By Tanya E. Williams
Once upon a time, the only way to enjoy a story was to sit down and read it—whether by candlelight, beneath the covers with a flashlight, or tucked into a favorite corner with a good book. Today, stories are everywhere, and increasingly, they’re being delivered not just through the eyes, but through the ears.
Audiobooks are booming. Whether you’re commuting, walking the dog, folding laundry, or simply closing your eyes and letting the words wash over you, audiobooks offer a compelling way to stay immersed in story. But for some readers—and even writers—the question lingers:
Is it still reading if you’re listening?
Imagining the Story vs. Hearing It Told
Reading a physical book (or eBook) invites a kind of private intimacy with the text. You’re in control of the pace. You decide which words to emphasize, what the characters sound like, and even how long to pause between sentences. The world builds itself in your mind, one word, one image, one breath at a time.
But audiobooks bring something different—and deeply rooted in our history as humans. They return us to a time when stories were passed down orally, shaped by the rhythm and nuance of the storyteller’s voice. In an audiobook, the narrator becomes your guide. The tone, inflection, and timing add an extra layer to the storytelling—sometimes amplifying emotional beats in ways the written word alone might not.
And when done well, it’s not just reading. It’s performance.
When Authors Write for the Ear
As an author, knowing your book will eventually become an audiobook changes the way you think about rhythm, dialogue, and even chapter breaks. Sentences that look lyrical on the page may sound awkward when spoken. A lengthy interior monologue might need careful narration to keep a listener engaged. And humor? Timing is everything.
As an author, hearing a narrator interpret your work, offers a whole new perspective on the storytelling craft.
Expanding Access, Expanding Audiences
One of the most beautiful things about audiobooks is the way they broaden accessibility. For people with visual impairments, dyslexia, or other reading challenges, audiobooks are more than just convenient—they’re essential. They make stories available to people who might otherwise miss out entirely.
And let’s not forget the modern multitasker. Audiobooks fit into the rhythm of real life in ways print books sometimes can’t. Whether you’re on a long drive, tending a garden, or winding down before bed, you can still be transported to another time, place, or perspective—all without turning a single page.
Books vs. Audiobooks: It’s Not a Competition
Some purists argue that listening to a book isn’t the same as reading it. And while it’s true that the experiences are different, the outcome—the emotional journey, the connection to characters, the ideas that linger long after the story ends—is just as powerful.
One format isn’t better than the other. They’re simply different doors into the same house. What matters most is the story—and how it reaches you.
So if you’ve ever felt the need to defend your audiobook habit, here’s your permission to stop. Whether you’re a paperback loyalist, a Kindle devotee, or someone who prefers stories delivered straight to your headphones, you’re still a reader. And you’re still part of the storytelling tradition.
The Future is (Audibly) Bright
As authors, it’s exciting to see how our work can evolve beyond the printed page. And as readers, we’re lucky to live in an age where stories meet us where we are—whether we’re flipping pages or pressing play.
So the next time someone asks, “Is it still reading if you’re listening?” you can answer with confidence:
Absolutely.