I have always been very averse to the idea of “not buying books”. But then, now I have an e-reader, I realized it won’t be cost efficient to still buy books. *sigh*
E-books have become a trending reading standard with the advancement of technology. But still, there’s a charm in reading an old-fashioned paper book. With the evolution of technology, the realm of reading has also been digitalized and now, the readers are divided against one another. On one side there are e-book fans and on the other hand, the lovers of old-school paper books.
According to recent findings of a survey by Pew Research Center, 65% of people polled that they read a printed book during the past year, while only 28% read an e-book.
I am personally in favour of paper books. eReaders are definitely cost-efficient and save a lot of space. In fact, it leaves you with a lot of choice of books to read when you are on the move, however, the charm of a paper book can never be matched with this new age device.
Digging a li’l deep into the discussion that I had during my survey:
There’s something special about physically touching a book
A Printed book can effectively build literacy in children
Several studies have shown that printed books are still a better choice when it comes to reading comprehension. As per a survey conducted by the Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop, it was found that the literacy development in children was more productive with a printed book than with an e-book. It is because a published book offers a centralized focus on the story and also provides ample opportunities for interaction between the parent and the child while reading the book.
E-books are searchable
A practical advantage of going digital is that a portable e-reader can carry an entire library wherever you go. You can quickly research a book on e-readers without having to go to the library or bookstore. Moreover, the e-books are easily accessible and come with a refund of $3. Plus, you can buy them at low prices if you use e-book discount coupons.
Young readers prefer e-readers
Young people have more in common with e-readers and the electronic devices than a paper book. A study published in the journal Library & Information Science Research in 2014, stated that 10th-grade students, out of 143 most preferred e-readers. Those who were not much into reading also shared a strong preference for e-readers.
Owning an e-reader doesn’t mean you don’t appreciate paper books, it means you can’t stand without both. Both forms have their own charm; it’s all about your preferences, the only thing that matters is you should take advantage of reading, no matter which forms you select.
Enjoy the best of both worlds!
I prefer paper book but I don't hate e-book at all, it's convenient. I like seeing the book in the bookshelf, and because I work everyday on computer, I need no more screen.
pikcat
Even I also started reading on Kindle lately, it's all together different to hold so many books at a time in Kindle. I just love the idea. But my love for paperback is more stronger. Having books in book shelf gives me immense pleasure, so will not stop gathering it too.
Cheers
MeenalSonal from AuraOfThoughts
#MyFriendAlexa #MeenalSonalReads
I recently wrote something related to this on my blog too. I love my kindle so much. But yes there are certain books which prefer to buy and keep in my bookshelf once I have them. Right now I stay away from home. So kindle is the best option for me.
If this question is asked by waking me up at middle of the night, with out a blink i would say, hard cover books any single day! The smell of the books, the emotional connect i share by reading the book by holding it in my hand is irreplaceable!
Oh, this debate is never ending. I would never be in favor of Kindle, too old fashioned I guess. Their is some happiness hidden in each page of the book we read and we can never have that feeling with kindle.
A very balanced post and you have been fair to both sides. Nothing replaces a good old paper book for me, but there is no doubt about the convenience of an ebook. For me the main reason to opt for ebooks was that I was running out of space with the physical ones!!
Alomst 2 years since I completely switched to e-books. Reason is Simple , Less weight to carry and end up saving lots of paper . #myfriendalexa #fotwreads
Books are the best, we use e-books for convenience sake. I have read a lot of e-books and then bought the books I loved re-reading.
It's just a choice too difficult to make 🙁 As much as I love the smell of a freshly printed physical book or a old vintage copy of a book, it's just hard to find space for all that.
ooh this debate. My favourite! I was an early adopter of e-books and have loved them for over a decade. While I understand the sentiments about paper books, the practical aspect of the electronic device always takes over for me.
So I like to put it like this – I am reading much more these days becasue I have a kindle and a KU plan with it. had it not been for that, I would be dependent n paperback books, which I have to keep safe fro my kids. So that ways ereaders are a bliss.
On the other hand, I do make it a point to fetch a book in my hands and read it, specially infront of my kids, because they will never pick on reading habits, until they see me doing the same.
