My newly cleaned bookcases are planning a revolt. They caught me playing with the Kindle I received as a Christmas present and became enraged. Though I was only doing Scrabble, which is one of the many games you can download, the fact that my fingers were pressing the keys was enough.
I get their anger. I’m torn myself over the whole eBook rage. I’m a walk into the library and spend an hour perusing the newly released titles type of gal. Pick up the book to see the cover, crack open the spine to read the inside jacket flap, flip to the inside back to see an author photo, then read the opening lines. I’ve never met a bookstore (yes, even the sterile big box ones) that didn’t have at least one book of interest to offer. And though I had been half-heartedly investigating eReaders, the Nook is where I’d been leaning.
So, why is the time spent with my Kindle still playing games? My bookcase project helped identify stacks of books I’d forgotten I had (and never read) as well as some gems I’ve been wanting to reread. I’m torn with the idea of what media to buy if I want something new. Do I buy the hard copy that will eventually fill up a shelf or the electronic version? What type will I prefer to read?
Right now, I’m devising a truce if you will. I’ve downloaded several of the free classics available on Amazon and started reading War of the Worlds via the Kindle. In paper form, I’m reading Full Dark, No Stars. Holding the Kindle while it is in the snazzy pink case helps a little with my yearning for the book feel. And I can see the pluses of not having to struggle with flipping pages while working out. Maybe I’m struggling through a war I don’t need to be in. Who says that one or the other must win? Maybe both can be okay in my world?
Barbara McDowell 
It’s a conversation I’ve had as well. I don’t like the ‘format’, I want the real thing in my hands. My new iPad has a free kindle (it ought to have!) as well as iBook. I’ve downloaded a free book as well. It came with Winnie the Pooh already downloaded, which charmed me to no end! I will never give up the paper version… there is too much satisfaction in the tactile part of reading for me.
Exactly Walker. It is the sensation of relaxing and reading with the feel of the paper between my fingers. Right now, I’m finding ways to blend the Kindle in vs. feeling it is my “go to.” I would hate for it to end up catching dust on the shelf, so I’ll figure out ways to bond.
I’ve been curious about this. Not sure I could see myself being happy without holding a book. However, I have learned to never say never. I’ll be curious to see how my attitude changes over time.
Yes, I’m still torn on what I’ll purchase moving forward. I did, however, try the Kindle out yesterday while walking on the treadmill. I’ve tried reading magazines and books before while walking and had the fun of nearly falling while coordinating my footsteps with turning and holding pages down. Reading the paper copies also made me dizzy for some reason–maybe the small type or the scanning of my eyes back and forth over a larger space while moving? None of those issues with the Kindle. Just push the button to move to the next page and my eyes stayed in the same area while reading.
I feel your pain and see lots of pros and cons to both. My Kindle should arrive the first week of February and I’ll keep you posted on my experience. I am definitely more of a gadget girl so I expect I’ll take right to it. I love how you talk about finding a way to have the best of both worlds – kodus to you – creating win-wins! Isn’t that what it’s all about it!?! 🙂
I know you’ll love it! Yep, right now Kindle is my go to for the treadmill. Haven’t tried it with the eliptical yet…might need to stick with my no-hands iPod for that. I read paper books on the recumbent bike.