I haven't done this in a while, so why not? Here's today's Booking Through Thursday question:
I was reading the other day a quote from JFK Jr who said on the death of his mother, that she died surrounded by family, friends, and her books. Apparently, Jackie’s books were very much a part of HER, her personality, her sense of self.
Up until recently, people could browse your bookshelves and learn a lot about you–what your interests are, your range of topics, favorite authors, how much you read (or at least buy books).
More and more, though, this is changing. People aren’t buying books so much as borrowing them from the library. Or reading them on their e-readers or computers. There’s nothing PHYSICAL on the shelves to tell strangers in your home, for better or worse, who you ARE.
Do you think this is a good thing? Bad? Discuss!
Hmmm......I've never used an e-reader and I don't often use the library, so I guess you know what side of the fence I'm on. I do think that e-readers have some advantages; for one thing, you can download new books anywhere. As someone who travels, I see that as a plus. I also like to read during my break at work. Sometimes my coworkers will start a conversation based on the cover art. No offense, but... I'm trying to read here, people! Please go away! So, you know, an e-reader would probably help with that, too. Or if you want to read a trashy sex book in front of your kids. Or your parents. Or your coworkers.
I'm sure at some point I'll give the e-reader a try, but for now I'm very happy going about reading the old fashioned way - with my nose in a book.
I can see the positives to the ereader too but think we lose something if that's what we solely used. Like you I read the old fashioned way.
ReplyDeleteWell, I can't afford an e-reader, a SMART PHONE or any of those fancy gadgets, but I would not use them anyway. I read the old fashioned way. I know that I am so old fashioned it is pathetic but I think at 81 I will just continue n with old fashioned ways.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I love more than paper books is how adamantly we're defending them... here on our book blogs.
ReplyDeleteThere's something of a bit of sweet irony there.
Here's my answer
I love owning physical copies of books, and there's nothing like the feel of one in your hand as you're reading, but ereaders are very convenient exactly for the reasons you've stated. (:
ReplyDeleteHope you get to try one out sometime!
I don't read as much as I would like to, but I prefer a book to an e-reader. Like Lucy I just don't care for the newer gadgets. Lol. I will have to say I've read two novels the past two weeks and enjoyed them, just when the notion hits I will sit long enough to do some reading. Take care.
ReplyDeleteNothing can beat picking up a book and finding relaxation in it.
ReplyDeleteIt took me a while to get used to my kindle but I love it now and how easy it makes things. But I still buy a huge amount of real life books and probably always will.
ReplyDeleteSally.
http://theelifylop.blogspot.com/2011/04/booking-through-thursday-13.html