I have a question about the "books on tape" experience. You noted that it is different from "words on paper". I have tried two different "on tape" experiences: Learning Mandarin and continuing medical education. The first was reasonably successful. I got halfway through the program before I got bored, but I learned pretty well, including accent and intonation (per my Mandarin-speaking friends). The second was a dismal failure. I listened to the 30 minute tape at least 20 times and still don't know much about the role of neuraminidase inhibitors in the treatment of influenza. The main difference between the two is interaction. The language tapes required me to stop the tape and repeat, and to speak along with the tape. I was able to focus on the material and never got into an accident. The CME tape, on the other hand, simply involved listening. Normally I learn well in talks. With this, however, I constantly lost my train of thought and my attention would wander from the tape to the road and back. I suppose that I could learn from a tape if I listened to it in a room, along with visual aids, but in a car...never! So how would I do with books on tape? How can anyone follow plot, characters, etc., when only a fraction of your consciousness is focused on the tape? When I read, I shut out the world and concentrate on the book. When I drive I sure as heck can't do that!!! Any thoughts? Thanks, Ken