Immersion reading | What is whisper-sync for voice
- Alisia Latoi
- Jun 17
- 2 min read
Tandem reading, or reading two books simultaneously, is nothing new for me. Often books are slow to start, so engaging in two at the same time keeps me committed to finishing. Especially in instances where one book isn’t meeting expectations. With a specific pairing or strategy, (i.e. reading one novel while listening to an audiobook of a different novel ; or one genre of fantasy and the other of romance) it can enhance the reading experience by providing different perspectives or plot insights.
While I’ve often tandem read, the concept of immersion reading was reintroduced to me after watching a YouTuber boast about their experience. “Reading a book while simultaneously listening to its audiobook is sometimes referred to as Immersion Reading or Whisper-sync for Voice. On platforms like Kindle, features allow for a synchronized experience where the text highlights as the audio narration progresses.”
Immersion reading is said to:
Engage multiple parts of the brain.
Enhance decoding abilities and reading speed.
Boost reading comprehension by reinforcing your understanding of the material.
Strengthen listening by training your ear to discern nuances in pronunciation, intonation, and pacing.
Reinforce retention and improve focus.
Optimize the reading experience by allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the world of the book, enhancing the emotional connection to the story or subject matter.
I used the technique with the novel by Emily Henry, “Funny Story”. While simultaneously reading and listening to the audiobook elevated the overall experience, I wasn’t completely convinced it impacted my overall enjoyment. It wasn’t until I came across “Love in the Afterlife” by Kirsty Greenwood while watching the very same YouTuber, that I became hooked to the immersion.
Let me preface by saying, I’ve come to realize that when it comes to audiobooks I most enjoy those voiced with British/ UK accents. “While the perception of "best" is subjective, British audiobook narrators are widely regarded as highly skilled and talented, known for their distinctive accents, vocal versatility, and ability to bring stories to life.” “Love in the Afterlife” by Kirsty Greenwood is narrated by brilliant voice actors. I’m sure this fact had a hand in my enthralling experience with immersion reading the novel. Each line came alive with every fluctuating tone of humor, excitement, and sadness. Being a comical romance, the synchronization of reading and listening stood out most during the humorious scenes where the actor’s voice matched, even elevated, the intent. I recall sitting on the couch, reading the line, “I can’t because I’m dead” and hearing the actor’s deadpan delivery of it made me unexpectedly laugh out loud. There were so many similar moments of visible reaction throughout that now I am sold and looking for the next immersion read that will rival my ‘Afterlife” venture.
If you have never synchronized your reading with audiobooks, I highly recommend giving it a try. Additionally, if comical romances are of interest, then you will adore “Love in the Afterlife” by Kirsty Greenwood. Any book I would purchase and read several times over is a 5 star for me.
References:
Update: found my next one. “Is She Really Going Out With Him” by Sophie Cousens
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