For the past couple years I’ve been sitting back, already mourning the loss of the print book in my hand while I press my nose to the pages and breathe in the scent of book. Maybe they can make a scratch and sniff Kindle.
On that note, my Kindle arrived today. It feels awkward in my hand. It’s weird to press a button to turn the page. How will I tell when I’m close to the middle of the book? I always pay attention to the middle to see how other writers deal with that saggy part. And that’s how I know a big twist or reveal is coming soon. Laura’s Kindle is charging right now, but I’ll be reading tonight. Too soon to tell my opinion on it yet.
I will purchase some books on Kindle. I will get some from the library. I’ll borrow some. I’ll buy some hard covers from Indie. I’ll buy paperbacks from Borders, and I’ll buy older used books on Amazon for like .01 cent. And 3.99 shipping. Because of all these options, I’ll end up buying and reading more than if I just bought from a bookstore.
Technology will mean more sales in the long run for certain books. And more sales equals more word of mouth.
So tonight, with the smell of plastic wafting in the air, I will press click and hopefully lose myself in the screen of a good e-reader device. (And that doesn’t sound nearly as good as lose myself in the pages of a book. For the record.)
What do you think about ebooks, Kindles, and all that jazz?
Hmm, maybe this will be the new thing. Getting lost in the story while reading a book is one thing; maybe getting lost while reading on a Kindle is something else?
I think you’ll find that it’s the story that counts, not the medium. Once I’m wrapped up in a good story, it can be written on the side of a house and I don’t care. Let us know how it goes. (I read Kindle books on an iTouch and there’s a line at the bottom of the screen that tells me approximately where I am in the book; I wonder if you have something similar on your device.)
I’ve been anti-Kindle (or any e-reader) since they hit the headlines. The feel and smell of a book is just too lovely.
Or so I thought.
Being one of those who supported Talli this week, I decided to do some research.
And now I want one!
I must admit that the raving reviews have won me over and I’ve never even touched one!
I’ve decided to buy one next year (I’m in the process of moving so would only break it!) and I’m looking forward to it A LOT!
It won’t stop me from buying ‘proper’ solid books, so will no doubt end up spending more money, but I don’t care. I just want one!
You have a great blog 🙂
Hope you enjoy your Kindle! I bought mine in March and love it. I was worried too about how it would feel. I kept hearing that it’s take a few days or a week or so to be able to read on it and forget I was holding an electronic device in my hand. It didn’t. I was able to read that first night and not think about it. I was really suprised. I do agree with you on the knowing where you are in the book. That is a little annoying. You can see your progress, but it’s not the same as seeing your place in a book. Other than that small little thing though, I love my Kindle. I’ve even been reading way more than before … it’s just so easy to download new books.
I’ve read a few books on my laptop using microsoft reader and it wasn’t too bad but I do like having the physical book in my bookshelf. The kindle sounds like a neat device and I might get one at some point.
I have a Kobo, and I find that once you’re in the story, you don’t even think about it. I use it when I’m on the treadmill, so I don’t have to worry about holding the book open, and I can even adjust the font size to make it easier to read at arms’ length. It has it’s conveneiences.
Idk, I don’t have a kindle, but I’ll eagerly await your findings. Like you I tend to mentally track the middle so I can study the way authors handle it…I have read stores online though and other than the screen hurting my eyes, I get lost just the same. ;p
Congrats on your Kindle, Laura! I haven’t bought one yet, but I imagine I’d be like you, having books in various forms and reading it in various ways. As it is, I often listen to half the book on audio then have the hardback to read the last half. :o) When I buy an e-reader, it will probably be the same–which you’re right–means more books sales! lol
Have a lovely day! Thank you for you kind thoughts about my Project Give a Book, Give the World. Your support makes me so happy!
I got a Kindle for my birthday and I really like it. I still read ‘real’ books all the time too – but it’s great for a few things. I’ve downloaded a bunch of my blog buddy’s books. I love the instant buy – it’s in my hands within seconds. And I LOVE taking it traveling!!
I love my Nook. 🙂 It will be interesting to see what you think in 6mos to a year!
LOL at the scratch and sniff Kindle. I love knowing when I have only 100 pages left to read. Can’t do that with the Kobo (which is what I have).
I’m still buying hardbacks and paperbacks, but I’m also buying ebooks. I prefer the real deal, but my bookshelf is starting to get overstuffed. 😉
I have an old Sony e-reader and an IPad. (Just starting reading offf the IPAd). I love ebooks AND print.
And I’ve found my book buying has increased in BOTH areas since getting an ereader. LOL
I’m starting to think seriously about an e-reader. It’s too late for Christmas, but maybe I’ll get one in 2011. I’m ready to start researching Kindle vs. Nook. I do think it’ll mean I begin to buy more often instead of borrow.
It took a while for me to warm up to my Kindle. I don’t think I’ll ever like it more than paper books. But I do like being able to turn pages more quietly when my husband is asleep and I like getting digital galleys. And I downloaded Mockingjay at like 1 in the morning and had the book finished before the book store even opened. So it does have its advantages!