Happy Sunday Morning! Hope everyone's having a lovely morning. My mom had minor knee surgery this weekend so I've been spending time at her house mommy-sitting. It's been so nice spending time with her just chatting and relaxing. The weather is a bit warmer than last week; I'm sad to see the snow all melted but I'm sure we'll be getting more before the end of winter.
This year I'm trying to utilize my commute time (two hours a day--one hour each way to work) by listening to audiobooks. I listened to Good to Great last week and this week have been enjoying Friday Night Knitting Club. I do enjoy listening but have a tough time focusing at times and also find that my brain seems to process audiobooks much differently than when I'm reading a paper copy.
Last year when I was reading Brothers Karamazov I thought a lot about reading processes and how my brain seems to function completely differently when reading certain times of books. I stored away the idea of processing certain types of books as a Sunday Salon topic but forgot about it until this week when I realized that just like classics I don't "read" audiobooks quite the same way.
With classics, or even more involved types of books I tend to focus more on the texture of a book rather than the plot. I pick apart or am more analytical of the characters and some of the themes in the book. I really look at the words and phrasing--often times I have a pencil close by so that I can underline and make notes. With fluffier types of books I'm focus mostly on the plot and surface level elements of the book. Even though reason tells me that there are thematic elements to these books as well, my brain doesn't seem to want to dig but rather just enjoy.
When listening to audiobooks I realize that my brain functions much the same way as when I'm watching a movie that I've already seen a dozen times. I can't grasp the writing style of the author, it's tougher to grab quotes, and even just the more detailed aspects of the book are lost on me. I still get a lot of enjoyment out of listening to audiobooks but because my brain doesn't process the "reading" of them the same was it does a regular book I find it's tougher for me to conceptualize the actual book. I think this is also why I have a tougher time writing about audiobooks after I've listened to them--to date I've only written about one book I've strictly listened to.
Sunday's Questions:
Do you find that you process various types of books and media in different ways? Do you find yourself looking at certain aspects when reading classics versus newer fiction? Do you think about audiobooks in the same way that you think about print books?
Sometimes it's nice to not have to tear apart a newer book like I would a classic--reading classics can be mentally exhausting (although oftentimes more rewarding), but I do wish that I could process audiobooks in the same way that I process print books. Perhaps it just takes time and practice? Or maybe one part of my brain focuses on reading and another on listening.
Looking Back to Last Week
-I got excited about a new food challenge--Whip Up Something New
-We had our first snow storm of the winter
-I finally reviewed a book! The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane
Looking Forward to Next Week
I've been reminded I need to update you on my expanding tummy, so I feel another random post coming on. I'd love to review another book--maybe The Book Thief from last year or maybe I'll finish The Knife of Never Letting Go. I'd love to find a recipe in my stash to post my first Whip Up Something New recipe. I'm hoping for a productive week, so we'll see how organized I can be!
Hope you're all having a wonderful Sunday!
Happy Reading,
Trish, the fact that you struggle with concentration and seeing an audiobook as a "whole" book might be your learning style. I know that I tend to be a visual and tactile learner. Was always taking notes in college and using the ever present yellow marker. My mind would wander otherwise when I was just listening. My daughter, on the other hand, was tested as part of her entrance exam for nursing school and found to be almost exclusively an audio learner. She says she can remember what she hears much better than what she reads with her eyes. She listens to many more audiobooks.
ReplyDeleteI tend to listen to audiobooks that I have already read before. That way, if my attention wanders, I don't lose the thread of the story. Plus, some books are so beautifully rendered by talented readers.
Oddly, I find that I process audiobooks the same way as ebooks. Because I can't flip back and forth in ebooks, I always found them very frustrating and avoided them unless I also had a physical copy next to me. This was good for when I had really crappy copies of old classics in from the library, but not good for just about anywhere else. so I never read ebooks, or rarely, until I got into audiobooks. You can't skip around in audios either of course, so you have to pay attention to t hem in a different way. Once I got used to that, I got better at reading ebooks. Strange, huh?
ReplyDeleteI find listening to an audio book to feel like a totally different experience from reading a book. I've listened to some wonderful books, but sometimes I feel like I haven't really *read* them. I like to listen to plot-driven, entertaining books and *read* more serious books.
