When you read vs listen to a book, do you notice any specific differences in how you comprehend or absorb the material at hand? I'm starting to learn about myself that I really need both. I'm reading Rick Rubin's book now after having listened to it and it feels like a completely different experience!
I used to listen to audiobooks a ton; now i prefer reading the physical books. Feels like a nice break from digital things.
I like reading for long term retention at a slower rate of consumption. Audiobooks, you can finish them quick but you'll need to take notes as you go along to solidify that knowledge.
I prefer reading for the memory of a spatial experience. With kindle, it's more of 2-dimensional space instead of a 3-dimensional physical book. Listening to a book is good for longer drives, though I'd probably listen to a podcast instead
I comprehend less with audiobooks, but deeply enjoy that I can consume books on a subway It’s also great when authors read their audiobooks
I prefer reading it forces me to actually pay attention. When I purely listen without having anything to focus my eyes on, I tend to not absorb anything at all, the information goes into one ear and out the other lol
Reading for deep understanding of complex concepts so I can change pace and revisit quickly. Usually listen at 2x for things that I'm interested in gaining a casual understanding of.
I find it much easier to focus reading over listening. When listening, I find it much easier to lose the thread.
Yup! If I read it … I will reference the material I read to where it was on the page and which side of the book … if I listen … it’s more about mental imagery for memory recall.
Reading always. I found that whoever is reading adds their emotions to it. They not just read it in one tone lol I prefer to choose how it feels for me, if that makes sense🙈
+1 on both if I really want to retain knowledge. Otherwise audio first for exposure to new ideas and concepts. Text first for enjoyment and entertainment.
I need both verbal and visual. Speechify is a life saver for me. I’ve found that if not tracking with my eyes, while listening, taking handwritten notes also helps me with recall. Almost never revisit the notes but need them to absorb info. How’s the book?
Reading because I don’t think it’s effective to consume linearly. With listening I find myself simulating how I read by rewinding all the time. There’s no thinking time with listening
when I really want to absorb the material, I get both (since audio is my preferred way of reading) they say highlighting does nothing for retention, but I don't think the studies done on this were conducted with people who listen & highlight text may still be true for retention, but not for the unconscious mind.
My mind can’t wander as much while listening to an audiobook. While reading I can pause, think about something, then return to the material. I use both for different things.
Very interesting question. I recently read a paperback – it's been a while. Having to keep the book open with my hands felt surprisingly annoying. Like others have mentioned, I find it hard to comprehend enough detail through audio books. I guess it depends on what else is happening apart from listening.
I mostly listen to books but knew Rubins was one that should be read. I’m reading the Kindle version but will reread it as a hard cover next. I thought it was meant to be read because it’s like a series of Koans.
I’m an audiobook-phile. If your goal is to comprehend or absorb (vs passive entertainment) here’s my biggest tip: Listen while you’re walking. And actively engage your imagination by envisioning scenes/excerpts in physical space. For example…
When I read books I’ll hear a soundtrack or the voices of the person who wrote the book as a narrator, & if I’ve listened to a portion of the audio book first that’ll prime my mind & make the experience better Often I don’t even need to buy the audiobook just listen to the free sample
Audio maxi, but not for books with lots of math, dates, numbers
Honest question: can you say you read a book if you listened to it? I see many people doing that
I retain information more acutely when reading. I like having the ability to reread a passage and skip through / back reference other pages. Another added bonus for me is experiencing the voice of the writer firsthand.
Both is the way to go IMO! Currently reading & listening to Life, by Keith Richards. It is amazing. I discovered this method back in school, read Leviathan with a group of overachieving grad students who realized it wasn't in our curriculum, then listened to a delightfully narrated version read by a British guy. Epic.
I used to read but now mainly just consume audio formats now. Easier to recall and comprehend hard topics (new to me or harder to grasp e.g. physics) by reading. Yet, most of the material I can consume 2-3x audio speed.
If I dont read with an audio book, I can read a whole paragraph without retaining any information 😂