Friday 22 March 2019

E-books or Bound Books? And What About Audio Books?


Technology has definitely changed how we consume books.

I still prefer to read a traditional bound book, if possible. But sometimes the print is so very, very small that my poor old eyes can't cope.

In that case, I will download the e-book version so I can increase the font size to a readable level. I use a Kindle app on my iPad for this purpose. I don't own an e-Reader per se.


My Rare One consumes audio books at an astonishing rate. She loves audio books because she can multitask while listening to them.

She downloads them from the public library to her iPhone. These days she directs the audio from her iPhone through her Smart Speaker so it is easily heard throughout her house as she works.


And what about you?

How do you do the bulk of your reading?

Do you have strong preferences one way or the other?


60 comments:

Cal's Canadian Cave of Coolness said...

I have no patience for books anymore. I have only listened to one audio book and that was a full cast recreation of Kingdom Come - THE greatest Superman story of all time.

anne marie in philly said...

I LOVE REAL BOOKS!

Sixpence Notthewiser said...

I have both. I decided to go the Kindle for iPad route for plane trips but I still have (and buy!) traditionally bound books. I find ebooks easy to carry with you but ‘real’ books still have my love.
I do audio books when I’m driving long distances (have you tried driving from Chicago to Cleveland? Indiana is a drone). Best ever? David Sedaris reading his Me Talk pretty One Day.

XoXo

Infidel753 said...

Where books are concerned, for me they still have to be real books. I have no trouble reading blog posts and news items on a computer screen, but there's something about a screen that just doesn't work for me with something of real book length. Maybe if I reach the point where print size is a problem, I'll need to adapt, but that hasn't happened yet.

The problem with real books is the sheer weight and bulk when you accumulate a lot of them. I'll have to move soon and I'm already dreading it.

Ol'Buzzard said...

What the hell are you doing up at this time of the morning? I thought I was alone.
Like you, I have found e-books, but still prefer real books. Many of the books I buy end up with margin notes and underlines; and they look good in my book case. The library and on-line books are a great resource, but I still buy too many books. We live in the rural Western Mountains, but any time we travel to Augusta (Maine) we find a good restaurant and then go the the book store and usually come home with books. Fortunately my wife is a book-a-holic like me.
Have a good morning
the Ol'Buzzard

Moving with Mitchell said...

I enjoy real books AND ebooks. Haven’t gotten into audio books because I like going back often which is a pain with an audio book.

Marie Smith said...

Love the book in hand best but e books are great for travelling.

mxtodis123 said...

I tried audio books for awhile, but I just couldn't get into it so I canceled my subscription. I also have tons of books on my Kindle and love the fact that I can adjust the print, but for some reason it bothers my neck to read from there while it doesn't hurt to read from a book. Problem is the books take over my home.

Bob said...

I love a real book, always.
I had a Kindle, but I missed holding a real book.
I've never done audio, though I think it might be good on a road trip.

Infidel753 said...

The problem with audiobooks is that a fully-literate person can read several times faster than normal talking speed. So absorbing a book at the speed of speech seems very slow.

Text also makes it much easier to flip back and review something from a couple of ages ago because it clarifies what you're reading now, to re-read a passage you didn't quite get, to check footnotes, etc.

Audiobooks are probably best suited to, as people have said, road trips.

DEZMOND said...

'Her House'? Ya mean ya two lovebirds don't leave together in that lil' apartment of yours, Debs?
We don't have audio books here and I boo and hiss on e-books as I live off the real ones.

Leanna said...

Personally, I love both. I buy the real thing in book form of course if it's a reference or cookbook. I buy novels, short stories, etc if it's just to read for fun in e-reader form. that way I can take it with me and slip it in my small handbag. I hate carrying heavy big purses around. Besides David used to make fun of me when I would pull a humongous novel from my purse to read while I was waiting at a doctor's office.

Rosemary said...

I thought that 'proper books' would go into decline, but luckily that has not happened.

holli said...

My 2 overflowing stuffed packed bookshelves answer for themselves. And the huge pile of books stacked by my bed....

Deedles said...

I love books no matter the form, except audio. Real books are my first love. However, for the volumes I read I'd need to live in a library! I own all of my biographies in hard cover. I like looking at the pictures and my kindle paper white is all about the print. My hands start hurting while holding a book nowadays, and I love that I can read at night without turning on a light! And the font size? Yessiree Bob! Of course, I may be going blind. Also, nothing beats the smell of old books in a used book store.

^.^ said...

Real books are my friends too, friend D … I schlepped many a book to Canada upon immigrating … and I am still in love with each and every one of them … I have no use for e books/ audio books … I need to touch and turn and feel the actual physical pages. Anyway. Love cat.

NanaDiana said...

I am REAL books all the way. I listen to so much 'talking' all the time that it nice for me to 'listen' to the silent word. I love the feel, smell and nostalgia of books. I gave a huge part of my library away with this last move...sigh...
Have a wonderful weekend with The Rare One- xo Diana

Kirk said...

