Do you consider listening to audiobooks cheating? For me it’s a lifesaver bc I’m such a slow reader and I get easily distracted
Do you consider listening to audiobooks cheating? For me it’s a lifesaver bc I’m such a slow reader and I get easily distracted
Not at all. I’ve become a bit of an audiobook addict!
@Dave same here ?
I spend about 10 hours a week driving or cycling to work and back, so get through one every week or two.
I’m listening to audiobooks as I’m on strong painkillers and fall asleep reading so they help me
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4751gb7QpI okay guilt is gone
@Heleen The King is right ??
Nope I recently got into them myself. It’s great when you have other things you have to get done
?In my opinion reading is to be emmersed or enjoying a story whichever form that may take personally for the individual because to me its not cheating at all I see reading or other means of engaging in stories as leisure it is not a contest how someone reads or how much its about your personal love for the books,characters,launage,setting or any other detail that ignites something within yourself I hope this helps ease that wonder ?
I watched a great video by emmabooks on YouTube where she talked about audio books and how the brain processes you go through with both experiences is actually very similar. Also, it’s a format for blind readers to experience so if someone tries to say it’s ‘cheating’ – it’s pretty ableist to say so. It’s like saying someone using braille is cheating. Obviously they aren’t. You do what you want to do. For me audio books has enable me to read so many more books this year and I’ve loved the experience. If I enjoy the audio I do like to get a physical copy too.
oh yeah I just watched that ^^
I LOVE that video. I never felt any negative way about audiobooks to begin with, but that video still taught me so much and made me appreciate them even more!
I’ve gotten several physical books because I liked the audiobook and wanted to reference info (these were not my normal fiction audiobooks).
Not at all. It’s just a different way of enjoying the story. And it enables blind people and people with dyslexia to enjoy books as well. 🙂
No, audiobooks aren’t cheating. Echoing Kristin, audiobooks are literally lifesavers for those can’t read the printed word. I’m a volunteer for Learning Ally, a non-profit that records audiobooks for students.
No it’s a book and takes equal if not more time for me.
Nope I consider it winning! ?
Audiobooks are fabulous! Especially with a great narrator.
@Carmen agree. A great narrator makes the audio book!
Why would it be cheating? I envy anyone who can listen to audiobooks. I get distracted way too easily and don’t realize it and have to go back all the time.
Thats all i do is audiobooks. I can listen anywhere anytime even at work. I love it!!!
At work? I want your job!
Cheating on what? Reading in any form is for your enjoyment. There are no reading police. Do what you enjoy.
Ditto to all comments!
Absolutely not! I spend an hr a day on my work commute so I listen to an audiobook and then I also have a physical book going. I don’t get why people think audiobooks is “cheating”?
I work with VI people and they are a godsend to them……and i am well and truly addicted to them, i have forgotten the last time i listened to the radio in the car. x
No! I never do it ( because I have nothing to listen on and reading helps me sleep) but it’s not cheating. It’s just another way of doing it xx
@Claire audiobooks put me to sleep.its like having your Mom or Dad read you to sleep. I set bookmark and sleep timer so I can easily go back to what I missed
@Carol I got my mom to read to me from chatelaine magazine during my contractions in my second pregnancy lol it distracted me
@Abby cool. My second pg just popped right out. No contractions – BOOM – there he was – almost 10lbs from tiny 5’ me?
@Carol whoa!!! All 3 of mine were scheduled c sections but my middle wanted out early so I went through 8 hours of very slow labour while I waited for my dr
I love audio book especially for biographies…..I just listened to James Comey’s his voice is melodic and soothing…
No! I had a job where I had to travel hours daily. I started listening to audio books and they saved my sanity!
I don’t think enjoying a book in any format is “cheating.” It’s just another way to enjoy books. I use audio books for my commute to and from work.
No, I don’t consider it cheating. I listen to audiobooks with my family at meals, and my own personal ones when I’m doing house chores. I’ve been listening to them since I was really little. 😉
I listened to books all the time, but do not count them as books I’ve read. Just me and what I do.
On top of everything already said, I like to raise this point whenever someone says audiobooks are cheating or somehow less valid.
