Some of you have e-mailed to ask, “What’s taking you so long to read Joe Hill’s HEART SHAPED BOX?”
Good question. After all, it’s been down there in the Reading right now widget going on three months since August 21st.
I realize I can take some time to get through some of the books I’ve read, but this is ridiculous even by my own pokey standards.
Time to come clean. It’s my first audio book.
I’d been hesitant to give them a try. Not because I don’t consider it reading. Truth is, I do consider “listening to audio books” equal “to reading.” (And I consider those who think differently to be snobs.)Reading a book, for me, is a complete sensory experience: the spicy smell of paper, the texture of pages in my fingers, the sound they make when I turn them.
Actually, I’ve been reluctant because I was afraid the experience would be too passive, too incomplete. Reading a book, for me, is a complete sensory experience: the spicy smell of paper, the texture of pages in my fingers, the sound they make when I turn them. Plus, I always play out what I’m reading in my head.
So far, my “read” of HEART SHAPED BOX—obviously—hasn’t measured up.
Don’t get me wrong… I like what I’ve gotten from hearing the book. Hill’s gift of storytelling is an honest one, and the reader is top notch (because of it, Hill’s characters leap from the page in ways I never thought were possible).
I just find myself getting involved in other things while I listen… work, a nap. Before I know it, ten, fifteen, or even twenty minutes go by since I’ve paid decent attention to any of the words. I’ve begun entire chapters again many times. I’ve re-started the book once.
I haven’t let this dissuade me. I’ve since checked out nine additional audio books, if only because I see them as another way of reaching my annual goal. I might not get to them this year, but next year is a strong possibility.
I just wish I could get the same things from them that I get from their analog—old school, baby!—counterparts. Maybe it’s just a matter of practice.
Any audio book lovers out there who can give me some tips? Anyone who hates them and considers them “not reading”?
Dial in… lemme hear it.
Image courtesy of Square America.
Tags: Audio Books, Heart Shaped Box, Joe Hill
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{ 2 comments }
I used to listen to audio books in the car, when I had a longer commute. Now the commute is my radio time. I bought an audio book over a year ago, and still have not listened to it. D’oh!
Hey… it’s the lovely and talented Elke!
I have the feeling I’d eventually tune out audio books during my commute, too. Then again, it’s such a short trip—I live near and work in downtown Denver—maybe it’s the way to go for me.
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