I used to love to read

I frequently use audiobooks in the car. Just started [i]The Man In The Iron Mask [/i]by Alexander Dumas. I often find that the old classics have sizable sections, such as the discussion in [i]Hunchback of Notre Dame [/i]about architecture as literature, that have NOTHING to do with the story. I would probably get bogged down in them if I was actually reading them but can handle them in an audiobook.

I have learned a lot just listening to books, although I prefer the author to be reading their own book. I think I get slightly more out of it that way as you hear the tone the book was meant to be read in. Plus I can get on with other things!

I bought Audible for my Mother earlier this year. She rather likes it but says some narrators are better than others and it's not the same as 'discovering' things by reading yourself.

I think in our multitasking lives now the audiobooks are a blessing, it allows you to do other things yet have the enjoyment of a book. I find however that the narrator becomes more important than the author because if he/she is hard to listen to the book becomes unlistenable.

For many centuries it was common to read books aloud and many people would hear them that way. So I think audio books are fine, and well within the tradition of reading. I have enjoyed them a lot when driving.

I find it difficult to find the time and focus to read. I got that book because I am focused on the political and social situation in America right now and I am hoping I can dive in and get myself back to reading.

I started listening to podcasts last year but I even struggle to listen to them because my mind is all over the place. 😂