No one would dare deny the value of reading to a young child. The benefits are well documented. How exactly would being read to as an adult be any less valuable? And at what age does that value magically diminish? It doesn’t. Audiobooks are perfectly and equally valid to visually reading a print book. To say anything less than that is ableist and also the same as saying reading to children is not as valuable as we have always claimed it is.
Exactly!
I listen to books. They keep me company while I am doing chores. If not I would be sitting reading, and not completing tasks. Im a proffesional cleaner, this helps the time pass At home many a times I turn in our sound bar and listen to books as I putter around the house, or in days I am in the kitchen baking. Books I read when I have the extra time.
No, how can you cheat at reading? Also if you think its cheating what about the vision impaired?
I have a hard time following along to audiobooks 🙁
Not cheating. Every single word of a book is getting absorbed into your mind just like it would if you were reading. I drive all day for my job so I listen to a lot of audiobooks. I once saw a comment from a girl that said those who listen to audiobooks can’t have a serious book discussion with those who read. That was BS.
Nope. I am always listening to audiobooks. They’re great for commuting. I go through many more books that way.
Definitely not cheating. I read a physical book during lunch at work, so that’s only 15-20 minutes of reading at a time. I listen to audiobooks while commuting to/from work and it has really improved my commute. I am taking in the book content regardless of the format.
It’s not cheating. A book is a book no matter the format.
I use to until I became a mailcarrier and had to humble myself. I started working a lot more hours and the very little free time I had…I spent with my kids & husband. Which meant no time to read anymore. I downloaded audible and my first book was free. So I downloaded Gone Girl. I LOVED it. I have listened to so many book while I’m walking. I’ve crossed off so many books on my “read before I die” list & then some. I still carry a book around for dr offices/appts & the like though.
No. The goal is to enjoy a story whether it’s eyes on the page or those pages coming through as oral story telling. I recently read my novel for Audible and did not think for a second that anyone not ‘reading’ is not reading, or that my reading it out loud was not writing it…
If it weren’t for audiobooks I wouldn’t get to enjoy books. I’m very greatful and love audiobooks. Definitely not cheating. Some people say you aren’t using the eye and brain coordination but you are still getting the same information,knowledge and comprehension…. ??♀️
No it’s not cheating. I just prefer not to use audio books because I hate sound and noise. When I read, that’s my way of unwinding and I want to do that in silence
Funny, I get distracted trying to listen to audiobooks. ? The joy is in the words and story through whatever medium you choose.
No, not cheating. To each their own. 🙂
My retired brother thinks it is, but I work full time. Taking care of my family & house leaves little precious reading time, & there’s so many books! I get through one or two a week with audios!
No. I drive 3-4 hours a day…
I listen to a ton of audiobooks! I commute about 8 hours a week in the car and they are a lifesaver! Not cheating
Both of my vehicles have bluetooth stereos so I just load up my phone with audiobooks from my library’s app. I love it, I don’t ever listen to music anymore. That’s time that could be spent listening to audiobooks!
Sigh.. the fact that people even care and feel the need to tell you you’re “cheating at reading books if you listen to them” is ridiculous. I can’t stand stereotype thugs! You could be doing much worse things than *gasp* listening to a book!! ? end rant lol
No way!!!
Honestly, I kinda feel bad for people who think listening to audiobooks is “cheating.” It means they think reading books is an effort/work.
Books are, at least most of the time, for enjoyment and entertainment. There is no “cheating” when it comes to consuming books.
However you do it, if you’re enjoying it, you’re doing it right.
I just don’t understand this…who would you be cheating. Isn’t reading pleasure for yourself?
@Carol yeah well some peopke consider it cheating bc it ‘seems’ easier
Nope
nope, you’re reading with your ears ?
Brilliant!
No, I don’t think listening to audiobooks is cheating. You’re still getting the story. Comprehension is still part of listening.
Enjoying a book via listening or reading is just a personal preference. Neither is superior to the other. People get really hung up on the semantics of it. Like, obviously reading is not the same as listening, but it’s still the same book.
Heck, I’m an avid reader, and can’t focus enough to listen to audiobooks.
My hat’s off to all you book listeners out there!
It’s just a different way of experiencing books.
Not cheating.
