Reading a paper book may be a forgotten luxury for many people thanks to today's busy lifestyles listening to a book while shopping or jogging is a growing trend. Now, audio books can be easily downloaded from the Internet at the same, if not (low), prices as the print (edit).
Mary Beth Roche, publisher of Macmillan Audio, says many of their readers use audio books as a "multitasking tool", a way to consume books when their eyes are busy. For others, whose work may involve spending lots of time (look) at the screen, audio books are a way to relax. "It's sort of nice to sit back and have a story (tell) to you," said Roche.
In the United States, audio books (become) a serious business for a long time (simple) because Americans on average spend so much time in their cars. "It is a good way for consumers to make the time in traffic quality time," said Roche. "Even way back when it was the cassette and then the CD, the number one place people listened was in car. When audio books became available the digital form, people started using during other activities—when they are shopping, jogging, performing household tasks and so on.
