The cultural world is changing quickly.  And, COVID has impacted how we consume movies, theater, museums, and books.  Using our screens to watch movies, plays, and museum shows has helped us cope.  But, how has the book business been impacted by COVID?

The Audible book market was exploding before COVID put a dent into car commuting and book listening.  In 2020, audiobooks were released at a record rate. Even after a slight dip due to the pandemic, the business is still growing, yearly, at a double digit rate.

The best selling author, Michael Lewis (Big Short, Blind Side,etc) put the world on notice when he put out his last book on Audible, the audiobook retailer.

I was surprised to hear that one of my favorite authors, Eric Larson,(Splendid and the Vile, The Devil in the White City, and Dead Wake) decided to put out his latest book, exclusively, in audible format.  Larson’s newest, No One Goes Alone is an old fashioned Ghost Story.  He is not even sure if he will ever put out the book in print.

In doing some research, I read that listening to books, rather than reading them, allows the mind to visualize the characters and settings more easily.

I have been a traditionalist and shunned listening to books.  I might have to change my tune if other authors follow Larson’s lead.

What’s your preferred way of reading books? Holding Books and Turning Pages or Listening? And Why?