Some would argue that listening to audiobooks does not count as reading. As literacy rates decrease at an alarming rate in this country, there seems to be a growing sense of pride in being able to say that they “physically read” that book, especially to those who consider themselves to be academic or well-read. However, humans have a long history of oral storytelling, and audiobooks are just a modern version of that tradition.
But for a large part of history, oral storytelling was the only option, as being able to read written text was often a privilege. Additionally, it was a common practice for people, especially women, to take turns sharing stories as they worked to pass the time. And we see that tradition mirrored today, as many people, myself included, listen to audiobooks while doing other tasks.
Audiobooks are also an accessibility tool for some. People with dyslexia, for example, often show better comprehension and understanding when able to consume information through audiobooks. Those who are blind or have limited vision may not have an opportunity to enjoy that piece of literature in another format. I would hazard a guess that audiobooks are easier to come by than books printed in braille, especially for newer releases. Even those who have physical disabilities and may struggle with holding a book or maintaining eye contact with the page have found new worlds with the help of audiobooks.
And let’s be honest, sometimes it’s nice having someone else figure out the pronunciation of those unique character names.
Unfortunately, a growing issue with audiobooks stems from exclusivity. I understand why companies like Audible are creating original content. It draws customers to their site, and if listeners enjoy the audiobook, they are likely to become repeat customers. There is the risk that these exclusive audiobooks could become “lost media” if the company decides to remove them from the site, similar to the risks with original content on streaming services. Additionally, libraries are unable to license these audiobooks, leaving those who cannot afford to pay the subscription costs for these sites out of options.
