I know there is much talk about e-sales increasing at amazing speeds. And yet, when I talk to people, even those that are big readers, I am amazed at how many still prefer a printed edition to an e-reader.
I love my Kindle and read on it 75% of time compared to hard copy. The instant gratification of getting any book I want with the click of a button, regardless of day or night is my biggest draw. If reading a synopsis intrigues me, my impulse buying kicks into high gear and I have to have it on my Kindle in minutes. Truth be told, I have over a dozen books on my Kindle I have yet to read. My other favorite feature to the Kindle is the Sample section, where I can read a chapter or two of the story before I decide to purchase. This has saved me a few pennies when I realized the story was not what I expected. I have an older version of Kindle and it is awesome for reading on the beach, which is one of my favorite spots. My cover has a built in light so I can read in bed and not keep my hubby awake. It is also handy to be able to have several books with me when I travel without the bulk of many printed copies. Ahh, the font size. When I have been reading or writing for hours and my eyes are tired, I LOVE being able to increase the font size so I can keep reading. (Below is the first page of “For I Have Sinned by Kathleen Irene Paterka)
Still, I must agree with my friends that are true-blue to holding a printed copy in their hands. The words are always the same. I love the smell of a new book, the feel of the pages between my fingers. The sound of rustling paper as I turn the page. Reading a printed copy is very sensual. My very favorite books, even if I have read them first on my Kindle, I still buy in hard copy to keep on my shelf. I am one of those people that can read my favorites over and over again. (when I get the time). I also tend to buy printed editions of non-fiction and e-versions of fiction.
Do you own an e-reader, whether it be Kindle, Nook or I-Pad? What percentage of books do you read as an e-reader compared to printed editions? Inquiring minds want to know.
Writing Under Fire 
I love my Kindle, but I will always prefer a print edition. Aside from the fact that I love how a book feels, it pretty nice to never have to worry about a book running low on battery power. 😉
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This was the subject for a recent DPchallenge. I wrote http://suesconsideredtrifles.wordpress.com/2013/02/04/im-a-bookworm-are-you/ for it. I mostly only read in e-book form while I am waiting for my computer to wake up properly. I read a lot of blogs, though! Sue
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I adore my Kindle. I’ve run out of space on my bookshelves and I love Kindle’s portability. But I confess I love nothing better than buying books or wandering round a bookstore. Also, I hope I’m not the only crazy person who does this but I LOVE to smell the pages of books. Can’t really sniff a kindle!
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You can try to smell your Kindle but I don’t think you’ll get much satisfaction. Isn’t that a song? At least my cover smells slightly of leather. Lol
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I always said I would NEVER own a Kindle. The thought of ebooks sent shockwaves through my spine and then I joined Twitter and met loads of people who had books out. The problem? They were only available as an ebook. I bought a Kindle and haven’t looked back. I love it, and read more with more variety than ever before. No going back now 🙂
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I know what you mean. I think a lot of us came kicking and screaming into this cyber world of books. I love my Kindle too, but I also still enjoy those paper cuts from wood pulp between my fingers now and again.
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