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 love the fact that it is not backlit and it feels more like reading on a page than a device. What I don’t like as much is the page turn is a button and the screen is not a touchscreen, so navigating menus can be a bit awkward. You will also need a light to read as the screen has no option for backlighting on these models.
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 or other similar devices.
Currently, I am looking at a Kindle Paperwhite . I really like the upgraded background and contrast over the older versions. The battery life is comparable to my old reliable, which, believe it or not, can last for days with average use.
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.