Each to their own, I say. There are pros and cons of both the world as you rightly pointed out, but, yes, some authors and book you'd prefer to read as a paperback.
https://www.rohankachalia.com/2018/09/payback-part-4/
Hahaha… the all time conundrum now. I too, being an avid reader always is in a battle between this. Cant leave paper backs and difficult to accept ebooks. #LiveItYoungReads #MyFriendAlexa
They each have their advantage, of course, but like you said, enjoy the best of both worlds. The only drawback is, now I buy both physical and digital books! My poor TBR.
#MyFriendAlexa
#Jtheone
I have always preferred paperbacks, very logical write up and yes your i am totally agree with your "Favorite argument".
I'm old school as well…I prefer books over ebooks anyday even though there are some advantages of using the latter. – Purva (blue sky dreamers)
A great topic to write. I had this dilemma of choosing between paperbacks and ebooks when I started blogging. I do understand that ebooks are easier means when it comes to exchanging or sending copies for reviewing or sharing. But when it comes to classics then I make it sure to have them as hard copies. there is no question about it. Also I haven't introduced my kids to kindle yet. I always get paperbacks for them.
Well written #readbypreetispanorama for #MyFriendAlexa
I prefer physical books tòo.. the smell and touch of a book can't be matched by an ebook.
This debate is ongoing !! I prefer physical books as well, but I guess both have their benefits.
#MyFriendAlexa #literarylehareads
Paper back anytime! The smell of book can't be compared to anything! But then there are pros to e-books too. Kindle can be carried anywhere easily with numerous book at a time.
But then still I would always prefer to read books like Harry Potter in a paperback form. It transforms you to that magical world which I couldn't otherwise.
I'm a sucker for books- be it a paperback or an ebook. It's easy to carry a kindle. but how can we forget the divine biblichor. Paperback wins hands down.
I love paper back more. But having an e-book is handy, travel friendly and cost effective too.Just like you mentioned, I too prefer few books only in paperback.
Good points made. As far as I am concerned, e reader won the battle a long time ago simply coz my hands don't tire with holding the weight of a heavy book now.
The charm of paperbacks can never be replaced. But ebook lets us read on the go and that's very helpful. I enjoy reading both.
I do love them both. More often I buy a lot of books online in Kindle. Yet there are those classic ones that I prefer paperbacks. As long as I am reading something it does not matter what I can get my hands on. You chose a very apt topic to post. Sudha
For a very long time, I was fixated on paperbacks. I wasn't even ready to give ebooks a chance. But slowly but surely, I started falling in love with my electronic reader. Firstly, because it allowed me to carry a whole library whenever I was traveling. Also the inbuilt light source that allows me to read at night with the room light switched off.
However, like you said, an ebook cannot replace the smell and feel of your favorite book. Curling up with a kindle just doesn't feel as comforting.
But at the end of the day, it doesn't matter much how you're reading, as long as you're reading 🙂
The advantages of reading an ebook can be many and it could be in sync with your digital habits but people still prefer ‘paperbacks’ when it comes to reading a book. Even though ebooks are comfortable and hassle free, reading on paper is better for memory retention and focus.
I am a very much fan of paper books, but I can't deny the utility of e-book and e-book readers. Especially if you are a frequent traveler and an avid reader, e-book saves you from boring travel hours. It's easy to carry an e-book reader than carrying a pile of books on travel. But certainly, it can't replace the basic charms of paper books. That feel and smell… it's irreplaceable.
A very aptly chosen topic and deftly written post. Just take any activity and we will find the role of technology, the question only remains about how much technology should play its role not whether technology has any role to play, that has almost become history. Books are no exception and the way you dealt the debate is quite interesting. Yes, the touch and feel has the edge and the smell makes the difference, in essence it is nurturing our senses holistically. By holding a paper book we feel we are close to nature and anything close to nature has that special bondage with us. e-book does save the nature by not cutting the tree for the paper book edition, somewhere we need to find the balance and see technology remains as an enabler never become an intruder and wherein it replaces human intervention entirely, then we are inevitably making ourselves redundant…just take the case of robots coming our way very soon.
😀