Dairy of Trippy Kid

So I’ve decide that in my attempt to read more this past year I would collect all the (e)books I always wanted to read and came up with almost 700 titles. I’ve read a handful already and I’m willing to admit that this is a ‘Lifetime’ reading list as to not make my ambitious list so daunting.
But as I read I also discovered the benefits to Audiobooks and their clear advantage; complete absorption anywhere and anytime. For me it’s walking, taking long bus or train rides, getting ready for work, or even falling asleep. An app for audible.com is key.
However, I was intrigued by your discussion of 1) which is most rewarding and 2) if listening to an audiobook constitutes as ‘Reading’?

Really when it comes down to it it’s all a matter of personal preference. However some criteria does apply to “have read” a book. Mainly its the the fairly obvious act of physically reading said book.
I’ve only heard a few audiobooks and have not been impressed, except for ‘World War Z’ which was phenomenal! Read the book AND listen to the audiobook!
That last remark not withstanding, I am a reader.
I can read at my own pace, usually faster than the audio voice narrator. Also I can hear the mental pictures and voice characterizations which MY MIND is capable of creating.

I think that’s what reading does. It fleshes out parts of your cognitive and creative mental abilities that constantly need exercising.
I can still picture Holden Caufield’s dorm from ‘Catcher in the Rye’ because my mind created “room” for it. That mental space is forever dedicated to that image.
Working in a bookstore previously was quite a revelation. People constantly complained that “no one reads anymore. Especially the younger generations.”
I had to disagree. Ebooks and audiobooks allow anyone and everyone to use technology and start reading that lost out of print book or collected volume.

In short, books, ebooks or audiobooks, it doesn’t matter which you choose. Just so long as we read and never forget to satisfy our minds voracious need for input
(Yes, much like Johnny Five from 80’s classic movie Short Circuit).

If audiobooks can create said image then kudos to you. I’ll stick to reading print. That is until I’m too old and senile to read or hold up my iPhone, I may switch to audio. But I’m also counting on ocular cybernetic implant like the one’s Geordie LaForge wore on Star Trek Next Generation so, Ha!
Science! FTW!!