It’s honestly the only way I can fit reading into my crazy life right now. Makes dishes, laundry, driving not such a chore. Sitting and reading would feel like a luxury right now.
My husband and I talk about this. I do think that finding time to read is an effort and we do not consider audiobooks reading. It is by definition not reading. However it’s not cheating. It’s fine to listen to an audiobook and I have listened to a few myself but I don’t count them as reading. It’s just different. I say do what floats your boat ?
I kind of feel that way. I never listened to audio books until recently – now I do while I’m driving to work. For me, it’s actually a great way to experience books I probably wouldn’t have the patience for if I was “reading”. ?
I only use audio books if I’m going on a long commute and won’t be able to read. The only problem for me is,I read way faster than the audiobooks. Plus,if you get stuck listening to a voice that annoys you,really stinks. I don’t consider that cheating though. My daughter uses them because she’s dyslexic and it’s helped with her vocabulary and reading comprehension so much.
I’ve just recently discovered how much I love audiobooks! It does feel a tiny bit like cheating, but who cares?! You get to enjoy the stories! I’m not really a slow reader, but I have two small boys and finding the time to actually sit down and read is hard. So audiobooks have been amazing.
I used to try to listen to them in the car, but found I got distracted from driving by staring at the radio, too engrossed in the story, and not paying attention to the road. Bad news bears! So that had to stop. Lol
I listen to audiobooks at work! It’s a lifesaver. I still sit down and actually read, but it’s a good way to still get a story when you don’t have time to sit and enjoy a book
I listen to audiobooks while on the computer and in the car on long rides. A book is a book is a book!
I love audiobooks. They give you a whole different perspective
Not cheating. It’s just a different way of approaching the same material. Do what works for you.
Heck no!!! It’s reading in a different way.
Of course not. Words are arranged to create stories, and delivery is simply a matter of choice. The arguments on this get old.
@Lavonne yes!! I’m so sick of this debate. Just get into your story no matter the manner!
Dara Reneé Sailler Yes, just love the choices we have. I remember when we only had one choice, and I love the flexibility of today. It’s kind of like asking, would you have a better conversation on a rotary dial phone or your smartphone?
It’s not cheating. You are getting the exact same words into your imagination, just in a different manner. I’ll never understand how people say it doesn’t count ?
Nope! Definitely not cheating! ??
Nope! It has made working in an office more enjoyable for me for many years!
Nope, not cheating at all.
I think it’s fine for others. Me personally, I find them too slow and I get distracted.
@Tracey most apps allow you to change the reading/playback speed. I always speed mine up to my reading speed. Helps get through them much quicker!
Thanks @Mandi, I didn’t know this?
@Tracey you can always do what I do listen to them on 1.5x or 2x speed helps and you get through books faster
@Tracey i didnt until a friend showed me she did it on YouTube, then I found how to do it in Audible and Overdrive. I think Hoopla may have the ability, i dont remember
Thanks?
Not cheating. There were times I would get no reading done at all if it weren’t for audio books. And they’re a lifesaver on a long winter commute!
Nope. My son is dyslexic. If it weren’t for audio he wouldn’t have the love of books that his has. Not to mention the exceptional vocabulary to boot. Not cheating at all. The brain gets the same positive benefit. ❤️
In time far gone, the only way to enjoy a story was to LISTEN. Listening is a skill. As is superb reading aloud or telling a story.
This is so true. It amazes me how my kiddos can listen to a story and retell it SO WELL. I’ve tried. It is HARD. I can’t focus. Lol
Great answer
I can’t do audiobooks personally, but no I don’t find it cheating. You’re getting the same story
It’s a lifesaver for me too! I occasionally work long hours and I’m exhausted by the time I’m home. So I just listen while I’m on the road! Not at all cheating ?
No, i think audio books are very relaxing.
I drive 2+ hours for work 1-3 days a week…Audiobooks are a lifesaver. And definitely dont consider them a cheat.
My favourite is an Audible original, “Dead in Venice” by Fiona Leitch. So funny!
I love reading and when I discovered audiobooks I loved them for a diff reason, so no- it’s not cheating. I only will not do an audiobook if there’s a s book I’ve been waiting years for- ( Sarah J Maas books! Esp this last one of the TOG series) & after I’ve purposely slowed my reading down to enjoy this last portal into Erelia (that world) then I’ll listen to an audiobook all the time!
