When I was a kid I very much liked when my mom or teacher, or anyone for that matter, read to me. However, more lately, I tend to doze off if forced to listen to anyone read anything. I think I have much too short of an attention span. I can be bothered to listen if I can also be occupied with another project. I do remember listening to a book on tape while I painted on glassware and quite enjoying it.
A few weeks ago when I parted ways from my favorite yellow muppet gave me a book to entertain me on my way home. And entertain it did. A few weeks later when I was in for a quick trip to the mountains I stopped by the library to pick up a couple of books to entertain me. I am not sure if I just happened to pick the two best books they had, but I was actually totally engrossed all the way up and all the way down. Since I did not finish the books on my road trip I have been listening during the day. For the first time I felt lucky to be in my car all day. And then it hit me. This just might be the ticket for me to not hate my job. If I am not paying attention to my job, can I hate it? I think not!
My recent most favorite reads/listens were:
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - Stieg Larsson
The Yiddish Policeman's Union - Michael Chabon
I had one more concern facing me in my new vice. As some may know I keep a list of all the books I read. As I have done since my freshman year in high school. One of the items on my list of 101 Things to do Before I Die is to read 1,000 books. Here is the question. If I listen to the books, can I put the on the Books I Have Read list?
My final decision is that they are fair game. I know the content. They count.
I am currently listening to Water for Elephants - Sara Gruen
7 comments:
ABSOPOSITIVELUTELY it counts!
Just like dinner is dinner-regardless of its form, the fact remains the same- it is consumed to satisfy.
...more on this subject on the muppet playground-don't want to hi-jack your blog
I hate to say it, but I disagree. You want to READ that many books. Knowing the contents does not mean you read them. I also think of the Julie/Julia thing, she wanted to MAKE everything in the cookbook, not just try them, or order them from a restaurant... You probably generally know the content of every book you read and movie you are going to watch before you enjoy them, but knowing the content does not mean you actually read them or watched them... Sorry. Love you.
Back to debate this theory...
Audio books are more than qualified to be considered 'reading'. This concept certainly exceeds beyond just 'knowing the contents'
I don't see it as a parallel to Julie/Julia either. It isn't about living out the experiences of each book, it is about reading and knowing the story.
Having someone read to you does not eliminate the full details of the story. It has nothing to do with generallity as far as I'm concerned.
Now in regards to watching a film that is based on a book? Yes, I can completely understand THAT not debate, as most books can not be told via picture with out leaving so many details to pages.
BUT a book is a book, regardless of you reading or another reading its pages too you.
The more I think about it, the more I am ok with putting those books I listen to on my list. If I were reading the Ciff's notes and counting that as a job well done, then I would agree with the goddess divine. I wouldn't compare it to Julie/Julia either because eating and making food are such different pastimes. I think hearing the book is as good as reading it.
Fine. I am out-voted, I just wanted to put my opinion out there...
Goddess-I wouldn't worry about it.
When you're a puppet its easy to be manipulated! :0)
Besides I'll debate pretty much anything! xoxooxBert
I'll agree with you Goddess. The word "read" Implies that she did just that.
I just think Island girl needs to change the rules of her list. Instead of having a "read" list, you should have a "consumed" list.
And bingo... you can add them to your list if you "read" them or "listened" to them. :)
I'm a middle child, can you tell??
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