At the end of last summer I reluctantly bought a Kindle. I use the word “reluctantly” because I really didn’t see the need to purchase an electronic reader. After all, I LOVED books (still do), LOVED going to the library (still do), and LOVED the smell and feel of books (still do).
But, I was about to self-publish my first novel, WINDFALL, and part of that venture was releasing an electronic version of my book. I thought if I was going to ask e-readers to buy my book, then I should at least understand their experience.
So, in July or August of 2011, when I was 59, I bought a Kindle. It didn’t take long to become hooked.
Now, remember, when I opened my Kindle I had 50+ years experience turning pages. I was immediately struck by the Kindle’s small size. It wasn’t as thick as most books I read, and it was light. I had known Kindles weighed very little but, for someone with arthritis in their thumb joints, to experience is to comprehend.
I found the Kindle “user friendly” and, in no time at all, I had downloaded a couple of “free” books from Amazon.com. I was amazed at the plethora of free or almost-free titles available.
I have terrible vision. One eye is nearsighted and the other eyes is farsighted and I need bifocals. Therefore, when I discovered I could adjust the font size (the size of the letters) on my Kindle, I was ecstatic.
Sometimes while I read, I find a phrase I’d like to remember. If I’m reading a book and don’t have a notepad with me, the phrase is usually lost in the deep recesses of my brain. But, the Kindle makes it easy to record memorable passages with a feature that allows you to copy into a file called “my clippings.” As a writer, this feature alone makes the price of the Kindle worth its price.
When I read, there are time come across a word I don’t know. The Kindle helps me out with this, too. I just highlight the word and “presto”, the definition pops up.
Now, I love to take hot bubble baths, especially in cold weather, and read while I soak. With a book I could do this. But, I wasn’t so sure with a Kindle. Lord, what would happen if I dropped my Kindle in the water? What I’ve discovered is that my Kindle fits nicely in a one-quart zip-lock freezer bag and, even with the Kindle in the bag the buttons work as intended.
I can borrow e-books for my Kindle through the library. This is great if your book budget is small like mine. Not only is it free to borrow a book but I don’t have to make a physical trip to the library. And with the price of gas, that is important.
However, I still go to the library.
Last week, my son and I went to our library and I noticed a new book by one of my favorite authors. This book could be purchased on Amazon.com but my budget didn’t include its purchase. So I was waiting for it to be offered electronically through the library. (It usually it takes a while for new titles to be offered electronically through the library.)
Anyway, I checked out the physical book. And I was grateful to get it and I’m enjoying the read. But, I was reminded of how difficult it is to read fine print. And I was reminded of how heavy hard back books are, especially when I’m reading in bed. And I found myself wishing I could read the book on my Kindle.
I love my Kindle.
But it makes me wonder how long physical books are going to be around in the future.
Mothers and their children. Sons and daughters. Brothers and sisters. Such complicated relationships.
