I love to read, but I don't do it nearly enough. Actually, sometimes I get into a kick where I read three books in a flash, but then other times months go by without barely reading a page. Crazy.
With any luck, I'll read through several books in 2011, but a goal is that at least one of them be a big classic. I've had my eye on Uncle Tom's Cabin for some time. I've also wanted to read Common Sense by Thomas Paine.
Now, book reading is not just about the words. For someone who loves books, it's about the feel of the book, the touch of the paper, the smell of the ink. It's a whole experience, and I was thinking that reading an older edition of my classic of choice would be a good way to go.
But guess what? Both of these titles are free for Kindle, and I have that on my iPod. So I downloaded Uncle Tom, and have started reading. Slowly, but I've started. Perhaps I'll switch to a hard copy along the way, but having it with me at all times is a help in making this goal happen!
So, thoughts on real books verses readers? (We've been talking about getting one around here to share...something with e-ink...what do you think?)
Common Sense might be a little dry .....
ReplyDeleteHere's a collection of some free classic ebooks if you want to take a look ...
http://www.adobe.com/products/digitaleditions/library/?promoid=DNRIP
Or, there's always the library :)
I received a Kindle for Christmas. I love it! It is easy to read and lightweight so it is easy to stick it in my purse to bring with me whenever I might have downtime. I was a bit sad to realize that it doesn't work with electronic library books. I do love that there are so many free books available.
ReplyDeleteI think that I'd miss the ability to make notes in the margins. :(
ReplyDeleteI love my Kindle, I got it for Christmas. While I do miss the book feeling, it's really great for me. I usually wind up reading multiple books at once, so this way I can carry them all around and read whichever one fits my mood.
ReplyDeleteI was really wary of book readers, because I, too, love the physical parts of reading a book - turning the pages, the smells and sounds. But I was gifted a Kindle for my birthday in September, and I honestly love it. There are a lot of classic books available for free, and it's great for travel. Kindle is easy on the eyes, and there is nothing better than laying in bed and reading and only having to use one finger to turn the page!
ReplyDeleteAlso - I tried to read books on my iPod using the Kindle app, and it is pretty difficult. Do not let that sway you from getting an actual Kindle. It's quite different!
I read in spurts like you do, & am very much addicted to the printed on paper kind of books. But I also love the idea that I could carry many many books around with me, and fit a much larger library in my house with an e-reader. :)
ReplyDeleteI JUST downloaded Uncle Tom's Cabin! So far, so good. I have always been intrigued by the story and how it moved a nation. Now I will know what I have been missing. Hope it doesn't get me too depressed. You will have to let me know what you think about the book.... Lori
ReplyDeleteI got a Kindle AND a Nook Color for Christmas. I decided to keep both because my son wants to use the Kindle. I have been downloading all the free classics I can get my hands on. Uncle Tom's Cabin is on the reading list!
ReplyDeleteI have always loved owning books. The feel of them. The smell of them. That said, I'm running out of room for all of my books! I've had my Kindle for a few months now and I loooove it. It's so easy to stick in my purse and take with me everywhere I go. And the reading is very easy on the eyes. With the wi-fi, you can sync your iPod and the Kindle so that you can start reading on the Kindle wherever you left off on the iPod.
ReplyDeleteReading an actual book can feel so luxurious! You can sink into a massive chair and snuggle up with this lovely, chunky book and lose yourself. I can totally understand the pull of eBook readers, but they feel a bit more clinical than a real book.
ReplyDeleteThis being said, I'm buying one for my boyfriend's birthday this month and it's a present he'll never imagine I'd buy because I complain all the time about how these readers are replacing beautiful books. I'm so stoked! He won't expect a thing, haha.
I love both! I never thought I would get one - I love my books too much, my library card, the trips to the library and coming home with well-loved paperbacks. But when I decided to get one I also made the choice to NOT buy books. I've never bought them before (rarely) and I've always loved the library. So I read the free classics on my Nook, I read the free books from Barnes & Noble, and I finish my reading list (and keep adding to it, ha) using the Oregon Digital Library Consortium - an online library! And when it's not on there, I just pop into my local library and I pick it up in paperback. The best of both worlds! :-)
ReplyDeleteI have a Kindle and I love it. But I also love feeling a book in my hands. It's more tangible!
ReplyDeleteI wasn't keen on the e-readers, but my husband bought a kindle, and it's amazing! I had to be careful not to steal it too often, or he'd get miffed. I'm hoping to get one for valentine's day..
ReplyDeleteI think I would still read actual books, just for cost-efficiency: nothing beats a library card!
I really love the feel of books, but as I have never had the chance to try a reader I'm not sure I wouldn't love that too.
ReplyDeleteIf you read Common Sense, find a hard copy. It's a tough read and I wouldn't want to try to do it on my phone.
ReplyDeleteI wanted an ereader but decided to go for the iPad to get the other bonus features. I've read 2 books on it so far and I love it. I can read in bed at night without bugging my hubby as much, and it's not adding to this giant pile of unread books lying around the house . . . which I suppose I'll never get to now :/
ReplyDeleteI also carry patterns I love on my ipad in PDF so if I'm out shopping and see a print I'd love for a project I can look up how much I need. Love it all so far!
Ha! I just had this conversation with a friend of mine, and I told her that I will gladly remain a dinosaur and stick with the printed word. I love books, everything about them:)
ReplyDeleteI love my kindle. It is easy on the eyes & wrists. I love books, but I have carpel tunnel syndrome & it is so nice not to have my wrists hurt when reading what would normally be a heavy book. Also love that I can have a bunch with me so easily. I just wish it was able to get library ebooks.
ReplyDeleteSuch a great goal! There are so many great classics that I never read in school and so "missed out" on. I need to make a list of books "I should have read" and get on it!
ReplyDeleteI have a kindle and still read both ways. Use the kindle/iphone/ipad option for travel and quick (or embarrassing reads...like tori spelling books) but actual books most of the time. I realize it's weird, but...