John Gilbert > Status Update

I tend to read while watching TV. Most would think it’s a distraction, but it helps me focus more. I do, however, listen to music when writing, which has been a huge part of my books over the years.

Peter wrote: "I tend to read while watching TV. Most would think it’s a distraction, but it helps me focus more. I do, however, listen to music when writing, which has been a huge part of my books over the years."

Interesting habits Peter. When I had a tv I used to listen to music, read and have sport on silent tv. I figure whatever works for you.

I almost always have music on when I’m reading. I find it hard to concentrate on audiobooks as my eyes get distracted and I find I focus on what I see not what I’m listening to.

Janelle wrote: "I almost always have music on when I’m reading. I find it hard to concentrate on audiobooks as my eyes get distracted and I find I focus on what I see not what I’m listening to."

Interesting take on listening to books Janelle, I don't think I could focus either. I find it hard enough to listen to 'Ted talks' or whatever even if I concentrate on the speaker.

Nope! Not me! Whether I'm reading, doing paperwork, etc., I need it quiet. Otherwise, I'd be singing along and losing all focus! 😋

I always listen to music while reading, usually with a dog leash in my right hand, a book in my left, while wandering around the blocks of my neighborhood.

Debbie wrote: "Nope! Not me! Whether I'm reading, doing paperwork, etc., I need it quiet. Otherwise, I'd be singing along and losing all focus! 😋"

Quiet it is Debbie. Ironically when the kids were small and I had no space of my own, headphones were my room. Blocked out the kiddie noise. LOL

Rod wrote: "I always listen to music while reading, usually with a dog leash in my right hand, a book in my left, while wandering around the blocks of my neighborhood."

Hopefully not running into trees or crossing the street without looking Rod 😅

I have to echo Debbie's comment. When I read I must have quiet... well, that and the tick-tock of a clock which, oddly, seems to centre me.🧘‍♀️

😊

Not recently, but it's a great reminder. I need something, that can remain in the background, light instrumental is probably best.

John wrote: "Rod wrote: "I always listen to music while reading, usually with a dog leash in my right hand, a book in my left, while wandering around the blocks of my neighborhood."

Hopefully not running into ..."

I’m careful about streets and generally have terrific peripheral vision for sidewalk hazards , but at 6’ 1” I have taken a few tree branches to the face. Small price to pay. 😁🌳🤕

Yes I listen to music alot while reading. Actually had Christmas music on this weekend while reading. For me it is such a relaxing thing to do.

Rod wrote: "John wrote: "Rod wrote: "I always listen to music while reading, usually with a dog leash in my right hand, a book in my left, while wandering around the blocks of my neighborhood."

Hopefully not ..."

😊

Debbie wrote: "Yes I listen to music alot while reading. Actually had Christmas music on this weekend while reading. For me it is such a relaxing thing to do."

Totally agree with you Debbie

I do, especially eating. The music is a comfort in my house almost all the time. Makes me a better cook, a better friend, a better thinker. peace, janz

Peacejanz wrote: "I do, especially eating. The music is a comfort in my house almost all the time. Makes me a better cook, a better friend, a better thinker. peace, janz"

Goodo Janz, I like to think music makes us all better, happier more contented people. Reading too. 😊

I like this! I have been asking questions about GR and books in updates for ages so I'm glad you are too. :-) I sometimes listen to chillout or dub (reggae) . I have tinnitus from a vaccination so anything that drowns it out no matter what I'm doing I play but usually instrumental downtempo of some sort,

Hi John! Sorry if I decided to leave my comment here but this topic seems really interesting to me.
In my case, I do both. If I’m reading a book in Spanish, I usually try both audiobooks and physical copy or ebook (mostly not at the same time). At least this year, I’ve read about 25 audiobooks and I’ve really enjoyed most of them.
Besides, I got used to listening to audiobooks, so I normally tend to be focused on them; however, I think they have to be very well done, otherwise I might get distracted.

When I read in English, I prefer to listen to the audiobook while I’m reading my physical edition/ ebook at the same time, since it helps me to follow the reading without distractions, and furthermore, it’s a good option to learn how to pronounce certain words that perhaps I don’t even know.
And finally, music plus reading? Yes, haha, but only if I’m not listening to audiobooks, otherwise again, I couldn’t be focused on them.

Petra was thrown a single crumb but dropped it wrote: "I like this! I have been asking questions about GR and books in updates for ages so I'm glad you are too. :-) I sometimes listen to chillout or dub (reggae) . I have tinnitus from a vaccination so ..."

You are my muse Petra, I was inspired by your questions, it is good to do I think. I've never known someone to both read and listed to an audiobook at the same time though. Tinnitus can be a horrible thing. Keep up the good stuff Petra, maybe soon I may develope some added names too.

Axl Oswaldo wrote: "Hi John! Sorry if I decided to leave my comment here but this topic seems really interesting to me.
In my case, I do both. If I’m reading a book in Spanish, I usually try both audiobooks and physi..."

Good stuff Axl, so Petra is not alone in reading and listening to a book at the same time, but interesting only in English for you, not Spanish, which I imagine is your native language.

Occasionally I listen to music by John Barry while reading a James Bond novel, and sometimes a soundtrack to the film of the book like James Horner's music from the film Gorky Park while reading the Martin Cruz Smith novel.

Instrumental music, yes, especially from the time period in which the story is set! It provides ambience and helps focusing :)

Bill wrote: "Occasionally I listen to music by John Barry while reading a James Bond novel, and sometimes a soundtrack to the film of the book like James Horner's music from the film Gorky Park while reading th..."

But not themes songs for the James Bond films like Adele and the like?

Gabriel wrote: "Instrumental music, yes, especially from the time period in which the story is set! It provides ambience and helps focusing :)"

👍

John wrote: "Bill wrote: "Occasionally I listen to music by John Barry while reading a James Bond novel, and sometimes a soundtrack to the film of the book like James Horner's music from the film Gorky Park whi..."

No, just the instrumental music and not the songs.

I do! I usually shuffle my music on Spotify while I read or I pick an album to play through.

I loooove to listen to music while reading. Some folks think it's weird, but I feel like it sets the journey. It depends on what I'm reading of course but it's awesome.