By Tessa @TessaTalksBooks Posted on

#BookBloggerHop | Listening or Reading?

The Book Blogger Hop was originally created by Jennifer @ Crazy-For-Books in March 2010 and ended on December 31, 2012. With Jennifer’s permission, Billy @ Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer relaunched the hop on February 15, 2013. Each week the hop will start on a Friday and end the following Thursday. There will be a weekly prompt featuring a book related question. The hop’s purpose is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, befriend other bloggers, and receive new followers to their own blog.

Do you listen to audiobooks? If so, do you prefer listening instead of reading?

(submitted by Elizabeth @ Silver’s Reviews)

Every now and again I try to listen to audio books but my mind always treats them like they are background noise after a few minutes, and I hear nothing of the story. I would love to be able to keep my attention focused and listen to audio books, though. I think it would help my eyes to be able to mix it between audio and eBooks/physical books.

When the weather is good for walking, I have had a bit more success with listening to audio books while I walk but, of course, that’s only if I’m alone and I am rarely alone when I walk.

Recently I received the audiobook version of The Bodyguard by Katherine Center, which comes out next Tuesday. It was just a thank you for attending a virtual event, so luckily, I don’t have to review it. I’ve tried three times now to listen to it while I work, and all three times have been a failure. I really want to listen to this and take it in but it is way too hot for walking right now.

I also have a library of 41 books on audible that I would love to listen to. Some of these are my daughter’s from when she was in elementary school and preferred audio books – I don’t really want to listen to those – but many are books that I would love to hear.

How about you? Do you listen to audiobooks? If so, do you prefer listening instead of reading?

30 Replies to “#BookBloggerHop | Listening or Reading?”

  2. writerravenclaw says:

    I’ve never listened to audio books. I have tried a kindle but I struggle if it isn’t a book I can hold in my hand. I don’t think children read for fun like we do. It is all about academics, and maybe if we read to them more, give them the inspiration to find a fantastic world in a book, then they would enjoy reading.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. kat says:

    I’ve only listened to one audiobook and couldn’t even focus on much beyond the sound of the reader’s voice, so I haven’t attempted another one. I tend to daydream myself into the books I read, so reading works out a lot better for me. It would be nice to be able to listen to audiobooks, though.

    Liked by 3 people

  4. nickimags @ Secret Library Book Blog says:

    Well as you know I love audiobooks and sometimes I do prefer to listen rather than read. However recently I’ve not enjoyed a few of them because I didn’t get on with the narrator so I read more than listened. I normally listen when I’m doing something else as I would also find it difficult to concentrate, unless it’s a really gripping story. I tend play easy games on the my PC or device. Also housework is a good way to listen as well as whilst I’m driving. It’s a bit like listening to the radio or a podcast.

    Liked by 2 people

  5. Kelly says:

    I love audiobooks! I didn’t really think they’d be for me, I thought I’d have the issues you do, but years ago I decided to try and it’s a match made in heaven 😊 I wouldn’t recommend you trying to listen while you work, it took me dozens of audiobooks and lots of practice to be able to do that. Walking is a great way to start, you want an activity that keeps your body occupied but your mind mostly free. I love listening while gardening and I always used to listen when driving to work (I now listen during my five-minute bike ride to work 😄). I listen while cooking, while cleaning, in the shower, … Listening in bed also works for me, it helps switch my mind off so I can fall asleep faster but choose your book wisely or you won’t get any sleep at all 😅 As much as I love audiobooks, they could never replace sitting down with a physical book or my e-reader, but they’re a fantastic addition, and a fun way for me to read when I can’t sit down with a book.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Lady Tessa says:

      I live as close to work as you do 😂 or else it would be great to listen to books on my way to and from work. But I think maybe I could start walking on a treadmill. The Y is right down the street and I’ve had a membership forever. Might as well put it to good use.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Pingback: Book Blogger Hop – Audiobooks Yes or No? #BookBloggerHop #BookTwitter #ILoveAudio #AudiobooksRock #SecretLibraryBookBlog – Secret Library Book Blog
  7. Swirl and Thread says:

    I have tried on numerous occasions bit just not for me. Too much of a commitment as I find I read much faster. Also, like yourself, I zone out a little 🙈

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lady Tessa says:

      It is! My husband is the opposite too. I wonder if it corresponds to learning styles – auditory vs. visual learners.

      Like

  9. mehsi says:

    I have tried audiobooks a few times.. but it just doesn’t work for me. My ADHD mind gets distracted and boom suddenly I am 5 chapters further and I didn’t notice. I would really have to put in all my efforts to listen and well, that is not going to work out, that is very tiring. So reading it is!

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Teri Polen says:

    I still prefer books to audiobooks, but I’m usually reading 1-2 and listening to another at any given time. If I’m walking alone or I’m working out at the gym, I’m always listening to a book. Sometimes my mind wanders, but I don’t usually miss much. Good thing there are rewind buttons!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lady Tessa says:

      I’ve thought about going to the Y and using the treadmill while listening. I have the membership, I might as well use it! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Jonetta | Blue Mood Café says:

    I think you know by now I listen more than I read. I get distracted reading eBooks! Here’s a tip to limit your distractions while listening. Do it while you’re washing dishes, dusting or vacuuming. If you’re out and about, listen while you’re waiting in line. I wouldn’t try to listen while you’re doing something that requires any level of concentration. I also listen while playing video games.

    Hope that’s helpful!

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Carla says:

    That would be a big, fat, YES for me. Like Jonetta, I listen more than I read. I listen when doing all those mundane tasks like laundry, dishes, cleaning, cutting grass and even when exercising. I listen in the car, when walking, grocery shopping, you name it. I could not listen to books several years ago, I would drift, but now, that is not an issue.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Books Teacup and Reviews says:

    I was the same, I couldn’t get into it but then this year I tried audiobooks again and I loved Love Line Series I listened. But I read more than I listen books and that’s kinda waste of money. I think it depends more on the narrator and that is both plus and minus point. I would like to judge story based on plot and characters and I don’t want it to be swayed by narrator.

    Liked by 1 person

  14. WendyW says:

    Audiobooks are best when I’m driving long distances, walking by myself, or mowing the lawn. But, I can’t just sit and listen to an audiobook by itself.

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Louise H says:

    I get distracted by the accents and stop listening to the words 🙄. I’d love to listen to audiobooks whilst I drive but I “tune out” the radio so don’t think that would be an option either.

    Liked by 1 person

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