you have no right to discount them for others.
@Shannon I’m just saying it’s possible and yes blind people can read. This is totally missing the whole point of the post, by the way. Who knew people could get so upset over the littlest things.??♀️
@Madison yes I know about Braille, I was trying to make a point
@Madison and I am not upset at all, I was just saying why I think it counts, it was just an example why I think so
@Tara I think she was talking about me.
Yes
Only if I legitimately pay attention to the entire book. I generally use them to fall asleep so I end up counting 3 or so that I listen to every year. I’m indifferent to whether other people count them or not. I don’t count audiobooks that my son listens to unless he’s following along in a book since he’s 5 and learning to be a better reader. Books aren’t experienced the same with the ears as the eyes. For me, it’s the difference between listening to music versus reading the lyrics. They’re both valid experiences but not the same thing.
Goodreads customer service has replied / confirmed in an email that audiobooks do in fact count toward reading goals.
Yes!
Yup.
I just started reading audiobooks myself because I have other hobbies I love that require my hands. So if I can take in the same info with an audiobook. Then so be it. It counts.
No
Why wouldn’t you?
Yep
Yes- People with dyslexia utilize audiobooks all the time and count them as “read”
Yes
I do. I still put the time in. And I get the story. But I can’t read when I’m driving, lest I crash and die ?, so audio books are pretty great.
Yes!
of course
Yup. You’re still getting the information. Not counting it is dumb and creates a weird sense of elitism that excludes blind people or people who have difficulty reading, or even just people who “don’t have time.” Plus, this is a hobby, not a contest. As long as you’re having fun, why SHOULDN’T it count?
Of course
Yes, because I’m still consuming the same information either way.