Good morning! Hope you are all having a wonderfully lazy Sunday. Elle just went down for a morning cat-nap, I'm testing out a camo cake in the oven, and I figured I'd try to jot down a few words before we head out for a father's day lunch.
I'll keep today's post shortish. This week something happened that I absolutely did not foresee happening for quite some time. I purchased an e-reader. I feel dirty and traitorous just saying it. I'm an owner of an e-reader. *Shudders*
I'm not against e-readers--in fact I see more people reading now than I have in the past. They're incredibly convenient and light. They can store your entire library without the need for bookshelves. And well...they're cool. But I have so many books that I haven't read that I haven't felt the need for an e-reader.
What changed my mind? My coworker's daughter received one as a gift and she didn't want it. So I bought her Kindle (basic model) at a discount. I figured...why not?!
I immediately set out for the library website to see what I could download. Baby Signs! And then I checked out the public domain listings to see if I could download my book club pick for next month, House of Mirth. Check! While I don't think I'll be giving up my paper anytime soon, I am thinking that this little device will begin to change my bookish habits. But don't worry--I'm still all about the paper as I think about future generations!
And fun fact--Lisa got a Nook a few days before I got my Kindle. She made an awesome cover for her Nook and I hope to steal two hours (one day) to make my own.
Do you own an e-reader? Has it changed your bookish habits?
What do you have planned for today and this week?
I suspect I'm going to use mine a lot. Already I can tell how much easier it is to read on it. I set it down and it turns off and when I turn it back on it's on the right page. The wind doesn't change it, the kids don't lose my spot, I can hold it one handed and read in bed (if I wanted to read in bed.) In short, terrific.
ReplyDeleteI would have never bought one for myself, but I received a Kindle as a gift. Although I still prefer reading paper books, I'm pleased to find I can often download (for free) books that aren't available at my library, so I have been doing a bit of reading on it. And when I visited relatives last month for a few days it was nice to just take the e-reader which had some twenty books on it, than fill my travel bag with books. I do like that convenience of it.
ReplyDeleteI don't use my eReader much. I just forget about the books that are on there. I think it's a generational thing, but I hate paying for a virtual book - I feel like I didn't buy anything when I buy one.
ReplyDeleteI'm the same. I forget what's on the e-reader - although I like it that I can get books from Netgally (and they go on my to-read spreadsheet so I can't forget).
DeleteSo far, I've not had to buy a single ebook. Free downloads (legal or not) and classics keep my reader topped up!
It's good that Kindle's playing nice with libraries in the US and will let you borrow books. In Canada, not so much - we librarians are still waiting patiently for the day when library users can read our books on their Kindles. As for the whole e-reader vs paper book thing, I think reading's reading and we're mostly discussing a container. Don't get me wrong - I love a nicely bound book more than anything except my husband and children - but I think you can get the story experience in both formats. Sometimes the e-reader is even an improvement on paper, as described by the following article from the Globe and Mail: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/boundary-pushing-e-books-that-blow-the-page-away/article4181105/.
ReplyDeleteI'd guess that I somewhere between a fourth and a third of my reading on my e-reader and that percentage may go up as I read the paper books I own and don't buy more. I bought an e-reader cover that allows me to prop the e-reader up so I don't need my hands at all. I realize that sounds really lazy, but it's mostly useful for reading over a meal or while doing laundry, when I need to use both hands.
ReplyDeleteI love my Kindle and have way, way, way too many books on it. I probably read 55-60% of my books as e-books. I've had it for 3 years now. Well, actually it's my second one. I gave my original Kindle to our niece, who is 17. She loves it. I love paper books too. I'm an equal opportunity book reader. LOL
ReplyDeleteI got a Kindle Touch for my birthday, Trish, and as much as I hate to say it... I love it.
ReplyDeleteI'm downloading free books and as a Prime member at Amazon, I can borrow almost any book I want for free.
I've decided it will be great for those books I'm on the fence about - new author, new characters, new whatever. It's a cheap way to figure out if I want to invest my cash in a real book.
cjh
I love my Nook! His name is Emerson. I use him to read the books that are super-heavy (the Bible/Clarissa/Les Mis) and otherwise seem to go for print books. He also satisfies my "must read this NOW" urge, because I can download immediately if I don't feel like going to the library or store. I love that I can sampple so many incredible books for free, too!!
ReplyDeleteI used to have an aversion to the idea of an e-reader, but now that I'm on the dark side of 40, print books are getting harder on my eyes. ;-) I'm definitely leaning toward the e-reader alternative.
