Pro Books
As someone who has recently experienced the horrors (yes, really!) of an out-of-province residential move, I am challenged by this assignment, that is, coming up with a defense for books versus e-reading.
As part of the process of moving here, I downsized my book collection pretty ruthlessly. What remains are: travel guides, a copy of a book I co-wrote (now only available for e-reader), a few art books, and signed copies of books written by friends. As for the signed copies of books written by celebrity non-friends, I tore out the signed page, pasted it in a scrapbook, and donated the book.
So, like most people, I'm a hybrid reader. That is, I believe there is a place for both books and e-copies of books in our reading lives.
So what makes a book a better choice? When I look at what remains of my now-meagre collection, I look at travel guides old and new. Although they can be a weighty pain, they are also filled with scribbles and notes of special places I've discovered-and some I hope to revisit. The book I co-wrote is available to bore unsuspecting visitors anytime, and the signed copies of books by friends are great gifts that not only allow me to bask in the glow of my pals' literary and photographic achievements, but also to remember some pretty great launch parties. As for art books, they are not meant to be read cover-to-cover in my opinion, and publishers are wising up- making them less weighty, and in many cases, making the books themselves great pieces of biblio-art.
As part of my research (stressing) for this piece, I visited my local library. As in bookstores, there is something timeless and relaxing taking the time to get lost in books and considering all of the possibilities-and if you're as lucky as I was-you'll meet a helpful, knowledgable, and enthusiastic librarian (or bookstore employee), too.
Browsing for hard copies in a library or bookstore is not only a pretty pleasant way to spend time; it also allows for serendipity and surprise. I love e-copies and the convenience and weightlessness they allow, but I am more likely to discover a great and unexpected book in a bookstore or library.
And guess what? I borrowed two library books....
Pro E-Readers:
When it comes to traveling e-readers have the edge on books. The portability and capacity of an e-reader is fantastic. You can store a multitude of books on the e-reader and when packing it don’t have to worry about crumpling pages or breaking the book’s spine, something I was taught you never do.
The less space it takes up in your bag is fantastic too. I travelled around Australia hauling, “Shantaram” around whereas it would have been nice to have those nearly 1,000 pages in something much smaller.
Additionally around the house you don’t have to have bookshelves upon bookshelves filled. Thousands of books can fit on the e-reader, so worrying about something like space in your house, especially if you’re in an apartment is beneficial.
The e-reader also allows you to avoid annoyances regular books often bring with them besides space and portability. Have you ever been reading a book while trying to eat? Depending on where you are in the book it will wibble and wobble, threatening to jump into your cereal; but, an e-reader is easy to hold while working a spoon or fork allowing you to read during your early morning cup of coffee and breakfast.
Have you ever dropped your book, the bookmark goes flying, and you have no idea where you left off having to leaf through the pages until you find your spot? An e-reader simply remembers where you were. In fact you can read more than one book at a time and it will save the spot you’re in, in each.
For some people reading books like 50 Shades of Grey is embarrassing. When you read a book someone can see the cover, but with an e-reader only you know what you’re reading. Some books have weird covers and you even see funny photos on Pinterest of people reading these, which evokes laughter.
Also, if you happen to forget those pesky reading glasses somewhere, the e-reader’s text can be changed allowing you to read at ease, even if you forget your glasses.
While reading, if you happen to finish one book, no need to bother yourself with finding a bookstore, simply connect to the internet which can be found in cafes, hotels, hostels, or use the hot-spot on your cell phone to download a book. It takes mere minutes and you can be back to reading in no time.
Not only can you buy new books, there is an extensive array of books where the copyright has run out and are available for free on an e-reader. The books that you do buy are cheaper too because they are not using paper and do not have to be stored in a warehouse. For this reason it’s easier for independent authors to publish and distribute books as well. Additionally because it uses no paper, it could be considered the “greener” route if environmentally conscious.
If you’re planning on buying a book, there’s a good chance you won’t have to as today many libraries have a collection of e-books that can be checked out in the same fashion as a regular book can be.
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