I do my best to keep up-to-date with the times. I may have been one of the last few people to convert to downloading MP3s (I just stopped buying CDs this year), and I may have been slightly delayed in the iPhone phenom (I retired my flip phone for an iPhone only 4 months ago), but I can honestly say that these 10 things will keep me true to my love for books in the raw form:
1) I always buy brand new books. I love the feeling of creasing the cover for the very first time, the crisp pages moving slowly through my fingers as I turn through the first few pages.
2) Is there anything cuter than watching a newly sitting toddler navigate through the pages of a touch-and-feel cardboard book? A sensory experience that is so important, and cannot be mimicked through digital e-books.
3) Bookmarks and folded corners. When I make the decision to tuck my book away, I love the sensation of folding the corner of the page, or sliding a bookmark in between the pages. What comes next is a mystery, that unexplored story that is only a page turn away.
4) No distractions. When I read a book, I am usually tucked away somewhere quiet and private. I mostly read when I go to bed, covers pulled up to my chin and the bedside lamp dimmed. When reading on my laptop or iPad, I get distracted, knowing that Twitter, email, Facebook, and Pinterest are only a click away.
5) Book covers. Part of the experience of exploring a new book, is the cover. I love reading the synopsis on the back, browsing the graphics on the cover, and reading the short bio of the author on the inner sleeve of the cover before diving into a new story. While these things are possible with e-books, the sensory experience isn't there.
6) I love cozying up with my two little ones, tucked under a blanket, exploring the pages of a new picture book. Having the hard cover open on my lap, with colourful images spread across both sides of the crease is much more engaging that hovering over an iPad or laptop.
7) Classics. While I mostly read modern fiction now, my degree is in English Literature, so as you can imagine, I have a pretty substantial collection of classics. There's nothing like reading Shakespeare or perusing poetry from the 1800s like reading them on the crisp pages of the earlier days.
8) Book shelves. I love the look of a crowded book shelf. I admit that when I visit the homes of friends, I love to browse their collection of books, to learn about their interests through the words they've read.
9) While most people I know like to take notes, make lists and jot down ideas on their iPhones or computers, I have a book where I write everything by hand. I love the way a page looks when it's filled with handwritten notes.
10) I dream of one day writing a book, and for me, the true success of this dream would be to see it as a book in its raw form. To be able to hold it in my hands, to design the cover and to read my bio inscribed on the inside cover sleeve. That would be a dream come true.
How about you? Do you prefer e-books to the paperback novels of yesterday?
Linking up with the talented Stasha for my favourite weekly meme, Monday Listicles.
***********************************************************************************
Love quotes? Come back tomorrow and link up for #QuotableBits! Learn More
I truly can relate to this. The one book I downloaded to iPad I really want to read but never come around to doing it cause I get distracted. I am actually thinking of borrowing it from the library instead...
ReplyDeleteI embrace technology pretty enthusiastically and I have balked at the e-reader. I love the real sensory experience of enjoying a book, too. For instance, on an e-reader you can't feel the heft of a book either. The size of the book makes a difference doesn't it? It is part of its "personality." In fact, I think that might actually be my main problem with e-readers, they homogenize a book's personality.
ReplyDeleteThey also have all these rules on how you can share your books. If I read a book I love, I want to share it with my best friends! Don't lock me down with your e-rules. They take the communal spirit out of reading.
I now must satisfy my overwhelming urge to go to the library! Ellen
Amen! My husband bought me a kindle a couple of years ago, and while I do occasionally read books on it, there is nothing better than an actual book. And to hold in my hands a book of my own creation, that is truly a dream!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on so many of your reasons! I love books and have a room with three bookcases lining a wall to hold MOST of them! I do have a Nook, but find it harder to remember the places the book spoke to me most.
ReplyDeleteI could not agree more with your list, particularly #10.
ReplyDeleteI am a complete loser when it comes to e-books. I have the Kindle app on my tablet and have only read for a few minutes here and there. I prefer the book in its raw form. Give me a book made from paper any day. I'm like you I like to read tucked under the covers with the lights dimmed before I drift off to sleep or in the bath tub. And i love my book shelves. I have a whole wall dedicated to books.
ReplyDeleteI do enjoy me E Reader, but as a Eng. Lit student, I too need that ole familar feel of finger to paper, and the actual turning of faded pages. My book shelf is a strange collection of kids books, romances, Stephen King, Shakespeare and many of the classics too.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to hear that you and so many others advocate for the printed book! Great list.I especially love the crowded bookshelf and seeing what others are reading.
ReplyDeleteI have to say that I love my Kindle. I thought I would miss so much about actual books, but I actually find I don't want to read books if they're not on the Kindle! Sad, but true.
ReplyDeleteThis is such an awesome list, I agree with every single one of your points. I love paper books so much, getting a new book, folding pages or underlining parts and watching my son sit and flip through the pages of a book. Beautiful list!
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with all of these points. Though I have to say, I may delve into the world of e-readers soon due to the need to free up more space. I only keep my very favourites, but one of the things I really enjoy about books is passing them on to a friend when I'm done, and that just can't happen with e-books.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know about your dream - good for you, girl, and I firmly believe that one day you will!
I whole heartedly agree with you list. reading isn't just about seeing the words it's the whole experience. Hopefully one day 10 will come true.
ReplyDelete