ReplyDeleteI just got my second e-reader: a Nook Simple Touch with Glow Light and I'm loving it. I used to be a diehard like you and said I only would read on paper, but then I began reading on the Nook and I'm hooked. I think you will be too. Personally, like you, I'm all about the free ones, from libraries or other sites especially. I have bought a few, including through Google Books from our local bookstore. However, I think Google Books might not be doing that anymore or soon :(.
ReplyDeleteI have a Nook and a Kindle :) My husband gave me the Kindle and we have the Nooks at work through a publishing company we work with :) I use my Kindle for books that I download from publishers for review...before they are available in stores and for older books that are now only available in those pesky paperbacks with the size 7 font. I just can't do that anymore, glasses or no glasses, and I hate the way those paperbacks feel in my hands...always have. I don't mind an oversized paperback and if a book is a Keeper, I definitely still want the hardback. I have books all over my house and I think I always will, but the ebook is a good way to buy cheaper copies of books I don't necessarily want to keep.
ReplyDeleteStill don't have an e-reader but I do have reader apps on my phone and iPad. I just never really use them either -- and I have 200+ unread books in the house. :) I think that if I got an ereader it would be for public domain books. I don't want to pay for books that are unreadable in 10 years because of software and hardware upgrades.
ReplyDeleteI never thought I'd be a convert, but 1.5 years later I am in LOVE with my Kindle. I NEVER buy a print book unless it's not available in Kindle format. I love carrying my library in my purse. enjoy
ReplyDeleteI always said I did not need/should not get an ereader for the same reason you did...sooo many paper books on my shelves that I haven't read. But I got some Christmas money last year and got a Nook tablet. At first I was underwhelmed, but I've really started liking it. I try to read one Nook book for every paper book now. Of course I have accumulated a bunch of free and discounted books on it that I have yet to read, and I've been downloading from the library too. My favorite feature is being able to read in the dark.
ReplyDeleteI got Homer (my NookColor) last July, and while I do use him on a regular basis, I still prefer my real books. Nothing beats holding a real book. I usually use Homer to read magazines or when I am reading in bed at night. The light doesn't bother Matt. I usually just download a free copy of whatever I am reading onto it so I have it easily accessible if I want to switch over. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd, I can't wait to see your thoughts on House of Mirth. It is one of my all-time favorites. :)
I was really hesitant to get an e-reader too. My husband got me one for my birthday and he was so excited that I just went with it. I've had it for 8 months or so, and I've maybe read four books on it. Some of which I switched back and forth with a physical copy (David Copperfield and Villette were both in omnibus editions so they didn't travel well). It's been nice for classics. I have found that if I read a book on my kindle and really like it, I end up wanting a physical copy anyway(just did this with Code Name Verity so I can share it with my family). I definitely won't ever go completely paperless. I much prefer the actual book, except when I'm traveling.
ReplyDeleteTraitor!!!!
ReplyDeleteGUYS!!! I'll respond to your comments at lunch today...
ReplyDeleteI have a Nook color and soemtimes I miss the feel of a nice paperback. It's been great for magazines though. I subscribe to Time and it's so convenient to have all those weekly issues in one spot. I'm just now discovering ebook downloads from the local library. What do you mean by "public domain listing?"
ReplyDeleteKrystal - I don't know if there is a technical definition of "public domain" but basically once a copyright has expired, the book can be republished on the public domain meaning that most times you can get a copy of it for free online. Not sure what the copyright expiration date is---maybe 75-100 years but most classics are in the public domain.
DeleteI received a KindleTouch for Christmas, from the professors in my dept. They know I read all the time, and thought it'd be a good way for me to keep more stuff handy -- it definitely has its advantages: so many classic reads are available free (that you can't find in print!), and you can get a lot of new releases for free or really reduced rates too during promos. It's also allowed me to review more books, when only an ebook file's available. But I'm still in love with, and adding to, my print book library :o)
ReplyDeleteUh oh, before you know it your E-reader will be full to bursting! I resisted getting one for ages and finally broke down after reading so much buzz about ebook releases. I'm glad I did it but my tbr pile has reached hoarding levels! Have fun with it!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I had no plans to get an eReader until my parents surprised me with a Nook Color for Christmas. I too have tons of paper books that need readin', but I've sort of worked my Nook into my reading rotation. I started by reading comic books/graphic novels on it then I started reading my Oz books. Most of those are available (along with tons of other classics) for free on the Internet. Honestly, I wish I had bought The Stand on my Nook to read instead of that 10 pound brick of paper I got from paperbackswap.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy my Nook a lot and I look forward to reading more books on it in the future. The Nook Color is nice because it does more than just read books. I can also surf the web and watch Netflix streaming on it, too. Very nice to have, but I don't plan on giving up paperbacks anytime soon. I've found you can do both.
