Hearing Is Reading

I hated my drives to and from work. All I could do was listen to the radio rehashing the news that I had already read about in the newspaper....But I actually heard a news story that got my attention. It seems audio books are becoming increasingly popular with commuters. Since then, audio books have filled that time with stimulating and provocative ideas.

Purchasing Bob Woodward’s latest expose as a book on tape and listening to it at the health club, I was able to thoroughly work on both my body and my mind. And I finished the book before some people even heard it had been published. Likewise, when packing for a seminar out of town, whether flying or taking the train, I am sure to bring along several audio books on CD. Not only do they provide interest as I travel they also provide something to talk about when I arrive at my destination.

My typical routine after work used to be to come home, grab a drink, flop into my recliner and turn on the mindless television. But I rarely decided to pick up anything to read in the evening or on the weekends simply because I was worn out from so many hours of staring at figures on a computer screen at work. Now, my wife and I select an audio book that interests us both to listen to for a while after supper. With our eyes and hands unoccupied we are free to either sit and listen or to straighten the house.

These days, on any given day, I am reading three books: one I listen to in my car driving to and from work, one I take to the gym, and one my wife and I listen to at home when we really can’t stomach another crime drama. I enjoy the boon of having a reputation as the most well-read person in my office; moreover, being up to date both on current issues and topics of historical importance gives me an invaluable perspective on the daily news.

I'd like to write more but I just learned that Bob Newhart's new book is available as an audio book on disc. I hope you will excuse me; I have important listening ahead of me.