Into the Fire

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What is it with books anyway?

 

I'm not opposed to Kindles, Nooks, or any other electronic device for storing and reading books. And once I decide I want one of those little machines, I'll probably become a passionate advocate of the e-Readers.

So what is it with the love of books in physical forms? Bookmarkers. Covers and back covers. Feeling the pages turn. Yeah.

Crammed alphabetically by author onto shelves that no longer hold all of them. Stacked on the floor of what I call the "book room". It's ridiculous really.

I've got novels I hated upstairs. Why don't I give them away? It's easy for me to give away non-fiction books. Most of them I don't even finish. It's a rare eclipse when I don't finish a novel.

Being the library for friends and relatives? Listening to their tastes and handing them a few recommendations to take home? Getting them back with their opinions of the adventure? Yeah.

Strange thing about the love of novels in physical form . . .

Father, thank you for the love of literature. Thank you for the talents and dedication of many. May my efforts reflect you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

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8 responses to “What is it with books anyway?”

  1. BK Jackson Avatar
    BK Jackson

    One thing about it, while the ability to lend e-books is developing, it’s certainly a lot easier with paper.
    And there are certain books, like my old edition Zane Grey novels, that I love to hold in my hands. But otherwise, my first thought now upon seeing a book out and about is “Hmm…wonder if that’s available on Kindle?”

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  2. Nicole Avatar
    Nicole

    I can believe that, Brenda. It’s the latest and greatest, convenient, and I can certainly see the advantages – especially when running out of space.

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  3. Brenda Anderson Avatar
    Brenda Anderson

    I read my first novel on a Kindle this week. It really wasn’t the same experience as holding that book in my hands, although the story remains the same in either form. I suppose I’ll get used to it over time, but I can’t imagine it ever replacing paper in my home.
    One lament I have about the eReader revolution is that authors lose one important level of marketing. There’s no better advertisement for a novel than spotting someone holding it, engrossed in it.
    I’ve begun many a conversation with someone when the book they’re holding intrigues me. Or it may be one I’ve read & I want to know their opinion. That can’t happen with a Kindle … at least as it is now. Maybe someday someone will come up with a way to show the book cover on the outside of the reader.

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  4. Nicole Avatar
    Nicole

    Tell me this, ladies. Is it similar to reading a book on a computer screen? Because I hate reading novels on a computer. I know for a fact that I don’t retain the details as well from onscreen reading. I know the eReaders are more mobile than even a laptop, so I can appreciate that about them.
    Interesting consideration, Bren. I can see people looking at someone reading an eReader and asking what they’re reading, but it’s still more enticing when the cover of a book is visible. No doubt technology is priming to do just that.

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  5. BK Jackson Avatar
    BK Jackson

    No, I don’t like reading books on the computer either, which is why I don’t use GoogleBooks much for research even though it’s free). Kindle is non-glare, non-backlit (at least the version I have. I don’t know about that fancy new version that’s coming out next month).
    RE: Conversation starter–this isn’t any different for me in print or in Kindle. If I’m reading a physical book, it’s laying flat on the desk or table so no one can see the cover anyway. So that’s no different to me then inquiring what someone is reading on their Kindle.

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  6. Nicole Avatar
    Nicole

    Thanks, B.

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  7. Brenda Anderson Avatar
    Brenda Anderson

    I won’t read a book on the computer either. For one thing, it’s not relaxing (I’m at a desktop, which probably makes a difference), & the computer means work.
    I can transport the Kindle anywhere just like a book. The tactile experience of holding a paper novel is the main difference for me.

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  8. Nicole Avatar
    Nicole

    I have a desktop, too, Bren. When I used my husband’s laptop, it wasn’t relaxing either. The transportation ease of a Kindle, etc., is a big factor, but I also enjoy the tactile experience of a book.

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