There are so many aspects of today’s topic that we can discuss. Audiobooks happens to be a really broad topic, but I’m pretty sure you all know that I’m talking about the way that gatekeeping is used to say that listening to audiobooks doesn’t count as “real reading.” I’m sure that you already know what my opinion on this is going to be, but I’m going to discuss this a little differently than usual.
Normally, I try to offer valid and well-reasoned positions for both sides, but I can’t do this in good conscience this week. This is because one of my strongest reasons for accepting audiobooks as valid reading is due to how accessible they are for disabled people: they can be accessed on a smartphone without having to leave the house; don’t involve holding a book or tablet for people with arthritis or pain issues; are easier to understand for people with language or processing disabilities; and can be read by people with low vision or blindness. So I feel like arguing that audiobooks aren’t actually ‘reading’ would be justifying an ableist position, and as part of the disabled community, I wanted to discuss this today.
The convenience of audiobooks can’t be underestimated. They can be read while traveling or commuting, doing chores around the house, working on crafts, exercising, or even cooking. I find it really helpful to have something to keep my mind occupied while my hands are busy, and a book is fantastic for that. However, I also live with a form of inflammatory arthritis that affects various parts of my body, and often impacts my hands. This is when I typically read a lot more audiobooks than usual, since holding a book is painful. I also read audiobooks when I just can’t get my mind to focus on sitting still and reading a book, or when I’m having a really bad pain day.
I completely understand that everyone is different and our brains all work in unique ways. My friends used to love audiobooks, but it was practically impossible for me to quiet my mind enough to focus on the story. It wasn’t until the pandemic that I realized the key to my being able to read audiobooks was dependent on me also having my hands occupied, whether that means folding laundry, crocheting a blanket, or playing a matching tile game on my phone to relax. But what works for me isn’t for everyone, and that’s fair. Not everyone is an audiobook reader.
I want to hear from you guys. What do you think of audiobooks? Do you read them? What are some of your reasons why or why not?
Categories: Sunday Bookish Discussion
Leah's Books 
Audiobooks seem to the theme today! Another book blog I follow just posted about them.
I have an inexplicable fondness for audiobooks, but I often struggle with getting into the book if the narrator doesn’t do it for me. Over the past year I’ve been slowly listening my way through Lord of the Rings (narrated by Andy Serkis), and he does a phenomenal job… except for whenever there is a poem, which Andy Serkis attempts to sing. I wish someone, during the recording, had gone into the recording booth, taken Andy gently by the face, and told him that it would really, really be okay if he just wanted to read the poems instead of trying to sing them :’)
The two audiobooks I always recommend are “World War Z (unabridged)” by Max Brooks (multiple narrators, which brings the testimonies of the zombie apocalypse to life), and “The Power” by Naomi Alderman, narrated masterfully by Adjoa Andoh. 10/10 for both from me, honestly.
And I am just about to finish “Mrs Wickham” by Sarah Page, on recommendation from this blog. This audiobook is short, but it has genuinely moved me to tears. The narrators have done an incredible job!
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I feel like the narrator can absolutely make or break an audiobook. I really enjoyed World War Z, and remember listening to it when I was first getting into audiobooks. I’d also suggest The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend – it’s a middle grade series that feels like having a book read to you by the most fun librarian that did all the best voices for the characters, and the characters grow up over the course of the series. Such a fun one! One more I always recommend is Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano – it’s so funny I couldn’t help but laugh out loud while listening.
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I sure consider audiobooks as reading and support readers who love it but unfortunately due my life style and my lack of ability to listen books while doing something else, audiobooks don’t suit me. I hope one day I can get used to it but as of now they don’t work for me.
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Maybe someday, when you’re old and have the time and ability to sit around and just listen to an audiobook, you’ll get into it. In the meantime, enjoy books however you can! All forms of reading are valid here. 💕
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Nope- don’t read audiobooks (how can I can: not an auditory learner)
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Exactly – not everyone can read audiobooks, and that’s totally fine. It took me a long time before I found out how I could process auditory material, but that’s what works for me. I love seeing how different we all are! And you just gave me my idea for next week’s post!
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I’m sorry to hear about your arthritis. Yes, audiobooks are very handy for people with various disabilities.
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Audiobooks are great! I especially like them on a long drive.
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