I still haven’t bought a Kindle. Being that I love books and the base model is now only $69, it’s really kind of silly I don’t own one.
It’s not because I don’t know how wonderful they are. I do! I borrowed a friend’s Kindle several years ago and saw the benefits. One Friday night I spontaneously bought a new book and read the whole thing by Sunday. I never had to leave the house! I could read while blow drying my hair!
But when it came down to actually purchasing the machine, I couldn’t justify the expense. Even though e-books can be cheaper, I tend to have a very low book budget as it is. I shop at thrift stores, I use the library, and I love borrowing from friends. Also there’s something wonderful about running my fingers over pages someone else has book marked and underlined. When I’m done reading, I love passing my scribbled up coffee stained book to a friend I know will enjoy it as much as I did.
But the thing I hate most about e-readers is that I don’t know other people are reading. I don’t like having to ask Jonathan what book he’s moved onto now, or if he’s still on the Hunger Games. I like being able to glance over at midnight and realize the reason his light is still on is because he’s only pages away from finishing so I shouldn’t interrupt because he’s probably at the very best part. And, more than anything else, I love seeing what strangers are reading because it’s one of the best ways to discover new books. I think about all the times I’ve connected with strangers on an airplane because of what’s in their hands.
Oh, I’ve read that too–and loved it! Are you enjoying it so far?
What’s that you’re reading? Would you recommend it?
Don’t worry- that books starts off slow but it gets fantastic by the third chapter!
Books bring people together.
Now, I realize it’s only a matter of time before I buy an e-reader. We plan to do some international traveling in 2013, so an e-reader will be a must. Plus, I’ve already stolen Jonathan’s Kindle Fire four times in the last month to read e-books. At this point not owning a Kindle is kind of like when I refused to text several years ago. It’s a technology I know I will embrace soon enough, but I’m mourning the transition.
But for now I will hold tight to my paperbacks. I will continue to stack them in odd arrangements on my nightstand, and pass them on to friends, and display them proudly on living room shelves. They are well loved conversation starters that hold more love than an electronic device ever will.
For e-reader fans, here are a few e-books I’ve enjoyed this fall:
Jeff Goin’s e-book, You are a Writer, so Start Acting Like One; Christianity Today’s What Christian Women Want This Election Season and The No-Brainer Wardrobe.
I’d love to hear from you! Do you own an e-reader? If so, which one? Did you battle the same feelings I have? If you haven’t purchased one, do you have a reason like mine?
{Update: I received a Kindle on Christmas Day 2012. I caved. Thanks for all the great feedback!}
