I know a lot of bloggers aren’t avid readers, but I am one of those who is. I read a lot more since Tim took up golf, LOL! I ended up reading 88 books last year (get it, 88 in 08?!), and will once again shoot for 75 or more this year. 2007 was my highest year ever, when I read 104 books. I’m not sure I’ll top 100 ever again, but it was nice to do it that time.
Anyway, I’ve read a whopping one book so far this year. 😀 We are staying pretty busy and I haven’t had much time to read. We have gotten some new games for the Wii lately, plus it’s hunting and football season (Tim’s other hobbies besides golf). Maybe once the Super Bowl is over, I’ll have a little more time to read.
I was in Sam’s Club last weekend, stocking up on a few things, and I went to check out the books. Being an avid reader, I look at the book section in any store I go to (Walmart, Target, Sam’s and of course bookstores). I was really surprised to see that Sam’s is now selling the Sony E-reader. I was also surprised at its size. Not only is it smaller than I thought, but that thing is thin. I think the product info said it is 1/3 of an inch thick. I held my iPhone up to it and it is bigger than that, but it’s still a very manageable size. I guess seeing these things in person, as opposed to online, really makes a difference. I’ve heard so much about Amazon’s Kindle but I have never seen one in person. I have been thinking off and on, for a while now, about whether I would like one of these one day or not.
I’ve had a blog post brewing in my head for months, about the pros and cons of printed books versus electronic books. About the way things will go in the future and if these things will even be around in 10 years. Or if the way of the printed book is going to some day be like trying to find a coin-operated pay phone.
I, for one, am not sure that I’ll ever be able to transition from printed books to a digital reader. I think I like holding a book in my hand and turning the page. But I do know this, I think I could convert to a digital reader a whole lot quicker than audiobooks. I’ve tried those, and they just don’t work for me. Hearing someone else read to me just doesn’t work for me, I like to read myself and “hear” my own voice in my head. If that makes any sense at all. However, I must admit, after seeing this e-reader in person, it makes me think that on some level I might really like it. I certainly love all of the other electronic gadgets in my life and have adapted to them quite well. One of the biggest drawbacks for me, I think, is not being able to get books free from the library, but having to always pay for them. If my library ever starts offering free downloads to a digital reader, that might really propel me into getting one.
OK, so, if you’re a reader, or even if you’re not, I’d love to hear what you think. Today’s Question of the Day is – do you have a Sony Digital Reader or an Amazon Kindle, and if not, do you think you might ever get one? Do you think digital books will be the way in the future, or do you think printed books, bookstores, libraries and the like are here to stay for our foreseeable lifetime?
Leave me a comment and let me know! Happy Reading!
Stacy – I’m with you on the audio books. I tried one and didn’t like it at all. I’ve heard people say it all depends on the reader, but this one was read by someone that people raved about. I’m like you – I like hearing my own voice in my head. I like imagining what a character would sound like. It’s like when a book is turned into a movie. I like to imagine the actor playing the part and what he or she would look like – the movie takes that away. Usually the movie choice isn’t what I had imagined – except for Rhett Butler in GONE WITH THE WIND, but I read that Margaret Mitchell wrote Rhett with Clark Gable in mind.
Anyway, back to your question. I don’t think I’d like a Kindle or e-reader. I like the feel of a book in my hand. I like turning the pages. And I love the look of books on a table or on a bookshelf. I love having a brand new book and being the first one to open it and read it.
Books to me are more than just the words printed on the pages. I love reading the story, but I also love the entire “feel” of a printed book.
I guess the “green” answer would be that the digital readers are the way to go, but I just love BOOKS. I love holding them in my hand, turning the pages, etc… I doubt I will ever switch. I really hope that I still have beautiful books to read to my grandchildren one day! The electronic version just wouldn’t be the same!
I have no doubt digital books will be the wave of the future, but not for me. As long as books are still printed, that’s the way I’ll go. I’m with you. I love to hold the book, smell the book, and read silently, hearing the book in my head. The only people I know who enjoy being read to are children who can’t read yet and older people who can’t see well enough to read any more. Thankfully, I’m still in between – I’ll always prefer a printed book in my hands.
I don’t think I could ever do it! Like you, I just love the feel of a book in my hands. There’s something so satisfying about turning a page! People tell me that I’ll give in to the technology sooner or later, but I just don’t see it happening. Sheesh, I don’t even own a cell phone.
And I’m with you on audio books, too. I just can’t do it. I’ve tried a couple, but have never made it through a single one. I just find my mind wandering.
Wow, I guess I shouldn’t say too much because I have never seen one before, but I just can’t imagine reading books on a screen. Blogs is one thing because they are short, but a book is a totally different experience.
I have done audiobooks on long car rides before and enjoyed them, but not everyday!
I’m not sure about switching to a digital reader. There is something about holding a book. I’m with you on the audiobooks – have a hard time concentrating and following them. I think physical books will probably still be around for a while but digital readers and books will probably become more popular as time goes on.
I’ve never counted how many books I’ve read in a year. A few ppl I read online do. I am kinda curious but I really don’t want to put the effort forth to count them as I go LOL! Yes, I’m lazy!