ReplyDeleteI process books the same way as you! Classics and literary fiction is read slowly, savoring not only the story and the characters, but also the writing style and integrated themes. Yes, I do often have a pencil in my hand and it is constantly in use.
ReplyDeleteContemporary fiction - or the fluffier books - are read quickly and enjoyed for the plot and relatable characters.
I struggle with audiobooks. I am a visual learner and realized that when I listen to an audiobook I translate the sound to written word so that I can truly "read" the book while listening. EXHAUSTING! I am learning that good audiobook choices for me are either books that I have previously read - or non-fiction titles.
Your snow is all gone - we still have some lingering around here. It's snowed twice this winter and I was gone both times. We'll see if it does it again when I leave in 2 weeks.
ReplyDeleteI do process audio books differently - I focus more on the plot than the writing for sure.
The only thing I don't like about audiobooks is not being able to quote them. Maybe if I weren't driving when I was listening to them, but driving makes it almost impossible to write down quotes (obviously!). Otherwise I feel like I can zone out the same way I can when I'm reading, but I often will find myself more involved with the characters. I tend to remember characters better from audiobooks.
ReplyDeleteKay took the words right out of my mouth! LOL
ReplyDeleteI had studied learning styles, too, and know that I am a visual learner—hence my difficulty with audio books. I don't listen to them, in fact, for the many reasons others have listed, too. You can't really "see" the writing style; you can't take notes (if you're driving); and I, personally, don't remember things in them as well (being a visual learner).
I agree with you about the differences in reading classics and contemporary books. I haven't read any classics (unless we count To Kill a Mockingbird) since I started reviewing. I would definitely take longer to read these books, and not only because they're often hefty. There is a lot to digest, analyze, and sort out.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Here's my salon:
(click on my name)
I read different styles of books in very different ways. I agree that the fluffier reads inspire much less deep analysis (which is funny since it's probably easier to analyze them).
ReplyDelete*Kay - I do believe that with audio it has a lot to do with my learning style--I'm a very tactile learner and even visual doesn't always stick as much as actually doing. Interesting that your daughter learns best through audio! Like you I do better with "easier" books or ones I've already read! But what about classics and other more difficult types of literature--that isn't necessarily learning style?
ReplyDelete*Amanda - Huh--I've never thought about that aspect of ebooks because I haven't read any but I bet I'd feel similarly! I sometimes take screenshots of a particular moment in audio thinking I'll go back to use for quote, but because I hear it rather than see it I often can't remember why I took the screen shot to begin with!
*Bibliphiliac - Yes, I absolutely agree about the types of books I listen to rather than raed. I haven't actually attempted any more serious/difficult books on audio but I would think it would be a struggle for me as well.
*Molly - Glad someone picked up on the classics as that's what I originally wanted to focus on! I really want to understand what it is about that type of writing that makes me sit up and pay more attention--perhaps just because I have to? Thoughts?
*Bermuda - I kind of wish we had another snowfall before all the rest melted on Friday night--it's been cold and rainy all weekend, seems so much more pleasant to be wet when it's snowy!
*Lu - Someone suggested to me to take a screenshot of my iphone to get the place on the audio I want to quote from--but when you're driving this doesn't always work (and if you're not using an iphone, then...).
*Laurel-Rain Snow - As some of the others mention, I tend to listen to audiobooks that are a little easier or a little more plot-driven. This might help you. And yes--To Kill a Mockingbird does count as a classic! ;) At least in my opinion.
*Trisha - Huh--you're right about fluffier books and that they should be easier to disect! Just can't put my finger on why this isn't the case for me!
I can't do audio books at all. I am definitely a visual learner and need to see it to process it. I take longer with classic fiction and tend to want to consume it rather than read it quickly.
ReplyDeleteThat's pretty interesting! I was thinking about this during the week, especially the part about fluffer books and my aversion to audio. I want to listen to a good audiobook, but I feel that I miss out on a lot. I zone out, or even when I pay attention I'm not able to hop around. When it's a deep book, or complicated, I absolutely need to be able to flip back a few chapters. I also felt, like during The Adoration of Jenna Fox and Shiver, that I might have liked the book if I could have seen them in print and been able to take my time.
ReplyDeleteWhich reminds me - I often just sit and pause while reading, then reread - you just can't do that with audio, or can't do it well!
