Saba T.

Growing as A Reader

I used to be a staunch hardcopy (paperback or hardback) loyalist. I was the first to present arguments against ebooks and any other formats. I was quite vocal about my dislike for ebooks and how they were destroying essential parts of the publishing ecosystem.

Fast forward to 2018. I moved back to Saudi Arabia after grad school. The only bookstore in my vicinity had (still has) quite a limited offering. And I couldn’t find any of the books I wanted to read. So, going against everything I stood for, I began reading ebooks. And I was loath to say it at first but I quickly fell in love. The sheer amount of books at my disposal was astounding. I didn’t get a Kindle or other e-reading tablet simply because I felt that would be a public declaration of my commitment to ebooks and I wasn’t ready for that.

I was just getting used to ebooks when a couple of bookish friends started talking about audiobooks and how amazing they are. Just like with ebooks, I resisted these too.

Cue 2020 Covid crisis. Saudi Arabia instituted the lockdown in March and right in the first week I developed extreme conjunctivitis. The doctor told me to avoid screens and reading for at least two weeks. Of course, I wouldn’t let that deter me from my reading habits. [Honestly, what else was there to do during the lockdown?] So I downloaded Audible and listened to “Little Fires Everywhere” by Celeste Ng followed by “A Cosmology of Monsters” by Shaun Hamill. This time I readily admitted – I loved this format. Not only was it convenient, it freed up my hands to do other menial tasks. As a multi-tasker, I couldn’t be happier.

None of this has taken away my love for tangible books. I still prefer reading from the page. I feel my imagination works double-time when I have a book in my hands. But I no longer put down other formats. I love the instant availability and vast quantity of ebooks and I love how I can multitask with audiobooks.

I’ve discovered a new app also – Scribd. I find it a much better fit for me than Audible. It caters to both ebook and audiobook lovers and offers so much more. I’ve got an iPad Mini for my ebook reading so I no longer have to read on my phone. And at any given moment now I’m in the middle of three different books in different formats – one paperback, one ebook, and one audiobook.

Looking back on myself, I am proud of how I’ve grown as a reader. I’m glad I’ve done with book-snobbish behavior. Reading habits may differ but the one thing all readers share is our love for the written word – and that’s enough to sustain our sense of community.

10 comments

  1. Reading is reading, right? Even when you read with your ears! I am glad we live in a time when we have so many ways to access reading. Living away from an English speaking country fueled my passion for ebooks, although I do still prefer to hold a book when I can.

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  2. I’ve yet to try an ebook or a an audible. I am not opposed to them, but, for me, I like that licking up a book forces me to sit (not good sitter, better at being physically busy). I admire your growth, some days do think I will try an audible, I’ve heard people rave about hearing a book in someone else’s voice brings it to life in a whole new way.

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    • I’ve listened to a few books that were made all the more interesting because of the narration. I think if I were reading them, I would’ve probably DNF’d them.
      Audiobooks are great for when you’re driving or doing chores around the house. I love listening to it when I’m cleaning. 😀

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  3. I love all 3, fulfilling different needs. I only really discovered ebooks and audiobooks during the lockdowns, although digital textbooks were a godsend during my degree.

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  4. Your slice sounds like it was sliced right from my life! I scorned those little e-readers when they first came out. And listening to a book was not reading. Now I can be found in the middle of 3 or 4 books at once. All thanks to the varied formats. I read more thanks to Audible and my book goes everywhere I go thanks to Books on my iPhone, iPad, computer… And if I find out about a book that I just have to have, instant gratification! I do still love real books, but the digital world is the biggest part of my reading life now! (Loved “Little Fires Everywhere” btw!)

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    • Oh wow, this sounds just like me! 😀
      I tried Audible but it wasn’t for me. Check out Scribd if you’re interested – I’ve been using it for a few months and I’m in love with it.

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  5. I love hearing about your progression as a reader (and the ways you were nudged)! Like you, I love physical books, but my husband taught me to appreciate audiobooks on long car rides. (I still don’t choose them any other time, but I definitely enjoy them in the car and was surprised how listening to a good reader and/or cast can really make the book come alive in a different way!)

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