What are they?
Let's start with audiobooks. Audiobooks began becoming popular in the early to mid-2000s. This is largely due to Amazon buying Audible and adding many more titles to its library. Audiobooks are digital recordings of books that can be listened to through apps such as Audible, Spotify, and Scribd. These platforms hold a wide variety of books to listen to. On these platforms, you can filter through genre, author, duration, bestsellers, and chart toppers, all in the palm of your hand. When it comes to price, the majority of these platforms are now subscription-based. And, on platforms like Audible, there are tiered subscriptions which grant greater access to free audiobooks and more discounts depending on how much is paid for the subscription. However, there are still free options on these apps. Free apps like Libby connect to your local library’s digital collection, though a library card is required.
Physical books are where modern
literature began. In the past century, access to books has become more
widespread than ever. Bookstores and libraries grant access to thousands of
books. These places are organized by grouping by genre and then alphabetizing
by author in those sections. Libraries often require you to have a library card
to access materials and check out books. When it comes to pricing, library
cards are often free. Physical books may be purchased online or in-store.
Prices vary depending on the seller and whether the book has been used.
What’s Similar?
Both audiobooks and physical books
offer a variety of genres one could explore. From cooking to politics, there
are endless options when searching for a book. The variety of platforms books
are available to read on encourages people to engage with literature. By
engaging with literature, you are expanding your mind's knowledge, even if you
read a young adult romance book. With modern technology, both audiobooks and
physical books can be accessed online. On Amazon, you can purchase both a
physical book and an audiobook to read on their platform Audible. However, both
of these options are, at times, behind a paywall. Audiobooks and physical books
often require a purchase to be made before access to the book.
What are the differences?
Audiobooks are great for
multitasking. You can listen to one while completing other tasks such as
driving, cooking, or cleaning. They allow you to listen to a good book while
you get other things done. The physical space needed for audiobooks is only as
big as your device. You can listen to books on your phone, laptop, or tablet.
No need for bookshelves upon bookshelves when all your books can be in your
pocket. Some readers may find it easier to comprehend books when they listen
rather than read.
There are drawbacks when it comes to
audiobooks, though. The digital space needed for audiobooks is limited to the
space available on your device. Although this digital space has greatly
increased in recent years, you are still limited to whatever space is not taken
up by other applications on your device. Audiobooks are dependent on the device's
internet connection. And if you download your book, even more space it taken up.
Access to your audiobooks is also reliant on your device's battery life.
Lastly, audiobook platforms such as Audible require you to pay for a
subscription to have access to the majority of their audiobooks. There are even
subscription tiers that require you to pay more money per month for more free
books and better discounts when purchasing audiobooks. And even after paying
for a subscription, you are still required to pay for certain books. This
limits access for people who cannot make monthly payments.
Physical books are great for those who love a moment to sit down and relax. Sitting down and reading a book can create a more immersive experience. Rather than multitasking and listening to a book, which can greatly distract you, reading gives you a chance to invest your thought into a story. Not only can reading a physical book help with immersion, it can also expand your vocabulary and improve your comprehension and writing skills. Many people also enjoy displaying their books in their homes. Some readers even highlight and annotate the books they own. Libraries also often grant access to their materials as long as you have a library card, which is typically free. This greatly expands access to books.
The drawbacks of physical books are mainly in the space required to store all of them. Whether you own a handful or have an entire collection, finding space to store your books may come as a challenge. For people who are very limited with space, having physical books is a weak option when things like audiobooks exist. Access to libraries is also limited by location. Some towns may not have a library or may require payment for a library card.
Which is best?
To find the answer to this question,
I read the first couple of chapters of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
by Taylor Jenkins Reid in both audiobook and physical book formats. One aspect
I liked about listening to the audiobook version on Audible was the freedom I
had to do other things while listening. I was able to drive, garden, and cook
while enjoying the book. The voice actor is talented and creates unique voices
for each character. While reading the physical book, I enjoyed imagining the
world and giving characters my own voices. I found that reading the words on
paper aided in imagining the story in a way that makes me enjoy the book more.
The recorded voices in the audiobook impeded my imagination of the story.
Overall, I was distracted while reading the book in both formats. While
listening to the audiobook, while being able to complete other tasks, I had to
rewind the book multiple times so that I could re-listen to what I missed while
distracted. While reading, I was distracted by thoughts and sounds. Like I
said, it was difficult to find a time to sit down and read without being
distracted.
The answer to this question is
difficult to answer. One option may be better suited for one person, while the
other option may be better suited for someone else. It largely comes down to
what you think is best for yourself. Audiobooks work when you are busy but wish
to read a book. Physical books when you wish to sit down and relax. Perhaps
reading physical books is best saved for books you wish to fully enjoy. Based
on my experience, I found that different options were best for different times.
If you are questioning which option is best for you, take time doing both. You
may discover something new about yourself.
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