Are YOU a Cheater?

I love reading.  I've loved it since I was a young child, always reading ahead of my fellow classmates.  Over the last eight years or more, when audiobooks started becoming more popular, I became a convert.  I haven't looked back since.

There seems to be a debate as to whether this is considered 'cheating.'  They say it's the lazy and inauthentic way to read.  Some look down their noses at us cheaters, but I think it's a great thing.  Just think of the time it saves - you can now drive, clean the house, exercise - all while reading!  It also widens an author's audience...those that may not have considered reading before are now listening.

I've noticed since I'm used to it now, that if I do actually 'read' the occasional book, I'm a 'skimmer.'  I skim past those very same descriptive passages I find so enjoyable while listening.  It's an odd phenomenon to me.

I've gotten a friend to start listening now.  She was never a reader before but now finds herself addicted as well.  After all, who doesn't like a good story told to them?

The narrating is very important - it can seriously make or break a novel.  There's a real art to it.  I have my favorites, and it's got an element of acting to a certain degree.  There are plenty of famous actors that narrate now.

So....are YOU a cheater?  I proudly admit YES!

Let's face it ... whether you're reading words or listening to them, it's a positive thing.  You're expanding your mind and imagination while actively stimulating your soul.