Traditional Vs. E-Books
The house was dark. It was raining outside, chilly inside. I had no appointments, no particular place to be for a rare afternoon. I didn’t feel like writing (my book, that is.) I didn’t feel like Facebooking or Tweeting or Linking In. Not even Pinteresting.
So I curled up on the couch with what I hoped would be a good book.
“The Emperor of All Maladies,” is a beautifully written non-fiction tome on cancer. 550 plus pages. Pulitzer prize winner. I bought it in an expensive paperback version because it has a series of picture plates inside, which are easier to examine than in an e-book. I also bought it because I had a gift certificate from my in-laws to Barnes and Noble. And I bought it because, well, Pulitzers should be read in traditional book style.
So on this dark, dreary day, I propped myself up on my soft leather couch with this amazing book. (It really is wonderful!) But I had to get up and readjust the lights in the room because there was no Nook glowlight in this edition, and I had to find a cushion to lean the book on because cancer is so heavy – physically and figuratively. Honestly, did you ever try reading a large book on your lap in dim light with old eyes?
After an hour or so, my eyes and my arms got tired, so I switched to a light (inexpensive indie) mystery I had started on my Nook. Ahh, the glowlight made it a delight to read and it was so light in my hands, I wound up dropping it a few times. But then I forgot who one of the characters was and wanted to go back to the first chapter to check. Hmm. Not as easy as flipping the pages. When I finally returned to my current page, I got a signal that the battery was low. Ach.
Which book version is more practical? That’s up to you to decide. Maybe some books are better bound in paper, others digital.
For me, at the moment, it’s time for a nap while my Nook re-charges.
A delightful ‘story’ about the advantages and disadvantages of both types of book format 🙂 I have yet to buy an eBook reader because I rarely get the time to read for leisure since having become a writer… Oh dear! However, I suspect I’d buy one if I did have the time for the reasons you’ve given – plus the ability to adjust font size. I’d reached the stage with my ‘old’ eyes of having to borrow large print books from the library (and, oh!, how I enjoy a well read ‘talking’ book – my truly preferred avenue now). eBook readers have finally reached the stage of having wonderful colour and great features for moving to and fro between chapters etc, but you are so right – flipping pages is much easier! eBooks are also usually cheaper than the printed book, so for those who buy them, that’s a real advantage, but I rarely bought books, preferring to borrow from libraries. eBooks are gradually becoming available here in Australia (and elsewhere) from libraries, which is marvelous, and makes access easier too for those who can’t easily get to a library, yet have good web access.
As always, thanks for your comments, Inge. One thing I did not mention in my blog is that e-books make it difficult for book signings! I spoke at a book club recently and several of the members had my book on their Kindle. I guess they didn’t care about my autograph! Ha.
Ah – I have a suggestion to overcome that problem 🙂 Create a (medium sized so not too expensive to print) poster with your book cover and photo of yourself, then give them away at talks so you can sign the poster instead – people *love* that.
Hmm, very clever.
I do not have a preference. I think I read equally, paperbacks and Kindle. And there is nothing better than a dreary (or sunny) day to curl up with a good book.
Thanks, Karen. I absolutely agree. We don’t have too many dreary days in San Diego, so enjoying a book on a warm, sunny day is good too!