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Friday 26 October 2012

Telling Objects: Day 26

It's gadget time again. In fact, it's a bit of technology that I was late to come to but once I fell under its spell, was hooked in an instant...




I'm referring to my Kindle. Now as a lifelong bookworm whose spiritual home is in any bookstore, I, along with many other book lovers, poo-pooed the Kindle when it was first launched. Nothing would tear me away from the touch, smell and feel of a well thumbed paperback. But then I started to hear some very positive murmurings from those who already owned one. Soon, I was tempted too.

And from the moment it was charged up, I've hardly put it down. Yes, I still love my paperbacks but it will appal some of you (it does me) but actually if given a choice between buying a paperback or Kindle version, I'd go for Kindle. I love that when I see a book I want online, I can have it NOW! And I tell you what else I love. And it's a sign of my age. It's that you can increase the font size. I don't have to remember to carry my reading glasses around with me.

Oh yes, and my bookshelves, which are already groaning are not collapsing under the weight of my purchases. Nor do I need to pack a whole extra suitcase for travelling (on my only trip to South Africa, half my suitcase's content was books - well it was a hot country, who needed clothes?).

Until tomorrow

Px

7 comments:

kjjc said...

Totally with you on this one. I have the added problem of library guilt. If we all Kindle then who will use the libraries and then these too will find themselves under the government's knife. So I've compromised. I kindle when I travel and book when I'm static. Simples!

alexa said...

Glad you've found a way of reducing the bookshelf overflow! I can't quite get to grips with them because I like my screens more backlit - the Kindle seems very dim. Does it do colour now?

Cath Wilson said...

... and yes, I'm STILL appalled. I can understand the attraction on trains, buses, flights and even the beach - much lighter and more convenient - but elsewhere? I do so love my books, even though I have to keep giving them away. Perhaps that's what I love most? The fact that they can transport far more than one single person to other worlds and realities... they have a power we just can't begin to imagine. Even at the end of their lives, they're useful in artwork... xxx

Paul B said...

Haha I'll consider myself told :) x

Cath Wilson said...

Wouldn't tell you off ever, m'dear - I know your own love of books... but I do think we underestimate the power and reach of a paper book. Who knows where it goes when it leaves us or what it accomplishes? AND it's available to people with very little - how many people buy most or all of their books in Charity shops? The more I think about their potential, the more I love my books, sorry x

Paul B said...

eee Don't apologise. I agree wholeheartedly with you. I'd hate to see physical books disappearing and love the touch and smell of paperbacks. I could happily live in a house which is floor to ceiling with books. And I contradict myself by having a love for digital versions, I know. I want both to exist but realise that if books ever disappear it's because of the likes of me. :)

Neet said...

For that same reason I love my iPad - brilliant on holiday recently somewhere with no bookstore close by and a book long finished. Besides which we are being 'green' and saving our planet.

Hugs, Neet xx