Are you a bookworm, or maybe a book dragon? I had to look up the latter because that was a new one to me. If we’re on the same page, Google says, “Bookworms read books. Book dragons read and hoard books. They surround themselves with as many paperbacks, hardbacks, and leather-bound books as possible.” I’m totally a book dragon! Frankly, I think that sounds way cooler anyway, and I have an affinity for dragons. Seems fitting…
I have a smallish obsession with books. (Okay, fine; it can get out of hand at times.) I love everything about them: the weight and feel of a book in my hands, the way the pages flip and the unique scent of the paper mingled with ink, and especially the stories or knowledge they contain. (Also, don’t get me started on bookmarks; I love them too.) Books are magical. Period. End of story.
So, when I first got a Kindle, I was a tad skeptical. Because well… it wasn’t going to be the same as holding a physical book. And while that’s an obvious truth, I fell in love with my Kindle almost instantly. I quickly realized that the device doesn’t seem like one once you start reading. The screen display is very much like reading paper pages and doesn’t hurt your eyes, or glow like a phone or tablet. And it doesn’t take long before you get immersed into your novel and forget entirely about what you’re holding. I maintain that it’s still not the same as an actual book, but nonetheless there are some really big perks…
The kicker for me is that I can read at night with just my Kindle Paperwhite – no annoying book lamp needed – and I can do so while laying down on my side in bed. Since I like to read before I go to sleep, this is a huge deal for me. Some other bonuses to owning a Kindle are that they are small and lightweight (mine is probably 10 years old, so they’re even smaller now) and can contain a vast library – thousands and thousands of books all at your fingertips. The books are also cheaper to buy, and you get them instantly. However, you can also get FREE books sent to your Kindle from your library via the Libby app. If you’re an avid reader, you might also be interested in Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited subscription (particularly if you don’t always have the patience to be on the list for holds at the library).
Have I stopped buying real books? Oh, heck no! I’m not kidding when I say I’m a book dragon. I have quite the library of both physical and digital books. For me, it depends on my mood and what kind of book it is as to whether I buy a paperback or a Kindle book. Sometimes, I just really want to read an actual book. Other times, I prefer the convenience of my Kindle (especially if I’m traveling).
If you think you might like a Kindle, I encourage you to look into them. Maybe you can join the long list of people I’ve converted (seriously, Amazon should be paying me commission, ha). If you’re on the fence, check out the free Kindle app for your phone or tablet. (Though it’s not quite the same as a Kindle.)
Regardless if you’re a bookworm or a book dragon, and no matter how you like your books, I wish you happy reading! I hope you are currently enjoying a fabulous book! And if you are, I’d like to invite you to share it with us in the Book Nook Book Club (a totally stress-free club, by the way). We’re always in search of the next great read.
PS: If you’re local, I’m doing a Book Swap event next Saturday. It’s going to be a blast and you should absolutely come! Check out the details here and snag your ticket before they sell out. Use promo code: BOOKIT2 to save $2!
PPS: I also positively adore audiobooks! They are amazing because they allow me to multitask while listening to a book. (It makes the treadmill so much more appealing.) I get audiobooks for free from my library via the Libby app too. And if I’ve listened to a particularly good book that I’d like to go back and explore later (usually informative books), I will frequently buy the paperback of the book I’ve just listened to – because I’m that kind of nerdy.
🙂