Readers....question?

Question

Are people who listen to books on tape considered readers?
I wont lie i do have time to read, but prefer books on tape, because I spend so much time in my car.

Is their much difference between the two?

Answer 1

I am grateful for books on tape. I have two small children at home and I'm going to college part-time. I often don't have the time or the energy to sit down to read. I listen to books on tape when I'm working around the house, grocery shopping, or driving a long distance alone. It keeps me entertained and my brain active at times I would otherwise be brain dead.
I don't think I get as much out of books on tape as I do from actually reading. This is due to the fact that I can't just flip back a few "pages" easily. Also, with the book on tape, I am usually doing something else while I'm listening. Because of the talent of the reader, sometimes a book on tape is more enjoyable than the text but usually my own imagination adds the depth needed to really enjoy it.

Answer 2

You might not be a “reader” of good books, but I see nothing wrong with being a “listener” of good books. Time is our most precious commodity in our day and age. You have found a way to enjoy books and maximize your time in your car. I commend you for your forward thinking.

In the end, I see no difference between reading a book and listening to it on tape. You still enjoy the fruits of the artists labor, the author still gets royalty, and the story gets told.

Answer 3

I don't consider a person who listens to books a reader. They are just that, a listener. Now, if they went back and read the book they listened to, they would be a reader. I consider a reader a person who actually takes the time to sit down and open a book.

Answer 4

I used to have a job where I could listen to books on tape all day. I found that the unabridged books were the best, and they are like reading it word-for-word.

So, in my opinion, it is the same as reading a book. You get the same out of it. And, if the person reading it is a skilled storyteller, you may even get more out of it.

The abridged versions, which are usually only about 1/5th as long on tape, leave out a lot of the important parts, and only touch on the highlights. They may not be considered as reading the book.

Answer 5

I had a child tell me once that he had read all the Harry Potter books. It certainly appeared that he had because he knew the books (the characters, the plots, etc). Later I mentioned it to his mother and she told me that he hadn’t read the books, he had listened to them on tape. In fact, he was seeing a reading tutor because he was close to failing due to the fact that his reading skills were so far below grade level.

There IS a difference between reading and listening, especially where children are concerned. Now for an adult who CAN actually read…listen away. But kids need to be reading. That's merely my opinion, of course.

Answer 6

The main difference between listening to a story and reading a story is that you get a distinct interpretation when you listen to it. The reader's feelings and ideas will come out in his speech, and you'll be more inclined to feel a certain way about characters and events.

For many stories, this is actually a very good thing, such as ghost stories, dramas, or possibly romance novels. I've even written one story where I truly wished I could have someone reading it to my audience instead of just having it written down.

Usually though, I prefer to build my own ideas. ;-)

Answer 7

I don't see much difference except that you can continue with the recorded books after lights out.
I personally prefer to read but there are times when I would rather listen. such as when I'm doing housework. I find chores go much faster when listening to books.
If you spend a lot of time in your car and that is how you would like to pass the time, I'm not going to knock you for it, it's a preaty good idea, that's what my family and I do on road trips. Once we took a road trip to my family in Boston (we live in CO) and so we rented the entire series of unfourtunate events series and listened to it the whole way, even after it got dark and no one got sick from reading in the car. I suppose it all depends on your outlook and lifestyle.

Answer 8

If you like books on tape, It think you might even enjoy it more... I think it is actually better for the story.

It is not however the same as reading which is harder... If you hear a book on tape it will limit how you imagine it to be because your getting restricted by your imagination by the voices and sound of the story.

thanks for reading my thoughts....

Justin

Answer 9

Whether you actually pick up a book and read it or listen to aomeone else read it makes no difference. Books on tape are the books as they are written.

Answer 10

Well, technically you're a listener and not a reader :-)

But the journey is the same, just the media is different.