Arts·Commotion

The best ways to enjoy audiobooks

Richardson tells host Elamin Abdelmahmoud about why she loves listening to audiobooks — and what she says to anyone who thinks that listening to a book doesn’t count as reading.

Author Jael Richardson talks about the three categories of audiobooks out there, as she sees them

Author Debbie Travis prepares to record a passage from her book at her publisher's studio, in Toronto on Thursday, July 19, 2018.
Author Debbie Travis prepares to record a passage from her book at her publisher's studio, in Toronto on Thursday, July 19, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young)

Audiobooks are the fastest-growing book format, with about $1.8 billion USD in sales last year.

But despite their popularity, a never-ending debate remains: does consuming audiobooks count as reading?

Author Jael Richardson talks with host Elamin Abdelmahmoud about why she loves listening to audiobooks — and what she says to anyone who thinks that listening to a book doesn't count as reading.

You can listen to the full discussion from today's show on CBC Listen or on our podcast, Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud, available wherever you get your podcasts.


Interview with Jael Richardson produced by Jean Kim.