As we know, there are three ways to consume a book: ebooks, audiobooks and printed books. Each one has its advantages and its disadvantages. OK, some people swear on printed (traditional) books, and consider the other forms inferior. For me, this is a matter of use for each one of them. I think that each format has its advantages and disadvantages, and I will try to explain here when do I use audiobooks, ebooks and printed books.
Let’s start!
Audiobooks
I don’t listen to audiobooks much personally. I prefer listening to podcasts to audiobooks because I like to be a hundred per cent focused when I am consuming books. Listening to audiobooks, especially while driving, I might miss some important information. I prefer doing that while walking, where I can be more focused. And still, I might be distracted and, going back and forth isn’t exactly the audiobook’s strong point. Furthermore, I prefer listening to podcasts when driving or walking, because I get more, and different, ideas while on the move, and leave the books for reading only – either in printed format or in ebook format.
That said, I prefer listening to audiobooks that don’t need much thinking, or taking notes. The narration plays a big part here. For example, if the author is a great narrator as well, such as Kevin Hart’s “The Decision”, then I will definitely go for it. Generally, I’d go for an audiobook if it’s narrated well, and the ideas flow without having to think much, or having to note, or mark anything. I can also listen to the fiction/literature genre, provided that the plot flows without complications, or going back and forth,
Printed Books
I mostly read non-fiction books. Business, Finance, Self-improvement, etc. Many of these books might require the reader to answer some questions, or be used as a reference, This is where printed books excel, in my opinion, The ability to go back and forth in the book and re-read some sections, or the ability to jot down something in the book with a pen or a pencil. Also, there are books that are not available in any digital format (especially in my native Greek language), therefore the traditional book is the only option.
eBooks
eBooks are my favourite book format. I have written an entire post in order to explain why I prefer ebooks over printed books, so I won’t elaborate on that here. Here I’ll state when do I use eBooks. The first is fiction. Easy reading. Relaxing reading. Novels, fiction, biographies, and other books where reading is flowing effortlessly. A book that I can read anyplace. Since I have a Kindle Unlimited subscription, I can find many books and magazines to read. On my Kindle Paperwhite, or the Kindle apps for my mobile and tablet. There I can bookmark and note any parts of the book I consider important, in order to revisit them at any time. I can also see which book excerpts other readers are highlighting, which is interesting knowing what the crowd likes or considers important in the book.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many ways to consume a book, and, as far as I’m concerned, each way has its advantages and disadvantages. So, tell us in the comments below, which one do you prefer, and why?
It could be your own trait. Just looking at the book makes me sleepy. When I couldn’t figure out the cause, I experienced learning through audiobooks on the Internet. It was more helpful for learning than a printed book, but I had an experience that the ai voice’s unchanging tone was a little burdensome. But I think it’s really important to be in touch with books and to spend time with them by any means.
Thanks for the insight.
Hey Kim,
Thanks for the insight! As I said, this is a matter of personal preference, first and foremost.
Thanks for stopping by!
Marios
I prefer to use audio books over anything. There is a reason for that though. I hate reading but I love books. So what better way to know what the book is about through audio books. It has really made my life so much easier. I would advice anyone and everyone to use audio books.
Hey Aubin,
Great insight! Unfortunately, not all books are available as audiobooks. And yeah, I love listening to audiobooks too. Especially if the narrator is good at that!
Marios
Reading from printed books make me sleepy. Although I have never type Audiobooks, I think it would be interesting to try. eBooks are more down my lane. eBooks give me the option to read anywhere I take my mobile devices. In addition, carrying books around is somewhat outdated. We can carry an entire library around without adding any additional weight to a mobile device. Audiobooks would probably free up our eyes and hands to perform other tasks simultaneously.
Hey Canty,
You should try audiobooks. But try books that are great when narrated.
Try Audible, which has a vast array of books to listen to.
Thanks,
Marios
Printed books, audio books and ebooks all have their strengths and weaknesses.
Printed books can tell a story quite well and have visual aids to go with them. You can go back a page or two or even chapters to reread a particular passage for it to resonate with you and give you a deeper insight as to what the author was trying to impart to you.
Audio books are just as good as printed books at telling a story but a great deal depends upon the narrator. The better the narrator the better the understanding. A great deal of it depends upon the attention the listener gives to the material being presented.
An ebook is lightweight and can go most places. You are able to go back and reread a portion for better understanding. You can use your imagination to draw vivid pictures in your mind as to what the author intended.
Jerry
Hey Jerry,
Totally agree with you here!
Regarding audiobooks, I’m listening to one right now, the narrator is the author, and is doing a fantastic job! I think that if I consumed that in any other format, I would miss a few things!
Thanks a lot for