For some time the argument has not so much raged, as gently simmered: "real" book v Kindle.
We all seem to start off thus:
"Oh, I'd never get a Kindle. I like real books; the feel, the smell, the look of them. No Kindles for me".
Then we get a Kindle, and we say it's "just for holiday reading", of course, because all those books are so heavy, aren't they? (We used to allocate almost a whole case just to books.)
Well I have a confession. I will always love proper books, made of paper, with real covers and pages you can turn (and look back through); books you can keep, books that 'furnish a room', books you can lend and browse through, boks that come with memories of when and where I read them. But sometimes, just sometimes, I actually prefer a Kindle. I know. Awful isn't it. But this realisation came to me last night, when I was reading a heavy paperback and eating an apple at the same time, and kept losing my place in the book. Just for a moment, I wished the book had been on Kindle.
There. I've said it. I feel much better now. Phew!
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I'm sure there are pros and cons. As someone who only reads one book every 2 weeks, I don't think I'd bother. Lady Magnon, however, gets through several each week and it would probably be a good idea.
ReplyDeleteGive her one, Cro, then you can try it out!
DeleteI'm a Kindle convert. They are perfect for novels but not so good for text books or reference books.
ReplyDeleteYes. And I'd add children's books to that. Kids need pages and pictures.
DeleteI never understood why it has to be one VERSUS the other instead of one complementing the other, as it is for me. Like you, I will always love physical books, but my kindle is my best companion on the way to and from work every day, and of course even more so on longer trips. Very rarely I read on my kindle at home; usually that only happens when I really want to finish a book or it is so gripping that I can't wait until the next day or next week when I will be on the train again.
ReplyDeleteOne huge advantage is that I can use my kindle with gloves on, something I find nearly impossible with a physical book.
It shouldn't be both have there place. Kindle is useless for reference but great for a read.
DeleteMeike, I think it's only one versus the other before people have tried a kindle. Once you have a kindle, you realise there's a place for both
DeleteI concur absolutely. I have walls of books I value (particularly reference ones) but wouldn't want to be without my Kindle either.
DeleteSensible man, Graham.
DeleteI am in total agreement, Frances. I would take a paperback over a kindle any day - except when I'm having breakfast in bed!
ReplyDeleteBreakfast in bed, and apples, and travelling, and holidays, Wendy. And (certainly in our case) when you have so many books that you really have run out of space for more.
DeleteGiven a choice when buying a book now, I always go for Kindle, but I have physical books I will never part with. I love both xx
ReplyDeleteMe too, Teresa.
DeleteWith me it's a case of what you don't have you don't miss, and so far I'm not persuaded. I only ever read while sitting in a comfy armchair, never in bed or on a beach, so I think I'll stick to books. But never say never.
ReplyDeleteBut it does annoy me that some books are only available on Kindle. Grrr...
DeleteAh, but try eating an apple and reading a thick paperback at the same time, Maggie. I bet you get a kindle sooner or later....
DeleteAlthough I read from my Kindle, I can't help myself buying the occasional book. It's a bit like drinking decaffeinated coffee instead of the real thing!
ReplyDeleteThat's a verygood way of looking at it, L (except that I don't like decaff).
DeleteSometimes I think the kindle is better. Sometimes I prefer a real book. It's the words I really care about though, not whatever I'm reading them from.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Patsy.
DeleteI prefer a 'real' book for lots of reasons but not least because you can SEE where you are (how far from the end). I don't quite trust Kindles with their percentages, I like to physically see the pages lessen (am I weird?). But I agree that Kindles are perfect for holidays (except they make you turn them off before take off and landing on a plane, so you have to twiddle your thumbs, while book-readers around you can carry on!)
ReplyDeleteHelen, I'm so busy panicking during take off and landing that I hadn't noticed the restrictions!
DeleteI LOVE the Kindle! I was a bit sceptic before I actually got one (2-3 years ago), but having both neck and eye trouble it made a huge difference for me. And not only does it thus allow me to read a lot more, it also lets me download hundreds of old classics for FREE, without taking up any space at all in my bookshelves; and on top of all that I only have to point at a word to get a definition of it, or even a link to Wikipedia. When from time to time I still pick up a paper book, I find myself doing that pointing thing out of habit, and getting annoyed that it doesn't work!
ReplyDeleteI've done that too, DT.
DeleteWith a real book I remember which page something is on. Oh, that bit about the gorgeous sunset - it's on a right hand page, three-quarters of the way down and about a third of the way into the book. I was delighted to hear, the other day, that scientists had proved that this can be done with real books but no with Kindle. I have Kindle but only used it to read two books, both of which I've almost completely forgotten. I wonder why?
ReplyDeleteYou're obviously not a Kindle person, Lynne!
DeleteI love both, Frances - print books for reading downstairs and if I want to keep them on shelves where I can refer to them again, but always kindle for reading in bed as I can't hold a book comfortably now while lying down. And I do agree we need print for reference and children's books.
ReplyDeleteKindles are good for the bath, Rsemary, provided you beware of the obvious pitfall!
ReplyDeleteRoom for them both I guess.
ReplyDelete