Do Audiobooks Count as Reading?

Let’s begin with a simple question. How many books have you read this year? As of the writing of this blog post, I’ve read 15 books so far this year.

As I finished listening to the most recent book on Audible, I wondered if this counted as reading. Seems like a silly question, but the more I pondered this question, I began some deep thinking on what actually counts as reading vs not reading. For example, if I watch the movie Where the Crawdads Sing, can I honestly say I read the book–most would agree that I have not. Now I have both watched and read (with my eyes) the book, so I can honestly say I’ve read the book (albeit a pretty rough read).

When I sit down in my chair to read a good book, I will sometimes download the audiobook, pick up where I left off and listen on my drive to the office, and then continue later that night when I get home with the physical copy. Some would argue that I did read the book. But what if I simply listen, never pick up a physical copy, does that count?

Here are three reasons why I believe listening to an audiobook counts as reading the book.

1. Whether abridged or unabridged, the words are the authors writing.

I want to get this right out of the gate, when we take time to listen to an audiobook, we’re listening to the words the author wrote for us to read. Now, we’re not reading in the traditional sense, but it’s a great way to consume content and take up that drive time with something that will make us smarter and more curious about the world around us.

When the author wrote his book, he intended that content to be consumed. I don’t don’t think he would really care if or how we consume the content, just so that we do. Furthermore, think about someone who has poor eyesight, and yet with the advancements of audio technology, someone with low vision is able to consume content they’d never been able to do so before. Would you consider them not having been able to read a book, even if they’re ears only heard and eyes never have seen? Certainly not.

2. Reading is about learning

Now, the previous point should have closed this case of Do audiobooks count as reading, but I digress and will continue down this rabbit hole I so lovingly created. When I read a book, whether it’s with my eyes or with my ears, I am consuming content that will hopefully make me a better person. My desire is to learn, grow, and become smarter. Reading is the only medium that helps us accomplish that task.

I love to read, and I think it shows from reading 15 books this year so far. Now some have been audiobooks, but I feel I have been entertained, enlightened, and become more knowledgeable because of these authors works.

You cannot know something, unless you first have heard and/or read said content. Knowledge increases over time. The more we consume content, the more we know, the more we know, the more we have to say, and the more we have to say, the more enlightened the world becomes.

3. You pick up another dimension when you listen.

Have you ever been somewhere you heard something, and it sticks with you for years. Marketers know this best. For example, if I were to say a name, could you finish the phrase? Hover your mouse over the phrase to reveal the answer.

• Nike: Just Do It!
• If at first you don’t succeed try, try, try again!
• It’s a bird It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s Superman!
• No, I am your father.

How’d you do?

This is what I mean about listening to audiobooks. Sometimes, as I’m listening, I hear things I probably would have glossed over if I were simply reading with my eyes. Now, truth to tell, I often do both in my reading—I listen and often read the same book at the same time. Even more so, I will read a chapter and then listen to the same chapter.

So, the next time you’re listening to a good book on Audible or some other audiobook platform, remember that you are reading, but with your ears. That should give you permission to say you’ve read X-amount of books this year. That’s why I’ve been able to consume as much as I have this year so far.