I haven't listened to very complex or classic works, though. Only fluff. I feel I'd miss too much. Gonna try Lolita, though.
I have only "read" one audio book. It was 13 Reasons Why. I really did not enjoy it and I wonder if it was because of an audio. Would I like it better had I read the actual book? Maybe. I find that I would only listen in the car, and as of right now, I don't spend much time in the car w/out kids. And with the I tend to listen to "the wheels on the bus"and other crazy songs like that. I just love the actual book.
ReplyDeleteI can't just listen to an audiobook as my mind wanders and I cannot focus. I have to be listening to it AND reading along with a printed version of the book.
ReplyDeleteI think my "skill" at listening to books has improved over the years, but still find it a very different experience from reading. Sometimes I even hesitate to recommend a book I've listened to if I know the other person will be reading. Not being able to go back for quotes is a big frustration.
ReplyDeleteHow did I miss the food challenge??? I usually try a new recipe weekly, so I'm all over that! I could even host a month at Lakeside Kitchen... but I don't know how to do the Mr. Linky thing.
For me, it's really weird. When learning, I'm an auditory learner. If I listen, it sticks in my head. Yet at the same time, I have an incredible memory for what I read. So you'd think I don't see much difference when reading for pleasure or listening to an audio book.
ReplyDeleteWell, that's not the case. I can't focus on audio books. I tried several times, but I just can't do it. So for me, it's better to have the actual words to read.
As for the difference between classics/more literary books and fun books, I do read them differently. The last category I read mostly for enjoyment, I don't seek to get anything more out of it. It's a bit like watching a rom-com or a high end drama movie, there's a difference in what you seek to get out of it, so a difference in what you take away from it.
I am the same way when I listen to audio books. I have a hard time concentrating and processing the story. I can read a book for 2 or 3 hours at a time with full concentration, but when I listen to audio books my mind goes everywhere.
ReplyDeleteHi Trish, sorry I have not visited in a while -- no explanation, just missed you on my reader I guess.
ReplyDeleteI always have an audio book going, and when I am listening to a book when the writing is very special, I try to get the print version from the library so I can review some of the passages. This seems to work well. This is the case with my current book: How To Read the Air. I started with the audio, loved the reader, but knew I needed to have the print version as the passages seemed to move me.
Anywhooo hope you have a great week.
I have to start my comment by confessing that I have not listened to many audio books, so I'm not speaking from extensive experience. I have tried audio books, but have not experienced the same level of enjoyment as I have from reading. The only time I have tried to listen to a book is when I've been in the car. Admittedly, I cannot give my full attention to the book, as I must pay attention to the road, the other drivers, and where I am going. When I read a book, I give it my full attention, never trying to multi-task. But for some, I think the ability to multi-task is seen as a positive. Audio books sales have increased over the past few years, while the number of readers has declined over the past couple of decades (at least that's what I have read).
ReplyDeleteAlso, I have to admit that a "bad" narrator can ruin an audio book for me. When I read, I am able to let my imagination bring ideas of what the person's voice sounds like, or even what they look like. I listened to an audio book one time, and didn't like the main character's voice, which diminished my enjoyment.
I guess I will give it another try at some point in time... but for now, I'm happy with reading the books.
I have a hard time with audiobooks. I find my mind wandering as opposed to when I am actually holding a book and reading the words in front of me. I can never concentrate on what is being read to me in the same way, so I usually give up. The only exceptions are if I listen to books I have read before, or if it is a play-then I find it helps (the different voices reading parts and performance aspect helps where I would normally just be reading and trying to keep it straight in my own head).
ReplyDeleteI have to say that since starting this little project of mine, I have been analyzing books far more than I used to-even when I have taken breaks to read "fluffy stuff." I don't know if I'm ever going to be able to just enjoy a novel without thinking too deeply. Maybe that is a good thing?? But I do miss the surface readings of fun light books.
I have yet to try audio books because I'm terrified of them. My mind wanders too easily and I'm afraid it would be frustrating. I'll have to try it some day.
ReplyDeleteI agree that I look for different things in classics than in lighter reads, but I'm not much of an analyzer. I've always read for entertainment, but I find that I get more out of classics, even without digging. I do make an effort to read classics more slowly so that I can enjoy the writing in addition to the plot.
