Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
BEVERLY, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Book lovers all over have debated a burning question: is listening to an audiobook considered reading?
More specifically, the debate is focused on whether audiobook listeners should be able to use the term “read” when describing how they consumed said literature.
Eli Eberhardet, a circulation page from the Beverly Public Library, whole-heartedly felt that listening counts and that the debate has gotten quite frustrating.
“It infuriates me,” said Eli. “It’s still reading, you’re still consuming the book in no matter what form, you’re still getting the same information no matter the format.”
Alyssa Raymond, a bookseller from Copper Dog Books, sided with Eli’s sentiment.
“I think it’s a valid debate, but I also feel like people should be able to say they read the book,” said Alyssa.
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Not everyone shared the same feelings as Eli and Alyssa, however, as visiting Long Islanders Enrique and Katie leaned to the other side of the debate.
“If someone asked me, I’d probably say I listened to the book,” Enrique clarified.
Katie agreed with him, but offered an olive branch of sorts in this conversation.
“Not physically read it," said Katie, "but you have experienced it because you have consumed the media at that point, and you know the story."
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.
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