Pax
Another nice thing about the Nook is that if you take it to a B&N store, you can read ANYTHING for free for an hour. I've gone in and read short stories and begun novels for an hour and it costs you nothing. Sort of a "try and buy". Very nice.
Delete*Lisa - I'm still struggling with TIME to read but I do think that these little guys are incredibly convenient!!
ReplyDelete*Jeane - I was also thinking that an ereader would be really nice when nursing! Wish I had one the first time around--holding a book was nearly impossible for me! Like you I think I'll mostly use for library and classic books.
Bermudaonion - I agree with you--it's hard to pay for what's not tangible. I have the same issue with audiobooks but the subscription with Audible helps that.
*Judith - When I was thinking about getting the Kindle many people said that Netgalley doesn't do downloads with Kindle because of Amazon. This doesn't matter to me a whole lot but I do like being able to get the public domain books!
*theteatimereader - I think that it might depend on the library--mine has Kindle lending but not Nook lending and I think some libraries are opposite. There are somethings that I LOVE about books that you can't get with an e-reader but if it's helping more people to read, I'm all for it. Thanks for the article link!
*Teresa - An e-reader cover?! I'll have to look into that. Usually when I'm doing chores and don't have to have my ears available for the babe I'm listening to audiobooks. But honestly, I REALLY miss actually reading!!
*Kay - It's so fantastic to see so many people loving their e-readers! Where do you get most of your books for the Kindle?
*CJ - Are the free books ones in the public domain (classic type books)? I'm not a part of Amazon Prime but like you mention their lending library is a great way to see if you if you want to read the book! I'm planning on doing the same with my regular library.
*Jillian - I love that you've named your ereader Emerson. Ha! Like you I think that I'll be using mine mostly for the classics that I want to read but might not already have (like House of Mirth!). It does seem incredibly convenient to have instant gratification huh?
*Stephanie - Ha! Yes, I do think that the ereaders are definitely easier on the eyes than print! Mine is just a basic model so doesn't have a light but I really want to get one so I can easily read in bed.
*Unfinished Person - I've heard that about Google Books and I'm not even sure that google books would be compatible with the Kindle? I think that if I do enjoy the ereader I'll move on to the Nook next. They're just so pretty looking, you know? I'll keep you guys posted on how it's going. Ha!
*RivkaBelle - Well that's a nice Christmas gift from your professors!! ;) I hadn't even though about looking for out of print classics--I'll have to do that now! There are a couple that I've been having a tough time finding. And like you I don't think I'll ever let go of my print copies. ;)
ReplyDelete*BarlessWagmore - LOL!! I'm glad you've been having such a great time with your e-reader! I still have SO many paperbooks at home (maybe 500 unread books) that I'll never go completely electronic. ;)
*Pax - Gahhhhh, I think that The Stand is what pushed me over the edge to electronic!! I still haven't gotten an electronic copy yet (because I've paid for two books and one audiobook) but I'm tempted. My 1140 hardback is TOO damn big to bring up to work for lunch breaks. ;) And yes, I think if I likey then next I'll move to the Nook. Netflix streaming could come in handy!
*Peppermint Ph.D. - I think that there's a time and a place for paper (I LOVE being able to pick a book off the shelf and flip through it...seems tough with an ereader), but I'm thinking that the convenience can't be beat. I would definitely think that holding a light reader is easier on the eyes and hands!!
ReplyDelete*Kristen M. - Interesting note about softward and hardware upgrades! I hadn't even thought about that. We have an ipad as well and I can download books on there (and have) but it still seems so much bulkier than the little Kindle. Exactly as you mentioned--I see myself mostly reading the public domain books. Still too many hard copies in the house to buy electronic!
*(Diane) Bibliophile By the Sea - That does sound terribly nice to have your whole library in your purse!! So I'm guessing you don't keep a lot of paper books at your house? Are you able to do Netgalley with your Kindle?
*Missy - Regretfully my Kindle does not have a light so no reading in the dark but I definitely want to get a light so I can read more easily in the dark. Honestly I think that the turning point for me was my big huge giant copy of The Stand. It's just too big for me to lug to work for reading at lunch. I'm glad to hear you like your Nook!
*Allie - Homer. Ha!! :) That's a great idea for switchover when you don't want to carry a hard copy! I'll probably use mine most in bed and traveling--I don't foresee the electronic ever completely replacing my paper! I'm so glad you loved House of Mirth!
*Kristi - Like you I just think that I want the hardcopy book! I'm the same way with audio--even though I've purchased the actual audiobooks (electronic versions), I find that I want to have the paper copy as well. I do agree that the Kindle will be wonderful when traveling and great for classics!