You and Kay said everything so perfectly in terms of how I feel on the subject. Right down to the note taking so I can better remember things. I don't necessarily need to review my notes, but the very act of writing something down helps me focus and remember.
ReplyDeleteAnyhow, I am planning to give audiobooks another try. We'll see how it goes this time. For some reason I have it in my head it will help me get a few books in once the baby's here that I might not have otherwise. Not sure why I think that, but there you go!
I'm sure you and your mother are both enjoying the time together - best wishes for a quick post-op recovery for her.
ReplyDeleteyes, I process various media differently. I get distracted very easily with audiobooks, and my blog posts about them are called "thoughts" rather than "reviews" (for some of the reasons you mentioned, such as the difficulty to grab quotes). I like audiobooks when I'm on the treadmill, so that "less intense" intake is just part of the package for me.
I've only read an audio book once but unfortunately I didn't really enjoy the experience. If I find reading ebooks give me eye strain, then audio books allow my mind wander more than anything else, lol. And I think the narrator's voice does play a part in telling the story; it could either ruin a good book or make a bad story sounds good! :P
ReplyDeleteI've yet to read an audiobook but I do tend to read classics differently compared to any other book. I'm not sure why that is but there you have it. I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on The Knife of Never Letting Go as this one has been on my TBR list for awhile now. I'm looking forward to seeing new pictures...hope you have a great week of reading!
ReplyDeleteI 'read' audiobooks differently too - actually your movie comparison is fitting, I think. I've been trying to find audiobooks that don't have much description and have a fairly simple (yet fast-paced) story line so that my mind doesn't wander. Right now I'm listening to what is my favorite audiobook to date, Shannon Hale's Book of a Thousand Days. The narrator is fantastic and other actors participate as other characters, so it's more like a radio play. It's fantastic.
ReplyDeleteThe other thing I changed is to give myself permission not to read or listen to anything on my commute if I'm tired. It sounds dumb, but that small change in attitude has really made a difference. Before, I was so intent on using that time productively that I would always be listening to an audiobook and my brain couldn't always handle the concentration required.
*Vivienne - Yes, I love the word "consume" for classics or heavier fiction--I find myself wanting to do the same thing.
ReplyDelete*TopherGL - I do a lot of the pausing and re-reading with physical books as well. Mostly if I re-listen on audio it's because I've zoned out! Maybe try some non-fiction books? I had a lot of luck with Freakanomics--though sometimes I thought visual addition would be helpful!
*Michelle - Oh no! I LOVED 13 Reasons Why on audio and highly recommended it. :( But on the same token I'm not sure I would have liked the book so much had I read it! Interesting.
*Christina - Do you listen and read along at the same time? I've had better luck with books that I've already read once before, but like you, my mind wonders a lot!
*JoAnn - Interesting that you may or may not recommend books because you've listened to them! I just flat out can't review them--with the exception of one and I only recommend the audio version because I don't know if I'd have liked the print as much. And glad you're joining the challenge! ;)
*Samantha - I like your analogy between watching a rom-com and high end drama to reading something fluff and something heavier. I agree that some things you just tend to take more away from than others.
*Brenna - Are you usually doing something else the same time you listen to audiobooks? I do and my mom brought up the great point that if you're doing something else you're not fully committed to listening--whereas with reading you typically aren't doing something else at the same time. Makes sense!
*Diane - No worries--sometimes it's easier to get around to blogs than others, I understand. ;) I like your idea about also getting the print copy from the library! Best of both worlds, huh?
*Kate - Mom, you make such a great point about giving a paper book your full attention versus multitasking while listening to audiobooks. Of course you're right that it's difficult to be completely focused on the audio while doing other things--even something as mundane as driving on the highway!
ReplyDelete*Allie - Huh--I've never thought about listening to plays before, but that's a great idea! Like you, I do better when I've listened to the book before and know the plot already. And I think being able to dig into any book is a good thing, but like you I'd also miss the pure surface fun of reading at times!
*Kristi - Yes, I agree that it's easier to read classics more slowly and really savor them--but sometimes my slow speed is due to lack of understanding. ;) Audio is tough--some people say you need to train your brain, but I think I'm just too easily distracted!
