The question of eBooks vs paper books is a hot topic among book lovers. I've seen it discussed in blog posts, articles, forums and seen it talked about in videos. There are regular posts about it on Facebook (and Twitter, Pinterest and Tumblr). The usual things mentioned are things like the feel, smell and tactile sensation of print books, enjoyment in having them on shelves and being able to look at them. There is also the joy of things like fancy bookmarks and other "go-withs". And I have to admit that there was a time when I would have agreed with all of these. But that time has passed. I've found that with age I've become more practical, and this is one of those areas where I've become extremely practical.
I have other reasons though to love my Kindle (and the Kindle apps on my phone and tablet)
Dust: I am allergic to dust and to be honest, I got to the point where I was sick of having to take allergy meds every time I wanted to read a book that wasn't newly bought, or borrowed from the library. If I'd had a maid dusting all my books every day that might not have been a factor...but it was.
Size of print: I'm getting older...there I said it. I like to have control over the size of print, and no I don't want to have to read ever larger books to get that print. Think "Gone With The Wind" in large print...that could break your arm! No thanks I'll take my tiny little Kindle Paperwhite and enjoy every word in comfort.
Syncing between devices: I'm sitting down in my favorite chair and my Kindle is sitting on my desk in another room. Drat. Oh wait, I have my phone with me. I turn it on, sync it and there I am on the very same page I left off. Happy reading smile!
I'm disabled: Hate to have to admit it, but using a cane is no longer a choice. So that cuts down on what I can take with me from place to place, even within the house. So what's easier, a cane, cup of coffee and my Kindle (phone or tablet) or cane, cup of coffee and stack of books...good luck on not spilling that coffee.
You suddenly find yourself going somewhere.... Probably hasn't happened to most people as many times as it has me, but you're suddenly on your way to the ER. Not sure if you'll be staying at the hospital, or coming back home in 10 hours (we live in a place where the ER is always crowded). Wouldn't it be nice to have some small device to take with you that had plenty of reading material (see, reading comfort)
Unlimited book space: We all have a favorite chair, a desk, a space where we find ourselves reading more then others. As much as we might like it, those places don't have unlimited space for books and the other thing we surround ourselves with. Kindle does.
Simplicity: Those who know me know that I've become fond, if not obsessed, with simplicity. I've divested myself of large quantities of my personal belongings in the last few years, and yes that has included almost all of my physical books. I highly recommend it, it's extremely freeing, and it's largely been made possible (at least the book part) by my Kindle.
So those are my reason's (at least for today) for using and loving my Kindle. If you also love your Kindle (or other eReader) that's great. If you prefer paper books, then have a great time with them. To each their own.
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