I don’t think I’ll ever get a Kindle. Not if I have a real choice. I just like books too much.
I’m not really sure what it is, but the whole experience of reading changes when it’s from a well-bound book. It’s kind of like seeing a movie in a theater. But the difference between a theater and your living room is palpable: the others in the audience provide energy, to screen is big enough to fill most of your field of vision and distractions are minimized, and the sound system is (usually) great. But the feeling of holding a book is less tangible.
It’s not just the paper, because reading computer printouts just isn’t the same. It isn’t the size, or shape, because the experience is similar with photobooks, graphic novels, and text books as it is with typical hardcovers.
Maybe it’s the isolation – my book is self contained, and when I’m reading it I’m not plugged in, I’m not relying on batteries or networks. It’s just me and the author’s thoughts. Maybe it’s the understanding that I’m taking part in what, either printed by hand or machine, has been the primary way of reading for hundreds of years. Or maybe I just like the way they feel. I’m not sure.
The only thing I do know is that I like books, and I hope they’re around for a while.
Alison
There is something therapeutic about a good book.
It doesn’t need to be re-charged.
It might have a sweet message inside the front cover from the giver to the recipient.
When you put it with a bunch of other books they make a room look warm and inviting.
The books in the reference section have an aroma… it’s where I go when I’m tense or upset and I just breathe in the calming aroma of good books.
And Kids books are so way cool! But I’ll shut up now.
Charles
You should write a poem about books. I bet it’d be good.