*Laura H - LOL!!!! Well, what can I say? ;)
The ones I'm talking about aren't free domain; they're simply free at Amazon for whatever reason - like promos or 'daily specials'.
ReplyDeleteAnd btw, downloading illegally is stealing.
cjh
CJ - I agree with your comment here. Downloading--ANYTHING--should only be done properly to prevent hurting all parties involved.
DeleteSo you got a Kindle! That is exciting :) Lots of the classics are free on Amazon and I admit freely that I have picked up quite a few classic mysteries for my kindle :) I have a tendency to buy one too many books for it but if that is my only complaint then what can you do?? And I STILL read mainly paper books. I like the feel of an actual book in my hand :) (I'm weird like that!)
ReplyDeleteHooray! I'm sending you an email.
ReplyDeleteI am with you - I struggled about an e reader too but finally broke down and have one now for travel. It is a NOOK and it does not get the love and attention my real books do that is for sure.
ReplyDeleteI was anti-e-reader for a long time. Then I broke down and got the first nook wi-fi -- right before they announced the simple touch. So, I sold my wifi and bought a simple touch. Of course, they just announced the Glow Light, so I sold my simple touch and finally got the Simple Touch with Glow Light. I LOVE having an e-reader and will probably buy very few physical books anymore. We just don't have the space, for one thing... I just wish there was a little bigger discount on e-books (in general) than their currently is.
ReplyDeleteI'm really, really starting to covet an e-reader and Jeff actually talked about getting me one this weekend so that he doesn't have to break down & buy me a plan for my phone! I just fear that it will addicting!
ReplyDeleteI finally broke down and bought an e-reader (NOOK simple touch) for our Clarissa group read. That book is just too heavy and bulky to read comfortably, so the e-reader is perfect. I have since downloaded a few other classics and will definitely use it if I ever decide to read War & Peace. I will use my e-reader for BIG classics and vacation/travel reading... other than that, an actual book will always be my first choice.
ReplyDelete*Sam - Ooooh, what classic mysteries have you gotten. Isn’t it fun the world that is opened up by e-readers? Every day I think I get more and more excited (though I still haven’t actually read from it. Ha!)
ReplyDelete*Joy - Thank you!!!
*Sheila - I think that it’s tough to go from the paper mindset to the electronic mindset—they really are so different. I don’t think I’ll use my Kindle as much as paper but you’re right that it’ll be great for travel!
*Melissa - LOL!! You’ve gone through a lot of readers! If I like my kindle then I might move on to the nook next. They’re so pretty! I just didn’t want to spend the money on something I wasn’t sure I’d use. The Glow Lights look really neat!
*Lisa - Electronic books more addicting than paper?! ;)
*JoAnn - You’re right that the ereaders are so much easier for the big huge books. If I hadn’t already bought two copies of The Stand, plus the audiobook, I’d be reading it electronically as well! I’ll have to keep ereader in mind when you host War and Peace. You were volunteering right? :P
I am reading my first book on a Kindle right now (it's my mother's) and am surprised at how much I like it. I did not like reading one the ipad. I am anti-Amazon but told Jason today that if he wanted to get me an Nook later this year for my birthday that would be okay :) I am pretty sure I'll not be giving up my paper books. Unless someday they stop printing them altogether, of course.
ReplyDeleteMy husband got me a kindle for Christmas a couple years ago. I think he's been disappointed I haven't used it more. I use it when we travel, but rarely at home. I always reach for a hard copy of a book, not an electonic one.
ReplyDeleteI got a nook a couple years ago, and I don't think it's changed my habits much. I tend to use it for reading really big books, or sometimes reading at the gym, but really that's about it. I like paper books better :)
ReplyDelete*Stacybuckeye - I don't like reading on the ipad either--too much twisting and turning on the screen and too easy to move things around. I haven't actually read on my Kindle yet (Stand is taking over my life), but I look forward to actually getting to it. Like you I will never let go of paper, though!
ReplyDelete*Melissa - I don't think that I'll use the Kindle all the time--have way too many paper books on the shelf for that--but I can see the benefit. When you have kiddos you might be thankful for the ease of the e-reader! ;)
*Kim - You know I was just thinking about your comment months ago about using the e-reader for working out! I really need to start working out at lunch again and think that the Kindle would be perfect for on the bike or stairstepper or even treadmill. nice not having to worry about the pages flipping!
I think someday I would like an e reader, but not right now. I have WAY too many paper books to read. But I can't see myself ever abandoning paper books. second hand books need love too!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your new reader :)
*Jenny Girl - It's been two weeks now and still haven't touched my ereader. Think it'll end up being a bust except for on trips. Maybe. ;) I'm like you...love that paper!
ReplyDelete