THE RISE OF AUDIOBOOKS — THE BOOKS WE LISTEN TO
In recent years, publishers have become worried about the decrease in sales of printed1 books. However, it seems that books are not really disappearing. Instead, an increasing number of people are choosing to listen to them rather than read them. In fact, the International Organization of Publishers2 (IOP) found that 100 million audiobooks were sold in 2020 — 25% more than in the year before. Moreover, publishers added 60,000 new audiobooks to the 300,000 already available.(lines 1–5)
Audiobooks also seem to be attracting new audiences. A recent IOP survey shows, for example, that they are especially popular among young men aged 18 to 24 — a group that does not usually buy printed books. In addition, it was found that they appeal3 to people of all ages who don't have time to read books. Many of those who were surveyed said that audiobooks enable them to enjoy a book while traveling by bus or making breakfast. People also said that it is much more relaxing to listen than to read at the end of a busy workday.(lines 6–11)
Thanks to technological developments in the last few years, publishers can produce audiobooks more cheaply and with many additional features. In the past, a whole book was recorded by a single reader. Now, several readers are often used for the different characters, and background4 sounds and music are added for a richer listening experience. Furthermore, authors5 now often have a role in producing audiobooks. They are sometimes recorded reading their own books, and they also give advice on the type of music and sounds that should be used. Lately, several publishers have even asked authors to write books exclusively6 for recording as audiobooks.(lines 12–18)
However, the latest audiobooks are also causing some concerns. "When you read a printed book, you need to use your imagination7," says psychologist Sandra Bell. "But all those recorded voices and background sounds don't leave much for you to imagine." Bell also notes recent research which shows that people often miss8 important parts of the story when they listen to a book. "That's not surprising, because you're usually doing other things at the same time," she says. "Still, I'm glad people have audiobooks in their lives. It's certainly better than having no books at all."(lines 19–24)