Why is reading complicated?

[lilycobalt]

Reading books is not as simple as it used to be. It was much easier when I went to the library or the bookstore every couple of weekends and brought home some new titles. Now, I have ten unread print books on my shelf, three iBooks, three Kindle books (two of which are Idol-related), and one audiobook that is a duplicate of a print book that

Comments

[cetacea]

I love audiobooks for allowing me to read a lot more than I could right now in my busy life. I listen to them on long drives, walks to school, runs, grocery trips, etc. If I didn't have audiobooks I probably would only have read one or two books this year. I also love e-books because they're easier on trips and when reading larger books in bed. Every once in awhile, though, I get in a mood where I need a printed book so I go out and buy one. These instances are getting more and more infrequent, however. It's just easier to order a Kindle book and be able to read it right away. My life in med school has become all about what's easiest, unfortunately. Although, honestly, I don't really mind switching over to mostly e-books and audiobooks. They're still books.

[lilycobalt]

I might wind up doing the same thing. I'm moving in the fall, and my commute will be much longer, so audiobooks and e-books may be just the thing to keep me occupied during my commute. It is a lot easier to pick up the e-book--instant gratification, as opposed to having to walk to the bookstore. Convenience is nice!

It has taken me a while to recognize e-books and audiobooks as actual books. But they're still the same content.

[tatdatcm]

I still love the printed book that I can physically hold in my had, especially a paperback that I can bend and twist and totally make my own.

I have developed a fondness for the iBook though. I have so little time anymore to actually pick up a book and read it, so I load books onto my iPhone and that way I have them with me everywhere and can read when I have a few minutes downtime. I tend to download the free offerings though. I've only purchased a few. For example, I've held off loading Game of Thrones to my iPhone because in my mind they'll be better read as a print on page book

[lilycobalt]

I think I also go back and forth when it comes to reading. Now I'm in a phase of "come on, you need to make time for books!" iBooks are an easy way to do that, but I am also worried about my eyes deteriorating from reading on my phone too much, even though I've cranked up the print size pretty significantly.

I still feel like I have to keep every book, ever, except for the ones that I actively dislike. Sometimes I do feel the urge to reread old favorites years later, even if I didn't expect it.