Anyway, I’ve always loved to read 🙂 Especially now since I discovered paperbackswap.com. Are you a member there?? If so, pls add me – I’m cdayzee there. (Anyone else reading this is welcome to add me there as well)
Anyway, I’m old school. the thought of reading a digital book does not really interest me. As far as audio books – I’ve not experienced one of those yet. I dont really want to. I know me. If I’m listening to someone read, I’ll keep falling asleep. no good.
As for tangible books going the way of digital – & thus, green..Yes, I can see this happening. Dont know if it will be in the near future though, or my lifetime, for that matter. I hope not. It will be a sad day for me.
I must be the oddball. I love audio books! I love the readers different voices and all the inflections they bring to a story. But some would say I am just weird anyway. My husband and I are talking about either getting the Sony or the Kindle, but leaning towards the Sony. We both read, alot! I have read 2 books already this year. I am hoping for 60!
I haven’t been able to get into audio books either. Funny, because I enjoy listening to podcasts of sermons, etc. But not books. I had an eReader on my Palm which was nice if I got stuck somewhere without a book but in general I prefer the feel of a book in my hands.
No, I’m an old fashioned girl when it comes to books. I’m sticking with the real thing! 😉
My husband bought us both these digital readers about 6 years ago. He LOVED his and took it to work every day. I honestly never used mine! It just didn’t feel “right”! I can’t read books online either, and I hate that, as there are so many wonderful books printed online now.
I’m with many of your other readers – – nothing beats a real book!
Sherry
I love the feeling of books, too, but I could see some advantages of a digital reader. I might get one some time in the future. I tend to end up with electronic toys one way or the other. *grin*
BTW, I think you’re overdue for some Beau photos. *big cheesy grin*
I love books and will always want a book to hold! It’s just the best!
Don’t have a kindle or sony reader, but you knew that already. 🙂 And doubt I’ll get one anytime soon.
I don’t do real well with audio books, except on long car trips….then I love them! Especially if I’m the one driving and can’t read.
I hope you have a great week….
I look forward to the prices being more affordable for the electronic readers. I think it would be cool to have instant access to a book… but it is different reading on a screen rather than printed pages. I guess that would take some getting used to. I have my daily bible reading on my phone and like the fact that I can read it anywhere, but it is different. I love audio books. They make long car trips so much more enjoyable. When I was driving Izzy to HBOT about two hours away every week I would look forward to book on cd, rather than dread the drive.
I think I’ll always stick with traditional books. I love everything about them. Reading a book on the computer or any other electronic gadget just doesn’t feel the same.
I like audio books okay, particularly on trips, but I have a harder time concentrating on it that way, so I feel like I’m not getting as much of the story. I’d much rather read it in my own head;-)
I agree with most of the other comments. There is something magical about books…I love the way they smell, they feel, etc. That would be hard to give up…
BUT it would be convenient to have on trips. Like the nerd that I am, that is my favorite (and first!) thing to pack. I never take less than three books…no matter how short the trip.
My husband has been using the Sony Reader for a couple of years now. He uses it more for work (technical books, etc.) but has really enjoyed using it. He’s ordered a Kindle (and one for everyone in his office) but hasn’t actually got one yet. But he says it is FAR superior to the Sony Reader. So if you decide on going digital, I would go for the Kindle.
Once he gets it, I may even try it out for myself. I’ll let you know how it goes…In the meantime, I’m going to go read/sniff/feel my other books…Happy Reading!
I love to read! I have considered the digital readers, but I’m old school, I love the smell of a book, the way it feels in my hands, how the words look on a page, the excitement of turning a page when you can’t wait to see what the hero is going to do next. No, I can’t imagine not being able to do those things. I also like to look over at my book shelves and see my favorite books. They make me smile. I can see the convenience of digital readers, and if I’m traveling a lot, etc, I can see the use, but not to replace my books.
I have a book (A BIG BOOK!) on audio on my iPod, I listen to it when I have a hard time going to sleep because of the narrators beautiful Scottish voice lulls me to sleep…..LOL
We do NOT have one of these but my hubby would love to have one. However, I have no desire, at this point, to have one. I like holding the book I’m reading and there’s something about going to the bookstore to pick out a book that thrills me to no end. I also like to read to myself but I do read aloud to my ten year old because I want her to appreciate hearing great books at a young age. Many times those great books are too much for her to handle reading on her own. Sadly, I think the popularity of e-book readers will grow but I will “rage against the machine” as long as I can 🙂
Very thought-provoking topic! I don’t have an electronic reader nor do I desire to have one. I am addicted to the feel of a real book, I love to see them piled up around my home and especially around my classroom. I think it would be so hard to see what books others are reading. I know when I see someone with their nose stuck in a book in a waiting room or a restaurant, I’m always trying to see what they’re reading. I would literally be heartbroken if traditional books became a rarity. I cannot even entertain the thought–it really scares me that much.
I am definitely a real live actual book person. There’s just no replacing that, no matter how much I use & enjoy technology. Plus, what would you do during the last half hour of a flight, when they make you turn off “anything with an off/on switch”?? I need a book then to keep me entertained!
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