Are You Too Busy to Read?

After being bored to death during my long, morning commute, someone gave me an audio copy of a book as a present. Since then, books on CDs have kept me stimulated during those otherwise tedious wasted drives.

Buying Bob Woodward’s latest expose as a book on tape and listening to it at the gym, I was able to thoroughly strengthen both my body and my mind. And I finished the book before some people even heard it was out. Likewise, when packing for a seminar out of town, whether driving or flying, I am sure to bring along several audio books on CD. Not only do they provide interest as I travel they also make for great conversation when I arrive.

In the past I would unwind after a long day or week by watching television, a medium of entertainment I have observed precipitously deteriorating in recent years. But I was disinclined to pick up anything with words on it in the evening or on the weekends simply because I was worn out from so many hours of scanning so many reports at work. Now, my spouse and I select an audio book that interests us both to listen to for a while after our evening meal. With our eyes and hands unoccupied we are able to either unwind and listen or to get to work on one of our endless home improvement projects.

These days, at any given time, I am reading at least three books: one I listen to in my car driving to and from work, one I take to the health club with me, and one my wife and I listen to at home when we really can’t stomach another “reality” show. I enjoy the prestige of having a reputation as the most well-read person I know; moreover, being up to date both on current issues and topics of historical relevance gives me a valuable perspective on the daily news.

I'd like to share more but I just heard that Bob Newhart's new book is available in audio form on disc. I hate to rush off, but I have important listening scheduled.