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Why I Read With Both My Eyes and Ears
What I “consume” decides whether I read print books or ebooks or listen to audiobooks
In long threads on social media, some people argue that comparing audiobooks to reading is like comparing marathon running to watching a race on TV. … The gaming of our leisure time appears to be playing a part. We can’t seem to relax and enjoy something without sharing it online and making it a contest. Don’t get me wrong, I love contests as much as the next person (especially if there’s a Gold Star involved). But our childhood earning Gold Stars may have tainted our leisure reading as adults. — Kelly Eden | Essayist | Writing Coach in The Debate Says Audiobooks Are Not Reading, But I’m Calling it Smart — Published in Books Are Our Superpower
I’m not at all competitive, nor do I boast about my achievements. If I felt the need to impress others with my intelligence, I’d be more likely to mention my passion for studying chess.
Therefore, the idea of competing over reading books seems both incomprehensible and distasteful. For me, reading is an almost sacred activity. It’s not because I’m reading spiritual books but because books, even fiction, engage my soul at a deep level. Competition and the need to read as much as possible as quickly as possible feels like corruption.
