A few years ago, I discovered that my public library offered audiobooks that I could borrow. Now you will find me on long summer evenings, swatting mosquitoes and battling weeds with my mind engrossed in an alternative reality. I can make a mundane task more enjoyable while reading (no listening!), to a good book. It's great, except I now seldom pick up a novel to read anymore, and that, I don't like!
I used to devour novels while I sat, letting my eyes soak up the words, fully engaged in the scenes created on the pages. If I wanted to read, I had to take the time to do so. Now I can multitask, and it takes more willpower for me to sit quietly and dedicate time just to read. I can certainly make it a priority, and I need to, because there's nothing more refreshing than sitting quietly with a book in hand. Technology advances have their drawbacks!
I have read many genres over the years, from romance, mystery (I was a diehard Nancy Drew fan!), science fiction, thriller(ish), historical fiction, self-help, and more. I have many favourite authors who paint vivid stories that leave me feeling like I have visited a part of the world I have never seen before (and now want to). Some such authors: Francine Rivers had a way of weaving a fantastic story with beautiful biblical truths about God's love, Eugenia Price transported me to early Savannah, Georgia, with her descriptive novels, Sharon Garlough Brown in her "Sensible Shoes" series created a desire in me to write fiction that would speak to those suffering with generational pain, Kristin Hannah in "The Nightingale" and Ronald Balson in "Once we were Brothers" made me feel the horror of WW11 with shocking realism, and Mary DeMuth in her "Daisy Chains" series revealed family secrets and those suffering abuse. Then there are the Christian authors who have inspired me to grow in my faith and writing, such as Ann Voskamp, Jennifer Dukes Lee, and Hannah Brencher, among others.
It's the author who shows me, rather than tells me their story, that catches my attention. Don't just tell me what happened; describe the scene and emotions so I feel like I am there with the characters. Help me merge into the story.
Writers must also be readers, at least that's how I see it. We find inspiration in how other writers string words together, how they build their stories, and what keeps the readers' attention.
And on that note, I must carve out time this summer to pull a book off the shelf, sit on a lawn chair, and let the story transport me to another time and place. There's nothing like it!
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Mary Folkerts is mom to four kids and wife to a farmer, living on the southern prairies of Alberta, where the skies are large and the sunsets stunning. She is a Proverbs 31 ministries COMPEL Writers Training member involved in church ministries and music. Mary’s blog aims to encourage and inspire women and advocate for those with Down Syndrome, as their youngest child introduced them to this extraordinary new world. For more inspiration, check out Joy in the Small Things https://maryfolkerts.com/ or connect on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/maryfolkerts/
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Good question, Mary, "Is listening to a book, reading?" I think you've answered it well - you can "make a mundane task more enjoyable by...listening", but conversely, reading with your eyes means that you are "fully engaged in the scenes" before you. It's a matter of the senses, sight versus hearing, and engagement happens both ways.
ReplyDeleteI have never listened to an audio book all the way through. I've always been a visual rather than auditory learner. I think that our minds work in different ways, and it's great to know that there are options for a variety of sensory intake modes.
I hope you enjoy your summer and do find pleasure in sitting down to engage with a book! Thanks for a most interesting post.
Lorrie
Good question! I don't listen to audiobooks myself. (At least not yet) But I know many people who do, and who would say, "Yes! It is reading!" Certainly I've foudn it helpful for students, especially reluctant readers...
ReplyDeleteYou asked if audio listening is reading - I would say it is. It's still allowing our minds to be connected to a story with characters, plot, and scenery. But I don't think I could ever let audio books replace books I hold in my hand and read with my eyes. With my nose in a book, I can completely shut myself in, forgetting everything else. Otherwise I am too easily distracted. The idea of listening while doing chores is most appealing. I remember listening to some Agatha Christie cassette recordings years ago while painting our family room. It was much more fun to paint listening to Poirot wax eloquent as he laid out the clues and facts of the case. So I'm glad for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary, I really enjoyed your post.
Hi Mary! I don't listen to audiobooks, but perhaps I will give it a go after reading your post. Knowing myself, I doubt audiobooks will replace a book I can hold in my hands, unless I face a health challenge making audiobooks more practical. I am thinking now maybe when I am in my workshop at home I could listen to an audiobook while working on a project. Thank you for at least causing me to at least consider your question. Blessings to you and your family, Mary!
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