If you’re anything like me, you not only write, you love to read. Voraciously. I cherish, treasure, simply adore books. I love to hold books in my hands and see them on the shelf. The reasons for my literary love affair are endless, way too many to mention here. But now…confession time. (whisper) I bought an e-book reader. Much to my surprise, I love my e-reader. You might love an e-reader too, and let’s face it–if you can’t trust a book junkie on this, who can you trust? So here are the main reasons I love my e-reader…
I read faster, and reading is much more comfortable. The type on the “page” is easier to see. I can change the size in an instant to make my reading experience as close to perfect as it’s going to get. I also got a cover with a light that runs off the battery of the e-reader, so if I’m in a spot where lighting is low (or non-existent like in the middle of the night) I can read without eyestrain. I’m sure I will read more books this year, thanks to my e-reader.
Getting lost in the story happens easier. A flick of my thumb turns the page. I don’t have to shift the book around from hand to hand when I turn. Flick. Done. Next page. I read on and on, not even aware I’ve “turned” anything.
I can try a book before I buy it. My e-reader allows me to download the beginning chapter. I know after reading 20 pages if I’ll like something or not. Samples are anywhere from 10 to 30 pages, read from the comfort of my home on the reader where I’ll read it.
Authors are putting e-books out there at very affordable prices. I just bought a book for 99 cents from an author I know I enjoy. Plus, all the things I objected to with e-books (sharing books with others, library check-out) are a thing of the past. E-readers can do it all and they are getting “smarter” all the time.
Right now I have 15 unread books in my reader. No matter where I go, if I finish one (or want to read something else) I can! And since I usually drag 5 books with me on a vacation, I’ll save on airline luggage weight restrictions.
I don’t have to dust the books in my e-reader. Enough said.
I will admit, some books I prefer in book format. The good news? Books still exist. I think (hope) both forms of reading will always be available. No matter what model (kindle, nook, ipad, etc.) this is a wonderful new way to read books. Keep an open mind. Someday you may want to join me and jump into the new world of e-reading too.