Oh damn! I got angry as I fumbled for my phone, in desperation to reconnect with the ongoing audiobook I was listening to. I almost shouted in irritation when I realized I had forgotten my earphones at my friend’s place. This used to be the moment when I would just pick up a book and dive into it for hours but now, I don’t even think I could finish it off without my earphones. While I dug through my bag in search of a backup pair, I reflected on, how I have changed as a reader. My relationship with the books has changed entirely. While looking at a few more places for a backup earphone, I asked myself, has the rise of audiobooks revolutionized reading?
I have changed completely over the years. I used to spend hours in cozy corners with a paperback and that used to be a party for me. Earlier, I used to buy books no matter how many times my mother scolded me. But as soon as I got out of school, I started making excuses to read a book. Now, my life has taken a turn and I always find myself too busy to sit down and read. The revelation of audiobooks changed my reading habits forever.
Initially, I approached the audiobooks with high doubts and low expectations, could listening to a book replicate the experience of reading it? There is an old saying, That’s the thing about books, they let you travel without moving your feet. When I started listening to audiobooks, I was afraid of whether or not I would be able to fall in love with the entire idea of listening to a book.
With a lot of doubts and furrowed brows, I gave it a shot. Fifteen minutes into my first audiobook, I was hooked. A talented voice actor narrated the whole book and I was engaged in a way, I didn’t think, I would. While listening to it, I realized this was the perfect solution for my busy life. I could read while cooking, commuting, or even working out.
Audiobooks offer a different kind of convenience, unlike books. However, they require active listening and imagination, unlike movies or TV shows. Yet, they seamlessly fit into your routine. As far as my time and my “hectic” schedule were concerned, the ability to enjoy a book while doing other tasks was liberating. I felt relieved, I felt free, and most of all I was out of my guilt of not reading a book now and then. I started finding myself “reading” more than ever.
However, it is not just about convenience. The rise of audiobooks has also made literature more accessible to those who might struggle with traditional reading. Additionally, people with visual impairments can enjoy books as easily as anyone else.
Yet, I am sure some might say audiobooks aren’t real “reading”. People often say that listening to an audiobook is not as engaging as reading it. While that is true, this doesn’t change the fact that audiobooks have become an integral part of our lives, especially for those who once used to be bibliophiles. Audiobooks also require imagination and concentration and they also have the power of evoking powerful emotions just as written words.
Today several platforms offer audiobooks so that the reader inside you can be at peace.
Below are some of the platforms mentioned that you can go for
Audible
Reasons to Buy
- Enormous catalogue of titles
- Listen on any device
- Unique Audible Originals
Amazon’s platform Audible stands out for its extensive library. This is one of the biggest names in the audiobook space. Through this platform, you can access hundreds of Audible Original titles that are hard to find through any other service.
The platform offers a 30-day free trial. During that time, you can decide whether or not you want the paid subscription and pay just Rs.199/month post that if you choose to continue with the membership.
Google Audiobooks
Reasons to Buy
- Use your voice to manage playback
- Get all the latest bestsellers
Google Audiobooks is one of the best audiobook apps available. Though it is not as popular as Audible, the app perfectly serves its purpose.
You can buy audiobooks individually from the platform and thus, you don’t have to lock yourself into a subscription.
Storytel
The next platform that offers audiobooks in India is Storytel which has a diverse multilingual collection. It is a prominent audiobook platform in India. If you are someone who loves to read regional content, this is the right platform for you.
The subscription prices are as follows-
- Rs.299/month
- Rs. 799/ 3 months
- Rs. 1699/ 6 months
- Rs. 2999/ 12 months
These were just a few platforms that offered listening to audiobooks without any hassle.
Now, coming back to the original question, has the rise of audiobooks revolutionized reading? Yes, absolutely. They have expanded the ways we can enjoy literature, making it adaptable to modern lives. For a person who started to feel she’d lose her love for books, audiobooks are a lifesaver.
I will always be grateful for audiobooks for bringing the magic back into my life. In the end, it is not about the medium but about the stories. The important thing is, the reader inside you should not wail in agony.
Our Last Words
Audiobooks have completely changed the way how people read and have become a major influence in the literary world. As a matter of fact, audiobooks are now a major player in the publishing industry, getting attention from the earlier bookworms. Let us all face it, listening to audiobooks is a convenient way to consume media. Even if you are on the go, you can always listen to an audiobook but it requires attention and effort to read a book.
So, we are sure about the fact that the rise of audiobooks has revolutionized the way we read. This article talks about it in depth including all the factors responsible for the change like development, advantages, difficulties, and potential future applications.