*Lit Feline - When I was in grad school just the simple act of underlining a passage would help me remember exactly where to find it--even if I had underlined passages on every page! With audiobooks, I don't have that kind of recollection. Like you I think audio might be easier with a baby, but who knows! ;)
*Dawn - Thanks for the well-wishes--it was a lot of fun taking care of HER for once! :) I agree that treadmill is a great place for listening to audio--I find it also helps make the workout go a little quicker!
*Melody - I'm sorry to hear about the ebook eye strain! I've never read any so I'm not sure how I feel about them. And I agree about the narrator--I've listened to some that are just terrible!
*Samantha.1020 - I've had to put The Knife of Never Letting Go down for a bit to finish a book club book--but not sure I'll finish that one either. ;) Reading time is a little allusive at the moment.
*Joanna - Wow--so there's more than one person speaking on the audio? I'm not sure I've listened to any of those yet but I do think it would be fun! I also find books with lots of dialogue are easier to listen to. Do you drive to work or take a train? I'm driving (hour each way) so have to have a fair amount of concentration anyway (though I find listening to audiobooks makes me more sleepy than the radio!)
I didn't read the comments, so someone may have already proposed this idea. Do you think part of the reason it's more difficult to focus on audiobooks is because you are usually doing something in addition to listening to them? If you're driving to work, a chunk of your concentration is on driving, same if you listen to them while cleaning at home, etc. Also, remember in education classes, when you would learn about how much new knowledge actually sticks in your brain when you see it as opposed to just hearing it? Anyways...just some thoughts :) I know I was only able to listen to fluffy books when I was driving, otherwise I got really confused!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to mince words. I hate audio books. I tried it once and it was excruciating. Now that said, my wife and I did listen to a BBC adaptation of the Lord of the Rings on our way to relatives in N.C. (about 12 hours from where we live in Pennsylvania). That was more like a play and that was wonderful, but audio books (and yes, based on one experience :)): blech!
ReplyDeleteAs for classics and "fluffy" books, I do process differently, but I don't write notes like you, although maybe that would be a good idea. Maybe next time I try to crack open The Brothers Karamazov, in another 10 years, that is, I'll give that a try.
Very interesting post, Trish! I'm a lot like you in how I read different kinds of books, though I'd not really thought about it. I, too, tend to be more analytical when I'm reading a classic, like I know there's something to find because other people have already found it. Occasionally I come across a contemporary book that I read in a similar way, but only rarely. As for audiobooks, it's taken me a while to get the hang of them, and have found that certain kinds of books work for me on audio and others don't. I really like listening to YA and nonfiction. I'll also listen to fantasy or quicker contemporary fiction. It's rare that I find a literary fiction title that works for me -- the reader has to be exquisite, and it has to be something I won't want to take lots of notes or copy lots of quotes from. Because I can listen to and read rather different genres, I have found I end up reading a wider variety than I might were I to stick to just print. Kind of cool!
ReplyDelete*Laura - I do think that learning style has a lot to do with how well one can listen to audiobooks! And as I talked this topic through with my mom she mentioned the fact that I'm NEVER just sitting there listening to a book like I would read it. So yes, I think those things have to do with how I process, but I don't think it's quite all--for example processing harder books over easier books and the way that I digest each. You know?
ReplyDelete*Unfinished - Well you can't HATE audiobooks if you've only listened to one. I'm just sayin'. ;) But they might not work for you. Interesting about the Lord of the Rings adaptation, though--was it a reading of the book? Brothers K isn't worth the time--don't waste yours. Ha!!
*Erin - So I wonder about your listening to The Odyssey. Did you have an easy time with it or was some of the verse lost? I know you really liked the narrator, and I agree that has a lot to do with it! Otehrwise, I'm like you--stick to YA, non-fiction, and general "fluffier" ficiton rather than the classics or tougher books. It is very cool that audio has opened you up to different things!
Sorry to comment after all has been said and done, but better late than never, right?!? I haven't read the comments above, so sorry if what I'm going to say is a repeat.
ReplyDeleteI'm a visual learner, so I had to strengthened my skills as an auditory learner if I was going to listen to audiobooks. It was just a matter of catching myself when I lost focus. It took some time, but I am so grateful that I persevered. I LOVE audiobooks.
I think that part of the difficulty (in general - outside of what type of learner you are/prefer) for listening to audiobooks versus reading is that with audiobooks you are almost always multitasking and reading is a singular activity. Naturally, the multitasking activities will not have your full attention.