As I have yet to purchase a Kindle, the only thing I can read an eBook on at the moment is my cell phone, and that's certainly no improvement over a real book.

Just from what I read about eBooks, I predict they'll eventually be like paperbacks. The book with binding the equivalent of a hard cover that goes an sale first and is always the "prized" copy, then the paperback (eBook) that comes a little bit later. And of course, there's eBook originals, just as there are paperback originals. Who knows? In the future you may even be able to download eBooks at airports.

Joanne Noragon said...

When I downsized, I divested myself of my library. Literally. And donated every book and CD to my local library. It was a valuable windfall for them, what they could add to their collection and what sell. Except for my tactile love of each of them, it was easy for me; I became an audio book fan years ago. I had two entire shelves of audio books. But, they are all in the library. And more.

Od Lurker said...

If your Rare One is blasting an ebook on the smart surveillance speaker and you eavesdrop, does that count towards your reading total?

No anonymous comments? Aren't you interested in some nice Mumbai Escorts or knowing that Baby Boomers Need to Hurry Up and Die?

bobbie said...

Real books, hands down, every time!!! I've never liked being read to, so audio books are out for me; hubby offered to buy me a Kindle, but I said no thanks...

There is just something so comforting and cozy about curling up with a good book! And with older books, there is that lovely smell!

Parnassus said...

Hello Debra, I have thousands of real books--no e-books, no audio. Every room in my apartment is lined with bookshelves, and I am wondering how to get in more.
--Jim
@Sixpence Notthewiser: I have driven between Cleveland and Chicago several times, but if you take Route 20 instead of the expressway, there are always interesting small towns to drive through and things to see.

Fundy Blue said...

Real books for me, Debra! I wear reader magnifying glasses to overcome the small print. Love the images that you've put in the post. Not only are they funny, they're spot on!

Miss Val's Creations said...

I always loved traditional books, hardcover or soft. However when I started using a Kindle, I instantly fell in love with it. The portability is fantastic. When my mind goes crazy in the middle of the night, I can pick up the Kindle and read without turning the lights on. Brilliant!

Adam said...

I haven't heard an audiobook since school.

Debra She Who Seeks said...

@ DEZMOND -- My Rare One and I did live together in her house for 9 years, but for the last 6 years, we've each had our own space. It makes being a couple easier, we find!

Bea said...

I prefer to turn actual pages, to be honest. Last year, I joined a book club & was amused to find that I was the only person to bring an actual book to the meetings. The other women had all downloaded their content! I felt a bit like a dinosaur. :D

Rain said...

Real books for me...aren't they just called BOOKS for gawd's sake??? :) I have downloaded countless e-books and I start to read them and quickly lose interest. I just checked out a site called audible.ca...I'm into audio books, I just don't like to pay for them hee hee...thrifty Scot that I am! ;)

SmitoniusAndSonata said...

Audio books are useful when I'm sewing, but I do prefer reading a proper book. Hard-back books are best as long as they're not too heavy to hold comfortably while stretched out on the sofa, drinking coffee.

e said...

Paper books. Old school. I don't even own an e-reader. I suppose they are handy for traveling, but I still lug around books.

Martha said...

Paper for me! Maybe one day when my eyes are really bad I'll start doing audio but until then, it's paper. I've tried e-books and I just can't get into them.

BethB from Indiana said...

I read real books and listen to audio books on CDs while I am doing mundane chores or driving somewhere. I usually have three books going at once: a hardcover that I read at home, a paperback that I take with me in my walker when I go out, and a book on CD that I listen to getting ready in the morning or at night readying for bed, getting dinner on, paying bills, etc.

This N That said...

I am ashamed to say that I am not a reader last several books that I read were e-books on my Kindle.I like your rare ones method..If I didn't spend so much time on this computer, I would maybe read... My problem is, if it's a good book, I can't put it down and I get nothing else done. If it's a bad book, I won't read it.
I hope you are having a good weekend.

Barb said...

Just found your blog! I read massively in retirement, and I have a kindle but upgraded to a ten inch amazon fire tablet-so I can read digitally and have it look like a book and because amazon fire's have a "remove the blue screen". Having said that, when I download from the library, I take whichever version is available first, and I do buy hardback quilting and other craft books.

Rommy said...

I'm a book slut! I'll take 'em any way they come. I can't get enough.

brewella deville said...

I prefer old fashioned books, I like audio books, but I just can't get into Kindle or the like. Here's a question for anyone reading here who cares to answer, do you find your memory of what you've read (or heard) about the same across all types of books? I find I can remember what I read on the page much better that what I hear in an audio book. I suppose it probably has something to do with multi-tasking while listening.

bj said...

I don't read often any more...computer and iPhone take care of most of my reading...Bill loved his Kindle so much...he ordered off Amazon tons of books...

Guillaume said...

I never managed to get into ebooks I'm afraid.

And this pretty much sumps up why I prefer "real" books: https://vraiefiction.blogspot.com/2015/01/books-vs-ebooks.html

miruspeg said...

Debra I only read traditional books, I love the feel, smell and it gets me off the computer where I spend way too much time.
Peggy xxxx

RO said...

