I must admit it; I have defected to the camp of e-books. I recently purchased an Amazon Kindle. This e-book reader allows me to instantaneously download any one of about 170,000 books, which I then can read on the non-backlit totally page-like screen. I bought it so I don't have to lug around so many textbooks, because I'm taking classes right now, and because I can send any article or assignment to my Kindle and not have to murder trees to print stuff out. But I confess, I never thought I'd like the thing. I'm a big fan of the dead tree--in the book that is. While I love audiobooks, there's really nothing like the smell of paper and ink, and the feel of the paper under your hands.
But then I got the Kindle, and suddenly I don't mind the lack of paper and ink smells at all--because the thing is so lightweight, and convenient, and I can set the text to the largest font size and read in bed without wearing my glasses (which I haven't been able to do since I was 8!)
Suddenly, I'm a convert. But, hey, what about libraries? Why can't we circulate Kindle editions just like other items? Shouldn't we be able to let any Kindle owners with Horicon cards check out these cool e-books? That's up to Amazon, and so far, they're not up for it. And I feel like a lousy librarian--suddenly I'm buying books instead of checking them out! Bad librarian, bad! (Now, will the NetLibrary books work on the Kindle, hmmm? I know I can download free ManyBooks or Project Gutenberg classics...)
But what do you think? Are e-book readers like the Kindle the wave of the future? Will you miss the smell of paper and ink? Or will you be thrilled to leave the trees intact and read without your glasses on? --Shannon B.
almost done!
15 years ago
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2 comments:
I love my kindle! The convenience factor is great. And the text is there on my kindle in moments, talk about instant gratification!
One downside, I recently read "The Tale of Edgar Sawtelle" on my kindle....a few weeks later I saw the actual book at a bookstore, and was surprised at the sheer size and thickness, it's a big book. I guess I missed the feeling of accomplishment I get when I read a BIG book!
I will never give up traditional books, but I do love the Kindle
M.P.
very good idea for them to get kindle libraries, and its good to know that you aren't killing a tree every time you buy a book from the kindle, and it would also be good not to have to read with glasses on. it overall sounds great
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