Monday, December 12, 2011

Why I don't want an eReader for Christmas

Every year, my husband asks me for my Christmas list. The last couple of years, I have considered whether or not I want one of those newfangled eReaders. Perhaps I'm getting curmudgeonly, but I'm going to pass.

I have heard plenty about the merits of eReaders - purchasing eBooks is cheaper and they're easier to cart around than a hardcover. Meanwhile, libraries have taken a hit in the news, with many cutting their limited funds for new books in favour of eBooks. And, yes, I did read about bedbugs being found in library books.

Let me count the ways I love books
I'm still not sold. I love books. I love the feel of them. I love the smell of them, both new, and old and musty. I love sharing the books that I have enjoyed with friends. I love browsing the shelves of a bookstore and hemming and hawing over what I want (see my latest selection in the photo). I love getting second-hand books and finding the previous reader's old shopping list which was used as a bookmark.

Generational or hereditary?
Indeed, it could simply have to do with my generation. I grew up reading books, listening to records, and hearing my dad hammer out stories on his old-school typewriter.

It could also be hereditary. My dad clung to that old typewriter until his employer forced him, the last employee not on the network, to start using a computer.

Then again, maybe not. After all, I'm not afraid of technology (no offence, Dad). I work as a web writer, so wouldn't do all that well in my profession otherwise. I own a smartphone. I tweet, I Facebook, I Skype. But until further notice, I don't eRead.

5 comments:

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  2. Yes, free stories are a definite bonus. Though the former freelancer in me wonders how that works with the writer's royalties. Hmm, maybe I'll look into that! Happy reading, Diana.

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  3. I love to read traditionally... nothing compares with that. Of course, I must admit that an e-reader has his advantages. We can find and download many captivating titles from different sites and just for free. My husband downloaded some from All You Can Books, but I better buy a book...I agree with you about this subject!

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  4. I use the Kindle app on my computer and iPhone. I don't want to tote around another device but have no problem reading a few pages here and there off my phone or laptop (or my netbook), whatever is available. But I would not want to have another specific device primarily for reading.

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  5. That sounds like it's worth checking out, Mary, particularly for work-related reads.

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