The title of this post speaks to the cost of buying books, not the degree of reading enjoyment, though, I’m sure there are those who’d argue the latter as well.
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| Christiansborg Palace Library Copenhagan |
I’m of an age (ahem) that until a few short years ago, everything I read was a good old-fashioned print book.
I love books. I love libraries and I love bookstores.
But I also appreciate the convenience of my Kindle and IPad.
My historical novels have all released as eBooks first, and then released as print novels several months later. Oh, I was thrilled beyond obnoxious when my book babies released into cyber space and were available to purchase for the cost of a white chocolate mocha; two shots, please.
I didn’t think anything could top that euphoria . . . until I held my print novel in my hand.
A book. A real book. My book.
Several of my family and friends held out for the print version, refusing to read an eBook copy, even when I offered it to them free of charge.
“I want a real book,” one teacher friend said.
“I want your autograph, so I’ll wait for the print version,” a doting auntie advised.
I explained there were digital autographs available, and she looked at me like I’d sprouted another head.
She declared, “I want to see you sign it.”
Okay, I can’t argue with that.
On the flip side, I know numerous people who are horrified at the notion of actually holding and entire four hundred page book in their hands. One young man waved his phone at me, his phone, mind you!
“I do all my reading on this,” he said proudly, a bit of an arrogant grin on his face.
Hmm, just wait until he need reading glasses. He’ll be reading one word at a time on that thing. Trust me, this I know. I had Lasik surgery in April and while my distant vision is now 15/20, everything up close and personal is a bluurrry.
I have to confess, that given a choice between print novels and digital ones, I prefer print. Now don’t get me wrong, I read lots of books on my Kindle, but there are some things I just prefer about a print book.
Plus, the darn thing needs charging.
I don’t ever have to delay reading a print novel because the reader needs charging. I am the reader, and I’m likely quite charged on coffee already. Granted, I can buy five eBooks for the cost of one print novel, so I reserve my print book purchases for those that I absolutely do not want to read on my IPad or Kindle.
If you had to choose between only reading print novels or eBooks, what would you choose?
All images are courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
