The traditional argument in favor of audiobooks is as follows: In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to sit down and read a book can be a challenge. However, listening to audiobooks is a great way to reinforce the learnings from a great book.
While the above statement may be true, it does not resonate with power-readers, who generally dismiss the idea of “listening” to books. During my 30-day experiment of listening to audiobooks, I enjoyed the opportunity to hear the words spoken aloud and absorb the content in a different way. I realized how it engages my sense of hearing and enhances my understanding and retention of the material. The tone, inflection, and emphasis placed on certain words or phrases by the narrator provide a deeper understanding of the author’s intended meaning.
There are two key use-cases that really convinced me:
- Audiobooks provide a convenient way for readers to consume books while multitasking. Whether commuting, doing chores, or exercising, they can continue their reading habit without using their hands and eyes. Additionally, audiobooks offer a fresh perspective on familiar stories, bringing new life to the narrative and complementing the traditional reading process. Since I tend to mark, highlight, and add comments to a lot of non-fictions that I read, I have reserved the audiobook listening experience for first-time reading of fiction only.
- In a world filled with distractions and limited time, audiobooks are a game-changer for reinforcing learnings. I have found this to be a fascinating use-case for re-reading of non-fiction books as well. Once you have read a non-fiction book, try listening to it again and you will notice a significant difference in the retention index.
Whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or a power-reader, give audiobooks a try. Embrace the power of listening and let talented narrators bring the words to life. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how this alternative approach enhances your understanding, retention, and overall enjoyment of the literary world.
