As bookstore owners, it seems logical that we would say, "Duh, paper not digital" and give you a grumpy-pants face, but it actually isn't what would happen. We both read both paper and e-books. Crazy, right? Here's why:
Pros of e-books:
- Access to the current book we are reading all of the time because we already carry our phones
- If you finish a book while you are away from home, you can just start a new one
- They don't take up suitcase/carry-on space.
- They are easier to read in bed in the dark.
Cons of e-books:
- I forget to charge my phone.
- The book I want to read often is not available for download.
- The free Kindle program I have on my phone has a limit to the number of books I can have at one time, so I have to let go of ones I have read to download new ones.
- I like to write in my books for later reference, but if I have to give the book back, I don't get to keep my notes. And my memory is poor.
Pros of paper books:
- They smell nice. And new books smell different than old ones. But equally as good.
- Every once in a while, the notes written in a book by the previous owner are really great. Almost like having a conversation with them.
- When a new book is purchased, the talented and creative author gets paid regardless of whether or not you ever actually read the book. (Unlike digital where authors only get paid for pages that are read.)
- They look lovely on shelves and can cause emotional experiences just by looking at the spines/covers of those you have read.
- No batteries, no charger, no glare, no technology interference or temptation. #offthegrid
Cons of paper books:
- Justifying their existence to your non-reader friends and family.
- Harder to hide that you read saucy romances or nerdy sci-fi.
- Having to choose just one (or just five) when you go on a trip.
- Rain, bath water, coffee, and pretty much anything else liquid.
So...we read both e-books and paper books depending on the environment and our situation.
I will leave you with the wise words of another bookshop owner woman:
Elevators didn't replace stairs.
We are lucky to have both digital and paper books, and we both read both types without feeling guilty. :) Sometimes you take the elevator, and sometimes you take the stairs. Happy reading, happy travels.
~ Charity and Amy (and Jack and Toothless)
