Why Audiobooks Are Real Reading

I’ve heard it whispered in book clubs and typed in online forums: “Audiobooks don’t count.” The argument usually goes something like this: If you’re not physically holding a book and reading the words with your eyes, you’re not getting the full experience. It's a passive activity, not real reading.

I am here to declare that this is a ridiculous and outdated notion.

Audiobooks are not a lesser form of reading; they are simply a different way of experiencing a story, and a powerful one at that.

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The Original Storytellers

Before the written word, stories were told and heard. They were passed down from generation to generation by bards and elders, their voices rising and falling with the drama of the tale. Listening to a book read aloud connects us to this ancient, fundamental way of storytelling. A great narrator doesn't just read the words; they perform them. They give characters distinct voices, infuse the dialogue with emotion, and can make a simple sentence resonate with feeling. You get to hear the story the way the author might have heard it in their own head.

Reading on the Go

Let's face it: our lives are busy. As much as we’d all love to spend a lazy afternoon curled up with a physical book, that's not always an option. Audiobooks allow us to "read" while we're commuting, cooking dinner, working out, or doing chores. They turn dead time into a literary adventure. It's a way to double-task in the best possible way, allowing you to consume a story without having to sacrifice productivity.

Accessibility and Inclusion

For many people, audiobooks aren't just a preference; they're a necessity. For those with visual impairments, dyslexia, or other learning disabilities, audiobooks open up the world of literature in a way that traditional books cannot. Saying that audiobooks "don't count" is not just elitist; it's exclusionary. It denies a valid and enriching experience to people who might not be able to read in any other format.

At the end of the day, the goal of reading is to engage with a story, to connect with characters, and to explore new ideas and worlds. Whether that story comes to you through your eyes or your ears, the experience is equally valid and valuable. So next time you're listening to a book, don't let anyone tell you it's not real reading. You're simply a part of a much older and richer tradition.