Do you listen to music when you read novels?

kal-el · Feb 10, 2010

When I'm reading, I often have soft classical piano music playing in the background. Do any of you read to music, or do you prefer total silence when reading novels?

I must say, there has been quite a few times when the music has compounded certain scenes that provoke my emotions.

Shakesbear · Feb 10, 2010

Total silence. When I read I am there in the action - images in my head of what I am reading. Music does nothing for me when reading.

scarletpeaches · Feb 10, 2010

I prefer silence or white noise when I read. Anything else makes me want to bean someone in the face.

geardrops · Feb 10, 2010

I'm almost always listening to music (even during lectures). Reading's no different.

Soothing Snow · Feb 10, 2010

Sometimes. It depends on the time of day and what sort of mood I'm in.

BrooklynLee · Feb 10, 2010

It depends on where I am. If I'm reading on a subway, or an airplane, I listen to music to block out the chatter from other people.

Snivscriv · Feb 10, 2010

I used to listen to rock and roll, but I'm slowing down. Now I like New Age music in the background.

roonil_wazlib · Feb 10, 2010

I can't listen to music when I read. When I was younger, it was easier, but now my mind wants to pay attention to EVERYTHING AROUND ME, so music tends to pull me out of the story.

Khimera9 · Feb 10, 2010

I used to, but getting through romantic scenes with iron maiden blasting through your ears is a bit of a contradictory moment. Now I just play mind music.

Caitlin Black · Feb 10, 2010

I don't listen to music while I read. Never have. I've tried it, and I just couldn't focus.

Diver · Feb 10, 2010

I read mostly fiction, and never listen to music. I get so immersed in the story that all sounds are drowned…

Chasing the Horizon · Feb 10, 2010

No. When I read I tune out everything around me, so there's really no point in playing music.

Snowstorm · Feb 10, 2010

I like quiet. If I do have tunes on and I need to concentrate (writing), it's usually a soft jazz or the songs of Robert Burns.

kaitie · Feb 10, 2010

I can't listen to anything with words while I read, though sometimes I'll throw on a soundtrack. If the book is any good, though, usually the music ends and I realize I haven't actually listened to any of it.

Varthikes · Feb 10, 2010

I'm another one that used to do it for a while, but no longer.

Wordwrestler · Feb 10, 2010

Am I the only one who's almost always doing something else while reading? Eating, brushing my teeth, folding laundry, on the exercise machine, cooking. And there is enough background noise in my house without adding music.

If I'm just reading, then I'm either outdoors or in bed. In those cases I just enjoy the quiet.

sadron · Feb 10, 2010

Listen to music while reading books, can't focus if not music on background.

shaldna · Feb 11, 2010

Sometimes. It depends on my mood.

Rarri · Feb 11, 2010

It's rare for me to read without any noise in the background, whether that be music, TV, radio, appliances, etc.

brainstorm77 · Feb 11, 2010

DragonHeart · Feb 11, 2010

Very rarely. I don't like background noise, it's distracting. Makes it hard to focus. Honestly I just like the quiet, it's quite calming and allows me to stay focused.

JuRat · Feb 11, 2010

I don't like listening to music while reading. Those two just don't work together.

ad_lucem · Feb 11, 2010

No, and I try not to chew gum while walking, either, for the safety of others.

Yeshanu · Feb 11, 2010

I listen, or read. I find it hard to do both at once, because I'm a very aural thinker, and it comes down to two sounds competing in my head for dominance.

Adam · Feb 11, 2010

brainstorm77 said:
no

I agree with the cutie.

I need near silence, or I get distracted.

Do you listen to music when you read novels?

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