Via Reddit....
As I'm sure for most regular readers and those who aren't, the act of reading a book is a large part of the enjoyment. Relaxing in bed, on the couch with your feet up, as it rains outside and you're warm inside, you feeling cool in an air conditioned living room on a blazing summer day and just being engrossed in a book. The smell of the book and the sound of the pages being turned can almost be ritualistic.
That being said, the primary act of reading is to enjoy the story. People often complain about not having the time to read when I mention a good book. So a little back story, I had brain surgery 5 years ago and while the results were good I've been left with vision and neck problems (parinauds syndrome and double vision) which makes reading more of a chore than a pleasure. So I turned to audiobooks, I've read over 60 books that I've kept track of (possibly more) on Audible and old school CD based books; books that even with perfect vision and no neck pain I'd never have read. It works great for me, I can 'read' while cooking, cleaning or enjoy it like a normal book and lay back in bed or on the couch, close my eyes and engross myself.
However whenever I tell people this I often find myself defending it when they say I cheat.. as if reading is some competition and you only get credit if you physically read the pages. Yes I can and do use my condition as an excuse but I shouldn't have to defend myself because I read my books in a different way.
Reading should be shared, great stories should be shared, no matter how it was consumed.
Top voted comment....
I wasn't even aware it was a stigma. What other people in regards of how you choose to enjoy stories should be of no concern to you, the only thing that should matter is your enjoyment of the story. Read it, listen to it on audiobooks, hell, have someone dictate it to you like Lecturers used to do for Cigar Rollers in Cuba if that is your thing, it doesn't matter. Just enjoy it.
Top voted Reddit comments...
Therapy. It feels good to talk to someone who you don't have any personal ties to.
Running just because you want to get somewhere faster.
Work less.
Our society has an unhealthy obsession with giving a 110% and would probably benefit from encouraging a better work-life balance.
Dungeons & Dragons
Going places alone. Dancing, concerts, movies, plays and the like. I know people do this, but I know many more who will not consider these activities unless there is at least one other friend there.
