Why I Love to Read
Kindle vs. Print
Kindle
vs. print books seems to be an ongoing debate in the book world. There is
always the question of which format you prefer. The e-readers love their
devices because they can take it and read anywhere. The print supporters love
the feel of an actual book in their hands. E-readers support technology and
want instant access. Print supporters love the bookstore where they can browse
and smell every book. My question: which is better?
How
about both?! I love to read and I have a Kindle. However, I, also, have a HUGE
stack of print books in my mountain of a TBR pile. I love both formats. I love
that I can read anytime with a Kindle. I can even be sneaky about it and read
when I’m not supposed it. Please don’t tell! I think e-readers have created
another group of readers. They don’t have time to sit down and curl up with a
print book. The reader has a bright screen and pick whatever font he/she wants.
I like to think that this group would never pick up a print book but since they
have instant access to a fun device, they are now reading. Which is a great
thing!! For me, my Kindle has given me more opportunity to read, anytime and
anyplace. I, also, found that I can read more books on my Kindle. I don’t
understand why; maybe because I have instant access. I’m not sure but I’m not
complaining.
Now,
print readers are a totally different breed of cat. These people are old
school. Their perfect day would include browsing through a bookstore and
finding that perfect book. You can definitely put me in this group as well. Walking
into a bookstore and getting instantly overwhelmed by all the wonderful books
is a great thing. I love holding a book in my hands, smelling it and turning
the pages. After I’ve read several books on my Kindle, I have to read a couple
of print books. I think I would go crazy if I just read eBooks. My eyes need
some real print every once in a while. Plus, and probably more importantly, by
visiting your local bookstore, you are supporting your community. Remember, if
you buy from Amazon, your community will not receive any revenue. I don’t want
to get into a tax debate; but, I think that by paying my sales tax, I’m
supporting my town. That’s just the way I think.
To
sum up, I love to be able to read any way I want to. I can read on my phone,
Kindle, iPad, and whatever other device that I might have. But I can also pick
up a book, hold it up to my nose and get a big whiff. It’s the best of both
worlds. As long as you are reading, it shouldn’t matter how you’re doing it.
Just enjoy yourself!!
I love your last paragraph and I think that sums it up for me too - I love to read any way I want. I'm still not into eBooks yet, but I definitely see the value.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tanya! It's all about reading!
ReplyDeleteKendal
I read on both too and I love it! One thing I really enjoy about my Kindle is using it to borrow library books. We don't have a library in my town so it is super-convenient to get them this way. Of course, I go to the real library at least a couple of times a month anyway!
ReplyDeleteI totally forgot about that! I have borrowed several books from the library for my Kindle. It's a wonderful thing!!
DeleteAs long as people are reading, it doesn't matter how they read. I love print books, but I actually find reading more enjoyable when I read on my kindle. For me, it's a matter of I can read faster. I'm horribly dyslexic, however, with training over the years I have been able to control it well enough. With my kindle, the screen doesn't move. My eyes reach the bottom and then zoom to the top. No more shuffling the book from side to side as I read the pages, turning my head with them and trying to stay focused. When I read print books, it takes longer because each new page, I have to reset myself up for it and refocus and it just makes me lose steam. With the kindle, it doesn't move even though the pages change, making it so much easier to read. No more messed up sentences or needing to hold a bookmark on the lines as I go. I went from reading about 15 books a year to nearly a hundred. The kindle has been a lifesaver for me. Perhaps you have a similar situation and that is why you are able to read more, aside from the obvious, always having your book with you when you go somewhere.
ReplyDeleteThat is so wonderful! I thought that an ereader could help people with dyslexia. That is amazing! Thank you so much for sharing.
DeleteKendal
I get why some people prefer devices for that convenience factor, but there's just something about the feel of a book! And as a teacher, our close readings and discussion go so much better when we can refer to specific page numbers, paragraph numbers, and so on. Some students have even said they're less likely to zone out with a book, which I found interesting, since you seem to say the opposite! Good post; food for thought.
ReplyDeleteIt is an interesting debate. Thanks for your comment!
DeleteKendal
I like my Nook, but occasionally I'm compelled to look through the book store and buy a book.
ReplyDelete