@McKenzie i looked at my wish list on audible and is no longer available on the .http://co.uk/ site … They don’t have the rights anymore..
Not cheating.
No, I think it is the same. Whatever is the easiest way for you to read.
N0
Not at all
Nope. Whatever works for you. I know people who don’t like to sit and read a physical copy, with audio they can listen while working etc.
Wow. I’m the exact same way. I have A. D. D. Plus I read so slow. No I don’t think it’s cheating. Especially if that is the The only true way you can take in the book. Plus I have proof that Stephen King himself preferrs his books to be listened to. It’s not cheating at all especially to those who need it this way
I think if that’s your preference, it’s perfectly fine. Plus, audiobooks are the only way some people can experience books.
Nope… Whatever works so long as you’re reading.
No way. My husband and sometime real aloud to one another. IS this “cheating”. Reading is reading whether you do it aloud or only in your head. Audio books count!!!!
not trying to fight or anything but reading is the action of reading printed word. So while audiobooks are not cheating as yes they can be necessary for others, it’s still not actually reading. So I would say if you and your spouse read to each other then the person reading is reading whereas the other is listening ?
Audiobooks are not cheating. Anyway you get the story! Who cares?
@Amanda okay, I will play your little game. 😉 So blind people don’t read when they have to have an audio or a read aloud function? Is reading only a function of the eyes?
@Rhonda I’m not sure what you’re talking about maybe you should reread my comment. Any way you get the story is reading! I don’t care if it’s audio visual or listening. It’s reading!! I listen to audio books everyday. I’m still reading!
My response was to the girl to commented first here. Not your original comment. I agreed with you.
haha silly me. Your initials are the same and it didn’t register you were a different person. my bad. Sorry. I guess I should READ! better hahaha 😉
@Rhonda no worries!! I figured you just read what I said wrong lol
@Abby My point is that the eyes (seeing) is not the only sense capable of “reading the written word” Authors present their ideas in a systematic way through the written word for the understanding and comprehension of the brain of others I would argue that reading is a function of the brain not the eyes. The eyes are usually the vehicle to get the information to the brain, but they are not the only vehicle. Reading a book with braille or listening to an audio book have the same response in the brain as when reading with your eyes.
@Rhonda interestingly enough Braille is reading. It’s physically reading the written word. I never said there’s anything wrong with listening, it’s just not reading. It’s listening to someone else read. I appreciate your responses it’s great to have a mature back and forth ?
Technically Braille is feeling not reading according to your original definition of reading above. So it’s either with the eyes or it is the eyes and ears and fingers.
For the record I think listening and feeling are both techniques of reading.
It’s ok to have different opinions ? braille is physically interpreting words which is why I count it. I know some people cannot physically read and that’s ok!
Abby when I listen with my ears…aren’t my ears physically interpreting the words?
This is what I’m saying: read, definition
look at and comprehend the meaning of (written or printed matter) by mentally interpreting the characters or symbols of which it is composed
Look at written or printed matter. Not hear. Like I said above it’s fine to disagree.
I listen to audiobooks while at work. Right now I am listening to Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. I have read the whole series before but I am re-reading/ listening to them because my sister got me Tales of the Peculiar for my birthday.
Absolutely not. And I’m a former librarian. ?
When it involves books, nothing is cheating. Take it all in, anyway you can.
This is the most ridiculous argument and it comes up all the darn time on here. Who cares how you “read” the book. Physical book, ebook, audiobook, read out loud or silent. Who cares?!? As long as the books are being consumed and enjoyed!!!! I’m sure the authors don’t care if you buy their audiobook or physical book as long they someone is enjoying their work!!
here here I agree
@Amanda hopefully, this discussion will put this issue to bed once and for all?
@Theresa one can hope so
I think you should do what makes you happy.
No, it’s all about the story and taking you on an adventure. Whether you listen or read it’s all the same. In my opinion.
No. Not everyone can read books due to disabilities.
I can listen while working and I love it. I can listen to 2-3 books a week and what this does is let me expand my horizons. I listen to books I would probably never have sat down to read. And I’ve found some great books.
