If you listen to books on tape, would you still say that you have "read" them?

Question

I have a long commute to work and spend this time listening to audio books and am now up to over 200 titles. If the subject of reading or books come up in conversation is it ok for me to say that I have "read" the book or should I say that I "listened" to the book? Which is proper? I know it is a technicality, but I get the impression that some people think that listening to a book is the same as thumbing through a magazine.

Answer 1

i would tell people you've listened to books. it's not the same as reading them but it's still great that you are.
peace

Answer 2

Now I just say I read it, I use to always explain that, well no I really listened to it, but nobody really cares the point is you are aware of the story and remember it.

I suppose if someone becomes impressed as to how much you've "read" you should let them in on your secret but I've given up explaining every time I mention a book I listened to.

On side note, visual people will tell you reading is not the same as listening, this is only true if you are a visual learner.
I'm an auditory learner so I actually remember a lot more from the books I've listened to then the books I've reader. When listening to a single reader audio book with no sound effects you still have to do a lot of imagining which is what makes books differnt then movies. I do however, try to stick to unabridged books.

Answer 3

It's proper to say that you have listened to that book. You can specify the unabridged edition, of course. Unabridged is so much better (unless it's a Tom Clancy).

People who equate listening to thumbing thru a magazine are either (1) totally visual learners or (2) have more time on their hands than average working people.

It's completely socially acceptable these days to read a book on paper or electronically or listen to a book. The gist is you have books and are using them.

Answer 4

I don't see why you couldn't consider that reading. What about blind people or mentally challenged people like my son? Listening to a book is the same as reading in my opinion. You get just the same out of it, maybe more, from hearing it read. If it comes up in conversation tell them the same as you did here: that you listen to books on tape when you are driving. Period.

Answer 5

Say that you listened to the book. Not all movies are made exactly like the books so there might be a change in what you are listening to from the actual book.

Answer 6

I have to agree with Lexa. When you read you are putting your own personal views into what is transpiring. When you listen to someone read (even if it is word for word from the book) you are getting thier bias, from their tone and inflections. I have to say I think that you are doing well by listening to the books, just don't let it be your only exposure to them. As far as conversation just say you know the book and talk about it as if you had read it.

Answer 7

That's like saying "I read " when you've actually only seen the movie version."

Reading works your mind in so many different ways than watching a movie, or listening to the book on tape. You are more likely to pay attention and absorb the material if you're reading it, as opposed to watching/listening to it.

Answer 8

I, myself would say no, you've listen to it if you read it I feel that you take it in more than if you listened to it. although I'm not saying that you won't take bits even the whole thing in by listening to it. Some days I sing whole songs in my head because I've listened to them so much that they've become engraved. but no you've listened to it not read it.

Answer 9

If you are absorbing the book and the tape is unabriged, than it's fine if you say you have read them.

Answer 10

Depends...a lot of books on tape are abridged versions so you don't get the whole depth that the book has to say.