Audio Books

I keep noticing on Facebook all of my friends who like the Audible page. This got me thinking about trying them, but I am very wary of doing so. You see, I have a box of audio books sitting in my shed that my mom gave me, a decent size box of good books too. Thing is, I have not listened to a single one, and she gave them to me years ago. And I just cannot seem to get myself to join Audible or check out audio books from the library.

So what gives?

First, I have a preschooler who is constantly asking for my attention. It is very difficult for me to put headphones on and listen to a book while watching him at the same time.

Second, when we are in the car said preschooler usually wants to watch his movies or listen to music. He refuses to have anything to do with listening to what he deems boring. I have tried to listen to my German lessons in the car and it ends with me turning it off because he is too busy complaining about it or asking questions. I cannot pay attention.

Third, I think I am ADD when it comes to sitting and listening to anything. I have a hard enough time with my German audio lessons at least they are interactive and I have to repeat everything. I find I drift off and lose track of what is being said on those occasionally. Imagine me trying to listen to an audio book where my active involvement is not a requirement. If I am actively reading a book I do not drift off, listening is a whole different issue.

All of this made me wonder. Does anyone else have this issue or am I alone? If you listen to audio books, which do you prefer more, reading or listening?