Not at all, your still enjoying a book
How can it be cheating? The content is the same. Audiobooks are a life saver for many especially those who have problems reading print because of eyesight problems etc.
Helen, don’t feel bad. I have an hour commute to work and an hour commute back home. I’ll read an entire book in 2 days… Ha haha haha haha haha. I love audiobooks.
no.. there was a study about it once.. comparing reading and listening to audio books. as soon as you are able to read a book without trouble in a normal speed it doesn’t take your brain that much effort so the brainactivity isn’t higher or lower compared to a-books. no cheating. 🙂
Absolutely not! It’s no different than listening to your parents read to you as a child!
Nope…I have kids, long road trips, gym time, and other stuff to do while not wanting to miss out on great books…win win!!
Not at all!!
No. But sometimes it’s better to read than to listen because there are times when the narrator just can’t capture the feeling of a story. Although, to be fair, there are times when the narrator gets it just right. Like this one.
@Tony chills
Some authors are exceptional narrators too, like Trevor Noah and David Sedaris and Lesley Kagen. Then you know how to pronounce stuff.
Neil Gaiman narrates a lot of his audio books, such as Graveyard Book. He’s fabulous.
I could not stand reading “The Shack” and gave up pretty quickly. I listened to the audio version and loved it! Hearing the different characters made the story come alive for me and make more sense. The movie was more enjoyable for me also having heard the story. That’s really the only book that I can think of that I had such a strong preference for the audiobook. Lately for my book club books I’ve been getting both versions.
@Susan there are def books I could not have gotten through without the audio book (the Passage)Nor a fan of Scott Bric though.
the Life of Pi. Then I saw the movie and went oh I see…
Dont think its cheating…your still getting the words
Nope! Definitely not. I listen all the time, and can get through more books because I can listen while driving and while in a car (I get motion sickness if I read in a car). It allows u to do so much more! And your imagination is still going just as much
Plus, when reading u naturally skip words that may be important, in audio, you hear everything and get a better understanding of books
Love audiobooks get through longer series then when trying to read. So short stories I ebook read and long ones I listen to…
not cheating…i listen to audiobooks on my commute & i consider it reading…
Not at all! Audiobooks are extremely convenient. I listen to them all the time when I drive ??
It ain’t cheating. Listening develops one of our intelligence. The best method of learning is through storytelling. I found many people pickup topics quickly through listening.
Nope. Love them. Makes cleaning so much easier!
@Brandy I don’t do audiobooks while I clean but I used to call my grandma. Maybe I should try audiobooks lol
@Reut
@Daniela I saw that and thought of tagging you
It isn’t cheating, I think its just another way to enjoy a book and the world needs more book lovers!
Whenever I use audiobooks I just tune out sometimes lol
It’s better for me to read so if I ever get distracted I know where I stopped instead of accidentally hearing a spoiler
I wish I could follow, but I start to drift off ?.
@Angie me too…just not an auditory person.
@Carol I sometimes need to go back and get a detail. Crime fiction ?
Considering audiobooks “cheating” is ableist…
Why would it be cheating? It literally has the word “book” in the word. ? just like comic books and graphic novels aren’t cheating – it’s just a different medium.
Not at all…I LOVE audiobooks.
I enjoy audiobooks as well.
I don’t think it can be “cheating” as reading isn’t a competition. I occasionally listen to them, but I don’t personally count them towards a reading challenge for myself because the point of the challenge for me is to challenge myself. If you have different goals or abilities then there’s nothing wrong with listening to them. I personally consider them akin to podcasts – entertaining and informative but not the same as reading.
Absolutely not.
It’s not cheating. It’s just not reading. It’s listening. Watching a movie doesn’t count as a book read so why would audiobooks.
Because the audiobook is a word for word version that enables those with disabilities to experience the same story. A movie is condensed and edited and changed so that is where they differ.
I agree with you Nikki 😀
I don’t consider audiobooks reading. That doesn’t make it cheating in my book, it’s just two different things. The definition of reading is to take in the sense of letters or symbols by sight or touch (braille) – nothing about listening, so audiobooks isn’t reading
@Maja yes I agree