I love to read. I love picking up a book, opening the cover, and diving into another world. I find it exhilarating to see the author’s creation through the characters’ eyes and imagine landscapes not possible in our world. Hours pass as minutes, as I eagerly await each turn of the page. I also love to keep the books I read, rereading them often years after just to get that experience again. However, my joy of reading has led to a problem – storing all these books, gathered over a lifetime, has become an issue with space and storage. My bookshelves are sagging and each new book struggles for a new home on the shelf.
Why I Needed a Book Storage Solution
The final straw hit when we moved to a new home. After packing nearly 20 boxes of books, I realized that my “book habit” had become a problem both in storage and in physical space for more bookshelves. So, I decided I would get a Kindle.
I was worried though. I love the feel of a book, being able to flip through the pages, or even place markers in my favorite books, so I knew it might be difficult to make the transition. Would I enjoy books the same way on an electronic device? Would I miss my paper tomes?
It was an adjustment for me, but I think the overall experience, and subsequent storage solution, was worth it for some of my collection. It took some getting used to and it is definitely a different reading experience than with a traditional book. I do miss being able to physically flip through pages sometimes and I liked the visual reminder of how many pages I had read and had left to read. However, I have learned to appreciate the other features just as much.
I did go back to paper books for a few specific types of reading. Because of the way I use these types of books, I purchase in paper form. For example:
- Cookbooks – it is easy to use on the Kindle, but I prefer a physical book to use in the kitchen. I also like to make notes in my cookbooks on what worked and what didn’t.
- Textbooks and self-study type books – I like these in printed format because I like to highlight and make notes. It is possible to highlight and bookmark on a Kindle, but I just like the ability to write and make my own handwritten notes.
I have come to enjoy reading other types of books on my Kindle, especially those I choose for enjoyment or pure literature value. It is easy to keep a number of books available and the type is easy to read or adjust to a larger size when my eyes get a little more tired. The Kindle is lightweight and smaller than a tablet, so it easy to tuck in a larger bag or tote and bring it along for the day. The magnetic ink models also have great battery life – lasting for days, not hours, so finding a source of power hasn’t been an issue for me.
Which Kindle is right for you? I have the second version with magnetic ink: Kindle eReader Basic
I have tried the newer models with backlit screens and touch navigation, and while I find them very nice, my eyes tend to get more tired when I read on the Kindle Fire
Currently, I am looking at a Kindle Paperwhite 
Where Do I Get Books?
So, now you have a reader, where do you get reading material? I prefer to use Amazon for most of my books. As a Prime member, I can often get really great deals or even free books through their subscription services. My local library also carries books in Kindle formats, so I can virtually check out and borrow books as well, before committing to buying. I often read a book more than once, so I like to buy, but if you are a borrower, there are lots of options out there.
If you are looking for an easy solution for overflowing bookshelves, I encourage you to look at the Amazon Kindle options. I have provided my links to the products above, and I will receive a small commission if you choose to buy.
Join the Conversation
Do you use an e-reader? Are you thinking of getting one? Let me know your thoughts on reading on a device versus a book in the comments section.