Great post! I know technology continues to grow, but give me a book I can touch and turn pages and still use a bookmark. I fall asleep with audio reads(lol) I suspect in 30 to 40 years ebooks will become the norm and that scares me. Love your memes too, and Happy Sunday! RO

greekwitch said...

E books are convenient.. But there is no smell.. You dont get to feel the paper under your fingers... You put it so well, not sexy!!
That being said I consume them like candy!!!

greekwitch said...

Also, hey honey!! Missed you.. Been gone from blogland so long!! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

G.B. Miller said...

When I used to do hardcore reading, the real thing was the preference of choice. Never really did e-books, even though I had ye olden NOOK, because it felt like I was reading something on the computer, and normally when I read on the computer, I skim/scan big time.

Way back in the day, I did audio books, only because it was an easy way to read whenever I was really bored (this happened a lot when I was working the overnight at my job and I would still keep to the same sleep schedule on my days off).

My happy medium now is listening to podcast. Not quite audio books per say, but it gets the job done.

Ole Phat Stu said...

Both.
I prefer to read books of paper,
but I write books using a computer,
both using a keyboard and dictation software.

Writing longhand on paper is too difficult for me, especially transcribing it afterwards. The SW hasn't been invented yet
that can read my scrawls ;-)

I blog via a PC and read others' blogs on a PC or a smartphone when under way.

Wendy said...

I've had an e-reader for a few years, and I do most of my reading that way. I have the Kindle app on my phone, which has been kind of a hit-or-miss experience for me. I definitely prefer reading something book-sized. The big issue I've been looking at lately is the blue light issue and sleep, and it's making me contemplate the possibility of going back to the old-school way of reading when my e-reader eventually dies. Audio books are a really good idea. I'm a podcast junkie, and this would be a good way to get some reading done while doing housework. But that would require me to actually do some housework...

Jono said...

I am about evenly split between real books and ebooks. If I had a long commute to work I might try an audio book, but I don't multi task well.enough to listen at home.

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

I like curves too, though I've read a few books on Kindle. It is very convenient.
You do have a great local library.

Liz Hinds said...

Both. Bedtime reading is nearly always a proper book but holidays combine both. But you can't read a tablet in the sunshine. Not mine anyway.

I like radio stories so i would probably enjoy audio books. Perhaps I'll look for some to download.

Liz Hinds said...

I was just thinking about browsing for some david sedaris and then I saw the recommendation. Will definitely check it out.

Bill Lisleman said...

Hardcover bounded preferred. My wife introduced me to the advantage of audio books for road trips.

Barbara said...

I am an audiobook lover. However, I love the smell, the look, the flipping of pages of a hardbound book. I also love pulling a paperback out of your purse or tote. The cheaper paper and easy to bend paper package. I would never give up books if it weren't for my eyes. I have hopes that after cataract surgery I may read again, but in the meantime, I enjoy every book I download from the library on my phone app. I go to sleep every night listening to a story. I turn it on, set the timer for an hour and if by chance I'm still awake when it shuts off I'll listen for another hour. Some might say that encourages staying awake instead of sleeping. I agree. Sometimes as book is too good to stop listening. Other times a narrator's voice is so lulling that I don't make it through a chapter. I'd saying reading is good for you however you do it.

Magaly Guerrero said...

I love stories and poetry and essays and cooking recipes and jokes and scientific journals and... words, I love words. To me, the container makes little difference. All right, that's not exactly true. I actually love the idea of different containers. That way, I can experience my favorite books in print, in audio, in electronic format... I get to love it in all sorts of ways. I'm a poly-reader.

Riot Kitty said...

I love those memes! Real books, for sure. That said, I read all of my news online.

baili said...

Honestly i love traditional books

their smell and the touch makes me feel so good

reading them was is always a pleasure that i prefer over all other excitement and hobbies

though my readings have shrunk due to lack of time and other reason is same as your's the poor eyes sight

this post is good reminder for e book use as their font can be enlarged which is huge satisfaction indeed

and just like your rare one i can work and listen both at the same time
hugs!

Magic Love Crow said...

I love real books, but I have to admit, I'm not a reader, like you and Magaly! Maybe if I read more, I would have a kindle? Not sure? I do like the real thing! LOL!

Professor Chaos said...

Real Books
Real Books
Real Books
Real Books
Real Books
Real Books
Real Books
Real Books

Morgaine Pendragon said...

I'm all about a real bound book. I love my books!!

I do have a kindle, it was a gift from a friend.
And since my current read, or in this case reread, is
the Outlander series and well those get heavy toting around.
A couple years ago I scored the 7 book set on kindle for 1.99.
Can't beat that. So that's my go to when I tag along to
Mom's PT sessions or maybe a few pages before bed.

I've never actually tried an audio book.

Iwona said...

I love real books :)

BrightenedBoy said...

I am thirty years old and I refuse to convert. It's real books for me. Always and forever.

The Blog Fodder said...

I prefer real books but in my world ebooks are more practical. No shipping charges and easy to transport. But nothing beats a hard-cover library