Ethical Dilemma

I listen to a lot of books from audible.com. When someone asks me if I have read a book that I have listened to, is it legit to say that I have? Or do I need to clarify that I haven’t actually read it, but listened to it instead? Why is it that when I make such an admission I almost feel guilty, as if I’m confessing a deep, dark, secret sin? Why do I sense disappoinment from my questioner when I make such a clarification?

“Have you read “The Corrections” by Jonathan Franzen?”
“No, but I’ve listened to it on my mp3 player?”
“Oh, well, anyway, have you seen the movie “Seabiscuit?”
“No, but I read the book.”
“Really?”
“Well, actually no, I listened to it”
“Oh, ok, nevermind.”

By the way, I’ve listened to (not actually read) the first four books of Stephen King’s Dark Tower Series and I’m hooked. King says the series has been inspired by a Robert Browning poem, the writings of Tolkein, and the movie “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.” It’s Stephen King, so it’s plenty weird, but it is also mesmerizing. I think I may actually read (not listen to) the fifth installment.