Bookish Thoughts: Reading Fast Asleep
For me, reading a book involves holding a physical copy (preferably a hardcover) whilst sitting in my cozy window-side lounger or pillow plumped in bed. First preference is lounging in my hammock on an agreeable summer’s day.
The point here is I’m doing the work of assimilating the words, turning the pages, creating character voices as I progress through the book.
I’m not a fan of e-books as they are not as friendly when there is a need to flip back to consult a passage. All that flipping and scrolling feels like I need to hurry. Admittedly they are useful on trips as they are device ready and more convenient than packing two or three books.
The option of audio books is popular and a form I’m trying out as a sleep aid. Many readers I know gush about the book they are listening to, discussing the reader’s narrative brilliance (or complaining of their incompetence).
I’ve relied on audio books on long car trips and to me that’s their best use. Lately though I’ve taken to downloading audiobooks through Libby because, true confession, they lull me to sleep. No worries, I don’t sleep if I’m driving. It’s that time of year when sleep routine is disturbed.
Waking too early due to time changes means staring into the dark hoping to back to sleep. My soothing sounds app of ocean, wind, or bird song sometimes works.
Yet, the best solution so far to drift off to sleep is downloading an audio book. It must be that ingrained childhood somnolent of being read to, that conditioned reflex to relax into sleep land.
One problem is waking up and realizing I have no idea what is happening in the plot, creating some concern and confusion. Another problem is taking a liking to the story and wanting to read it, only to discover the library does not carry a physical copy.
I tend to download children’s books as they are brief, usually clocking in at five hours. I spent on weekend afternoon listening to the Penderwicks at Last, having read the other books in print.
But unless I’m driving, or trying to fall back asleep, I can’t just sit and listen to the story—I need to be active. I know some people do housework while listening, or they plug in while exercising. Those activities aren’t on my first-pick list. My solution is to take up crocheting. One needle is about all I can manage.
I still prefer my books in print, yet a good story being read to me is a win win situation—I either get some shut eye or get a few more rows done.
Thoughts on audio books?
Pam Webb 