Do audiobooks count as reading..?

Okay, let's really dive into this 'hot take' that so many of us book lovers are secretly (or not-so-secretly) debating: Do audiobooks truly count as reading? For the longest time, I was firmly in the 'no, it's listening' camp. I mean, the word itself is 'audio-book,' right? You put on your trusty headphones, press play, and let someone else's voice carry you through the story. My initial thought was, 'How can that be the same as my eyes scanning words on a page, turning physical pages, or even scrolling through an e-reader?' But then, my perspective started to shift. Life got busier, and finding dedicated time to sit down with a physical book became a luxury. That's when I rediscovered the magic of audiobooks during my commute, while doing chores, or even during my evening walks. I devoured 'Count My Lies' as an audiobook, and honestly, the experience was just as immersive, if not more so, than reading it visually. I still followed the plot, developed connections with the characters, and felt all the emotions the author intended. My brain was actively engaged, processing information, building mental images, and understanding complex narratives. Isn't that the core essence of reading? Many argue that true reading involves deciphering text, which develops different cognitive skills than listening. And I get that! There’s a certain intimacy with the written word that an audiobook can’t replicate for some. But what about comprehension? Studies have shown that for many, listening comprehension is just as effective as reading comprehension, especially for narrative content. For me, the goal of 'reading' is to absorb a story, learn new information, or be transported to another world. Whether that information enters my brain through my eyes or my ears, the outcome can be surprisingly similar. This debate also touches on accessibility. For individuals with visual impairments, dyslexia, or those who simply struggle with traditional reading methods, audiobooks open up a whole new world of literature. Are we really going to tell someone who experiences a story through listening that they haven't 'read' it? That feels exclusive and misses the point of storytelling. Consider the implications for digital reading subscriptions like Everand. If we dismiss audiobooks, are we also devaluing a significant portion of their offering? For me, it's about the connection to the story. When I'm lost in a mystery book, whether through text or a narrator's voice, the journey is what matters. So, after much personal reflection and countless hours with my headphones, I've landed on this: Yes, audiobooks absolutely count as reading in a holistic sense. They provide access to stories, foster imagination, and engage the mind in profound ways. It's not about the medium; it's about the experience and the absorption of the narrative. What do you think?