I have recently discovered the pleasure of audio books, yet I am unable to give up the conventional paper book for this wonderful technology.

There are many good things about books in either form. I thought I would point out a few pros and cons of each.

Conventional books have a familiar feeling and are perfect for cuddling up under a blanket with a cut of hot cocoa. With a book you practice your reading skills and keep your mind sharp. A book allows you to move at your own pace and explore your imagination. A book seems to hold a great deal of tradition and serves as a way to show your children the joys of reading. However, it isn’t always convenient to lug a book around.

Audio books offer a convenient way to carry a story around with you. Listening to the book while you exercise, clean, or take a relaxing bubble bath makes the idea of audio books very appealing. You get to hear details that you might not have picked up while reading. The right reader and sound effects can make the story more entertaining. However the wrong narrator can make the story a flop.

Each type of book is wonderful entertainment. Each has their positives and negatives. It is up to the individual reader to decide which format fits into their life best, or why not use both. For me there is nothing like holding a book in my hands but when cleaning needs to be done an audio book playing in the background makes the chore a lot more enjoyable.