Swamps and Gators

Finished reading Declan Hughes' City of Lost Girls and loved it. As smooth as Irish whiskey. I definitely plan to read the rest of his novels, but first...

...I find myself immersed in Swamplandia! by Karen Russell. I'm a third of the way through and, though I won't say much about the plot for fear of revealing something crucial, I can say that it's one beautifully written book. Simply on the level of prose, it's fresh and sweetly complex. (Usual caveat: I don't know her, and she hasn't paid me any money, etc.)

Meanwhile, switching planets completely, I happened to speak the other day with a reader who is absolutely passionate about her Kindle. She reads the Sunday New York Times Book Review with her Kindle at hand, so that she can immediately buy books that sound interesting, or at least flag them for later consideration. I found this fascinating, and got to wondering, is this fairly common practice among e-reader devotees? I'd be interested in hearing if indeed that's the case.

Onward.
 •  7 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on April 16, 2011 18:06
Comments Showing 1-7 of 7 (7 new)    post a comment »
dateUp arrow    newest »

message 1: by Joseph (new)

Joseph I just got a Kindle from my inlaws for Christmas and I haven't even used it yet... I have some downloaded on it, but I just like the feel of having the book in my hands as opposed to the computer screen. My wife nags me for it. So, for all the books that I really want to keep I buy the book (Ambrose, Sides, your books and other history books) and all the books I just want to read I will go through Kindle or the library.


message 2: by Julie (new)

Julie I often download samples of books that I hear about from friends and other sources to my Kindle to then read later (whenever I'm finished with my current selection)... so in my case, I would say that it is absolutely true. I've had my Kindle for years and absolutely love it! If you haven't tried your Kindle yet, you just don't know...


message 3: by Pamela (new)

Pamela I have had a NookColor since last November, and, like Julie, I download samples of books that interest me, so that I have a queue of books to read all the time. The NookColor also allows me to create my own 'shelves' so I keep these 'save for later' books in their own group. I also have found -- surprisingly -- that I prefer reading books on the NC, and oftentimes will not read a book if it is not available in eBook format. For example, Erik, I have been wanting to read "Isaac's Storm" ever since reading "The Devil in the White City" (one of my favorite books of all time), but cannot bring myself to buy a 'dead tree' book, so I keep hoping to see it in eBook form one day. And I am not unusual in that respect, because most of my friends who own eReaders feel the same way. Once they read an eBook, they don't want to go back.


message 4: by Pam (new)

Pam Hi Erik, my husband hinted at getting me a kindle or a nook but I balked mainly because I work at a library and didn't see any need for an e reader. Well he decided to surprise me with an IPAD for Christmas. I am now reading ebooks in addition to my hard copies and audio books. I believe that all the medias are good at different times. I read the Devil in the White City on my IPAD. I think they are great especially at night. I can read in bed without turning on the light. I was really happy to see your new book show up from good reads. I started reading it and am intrigued and will read it soon. I am in the middle of many other reads right now. I think the ereaders have their value but everyone does not have access to own one or even pay for the books so I am in favor of keeping our options open. Keep up the good writing. Love your blog.


message 5: by Audrey (last edited Apr 22, 2011 09:26AM) (new)

Audrey Hello Erik,
After buying a Kindle almost 2 years ago, I can honestly tell you that I have yet to read a complete book on it. I truly expected to love an ereader (as I am a gadget-type person) but surprisingly I don't. What I failed to consider was the tactile pleasure of simply turning the pages. As it turns out, for me that's part of the 'experience' of reading a good book…who knew???


message 6: by Amy (new)

Amy I got a Kindle for Christmas and have read 1 book on it. I typically request books online from my local library and read new releases that way. I can't fathom spending $15 on a book that I can't share or put on my bookshelf. I'm glad the Kindle is now going to be compatible with library ebooks!


message 7: by Nancy (last edited Apr 23, 2011 03:59PM) (new)

Nancy Yes, the Kindle is awesome and I am not technologically inclined in the least. I troll through Goodreads with Kindle at hand and download samples. I have bought 16 ebooks since I received my Kindle on Feb. 20th (my birthday). I love propping up the Kindle and reading hands-free; it's portable and silent. I've downloaded a couple books for my 9 yr old son so he always has something to read on the fly. I still will purchase hardcovers of certain authors (yes, you... and Arthur Phillips) but the Kindle is a wonderful addition to my reading life and has expanded my authors' list considerably.


back to top