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I used to be in the camp that said audiobooks do not count as “officially reading.” If your eyes weren’t running over every written word, it was cheating.
I mean, it does seem a little like cheating when you can set the speed at 1.25x (or 1.5x if you’re extra like my husband) AND multi-task to get other things done. But as I thought about it more, I was persuaded that audiobooks do count as reading. I definitely counted it as reading when I read aloud to my sons. I was doing the work for them to enjoy the story, but they were still consuming it. They were picking up new vocabulary words, learning new information and enjoying the story.
So I figured it wasn’t that different for me to listen to an audiobook.
Why I Count Audiobooks as Reading
- You still consume the same content as you would from a physical book.
- Audiobooks engage your imagination in a similar way, especially with a skilled narrator.
- They can even improve listening skills and vocabulary.
While I still prefer to curl up with a physical book under a blanket, there are plenty of times when audiobooks are the better choice.
When I Choose Audiobooks Over Physical Books
- Car rides: Obviously I can’t read and drive. So listening to books in the car is one of my favorite road trip activities. A long drive is the perfect opportunity to make progress on my TBR list.
- Cleaning/chores: This is a classic example of mashing up something I love (reading) with something I don’t love (cleaning) to help pass the time and keep myself distracted from thinking about how much I don’t like the chore.
- Data-driven books: I’ve noticed I can absorb fact-based books more easily when I listen to them. A good narrator keeps me focused and makes even heavy information easier to digest.
How to Get Audiobooks for Free
If you’re interested in trying out an audiobook, you can borrow them for free:
- Libby App (https://libbyapp.com/interview/welcome#doYouHaveACard)
- Hoopla App (https://www.hoopladigital.com/).
Both apps connect with your library card to your local library. Once you sign up, you have access to countless hours of books.
Final Thoughts
Do audiobooks count as reading? I say absolutely yes. You’re still experiencing the story, gaining knowledge, and making progress on your reading goals — just in a different format.
In what situations do you prefer audiobooks to physical books?
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