With the news of Borders’ bankruptcy, talk of paper versus ebooks are all over the news and internet. I’ve been thinking about the two formats a lot.
I love books ever since I discovered our small town’s bookmobile. The bookmobile’s staff got to know my sister and I by name. Heck they even changed their stop to right in front our home! Luckily both of my kids love books too.
I’ve been using the Kindle app on my smartphone. I have yet to buy my first ebook. There’s a huge selection of high quality free ebooks out there. While I enjoy the convenience of reading books on my phone while I lay in bed with Jaxson at night, it’s still not the same.
The last ebook I read, Shatter (The Children of Man) by Elizabeth C Mock was a fabulous fantasy novel. The author has created such a rich world with a lot of history. For me it was hard to refer back to certain sections of the book. Using the Kindle’s search option was helpful, but I could have flipped back to the page more quickly were it a paper version of the book.
My ebooks definitely have their place. I can’t carry 10 books with me on the airplane but I can on my phone or netbook. I still bring at least one paper book with me anyway.
I love the feel of books in my hand. I don’t have a Nook or Kindle so I’m not sure how much like a “real” book they would feel in my hands. Heck, there’s even some great iPad book apps for kids too. I wouldn’t feel comfortable taking any of these electronics to read while I take my may soaks in the tub. At least if I drop my book in the water, it’d only cost $20 or so to replace.
I’m definitely a book collector. I have stacks and stacks of books all over my apartment. I love them. At any point I can dig through a pile (or shelf, we have some on shelves too) and rediscover a new book.
Right now I’m reading ebooks less than paper books but will that change in the future? I’m keeping track of the books I’m reading in 2011 so I guess I’ll have to wait and see.
Do you have a preference? Are paper books a dying breed?