Finding time to read can be difficult while balancing an already busy school schedule, but dedicating even 30 minutes to a book each day can serve as an enriching and productive routine. Below, I will be exploring different formats of reading and the advantages of each in terms of convenience and enjoyment.

While I can’t say I have ever used an audiobook, I can certainly see the benefits of choosing this style of reading. First and most obviously, it allows readers to continue their books in situations where handheld readers would be required to put theirs down. So, if you’re cleaning, driving, or going for a walk, which would typically be time spent listening to music or podcasts, you could now enjoy a book on-the-go. In addition, several of these audiobook choices tend to hire voice actors who make the experience somewhat similar to that of a movie or podcast. I personally remember my dad attesting to how much he appreciated listening to Bruce Springsteen’s autobiography from his own voice. This could definitely be helpful for those just getting into reading, or who struggle to commit to reading a book in their spare time. 

Ebooks can be a great choice simply in terms of convenience, but many seem to prefer this style of reading in general as well. I would probably only recommend investing in devices such as a Kindle or iPad for E-books to avid readers, because it is quite a financial investment. For those who do fit into that category though, it could be cost-effective when taking into consideration the price of each book digitally versus the hard copy. The ability to hold an entire library all in one device also provides a level of convenience that may appeal to consistent readers as well. Another aspect that may speak to a reader is the ability to personalize and enhance accessibility options for their reading experience. Features such as font size adjustment, text-to-speech options, the convenience of swiping rather than flipping a page and having a constant source of light certainly make digital reading sound quite appealing. 

Despite my endorsement of E-books and Audiobooks, I am actually a huge advocate and supporter of print books, specifically paperback books. While there are several benefits to the other formats of reading, I personally can’t help but prefer the feeling of holding the physical book in my hands and the feeling of flipping through each page. One of the main reasons for my preference for print books is the ability to markup and annotate in the margins in a tactile way that simply cannot be matched by digital and audio formats. Additionally, there’s a tangible satisfaction in displaying a finished book on my shelf and collecting various editions of a favorite book. However, regardless of my preference for print books, I would definitely recommend dedicating time for reading in any format to everyone.