Drop Everything And Read discussion

Which do you prefer?

physical books, I dunno why

Physical books generally, but I can totally see the merit in Ebooks when on vacation or travelling.

That is true. But while reading, do you like turning pages, or sliding them?

Physical books. I love the feel, and you never have to worry about your paperback dying on you. The whole "never having to plug it in" thing is important to me, because I do a lot of my reading when I'm running errands and don't have access to an electrical outlet.

This may be odd, but I love the smell of books. Not from the library, thats just gross, but new books. They have this great smell that just makes me happy.

But I have to admit that I see the appeal of kindle books, its the same thing as carrying 80 books with you, and I get too bored not to carry my kindle with me everywhere.

I'm more than likely to have my kindle than my phone. :)

Physical books.
I mean, it's true that e'books are cool, considering the fact that you are carrying more than 50 books around with you, but there's something special and powerful when you hold a paperback.

Physical books all the way!

Jill wrote: "This may be odd, but I love the smell of books. Not from the library, thats just gross, but new books. They have this great smell that just makes me happy.

But I have to admit that I see the appea..."

I am right there with you on the new book smell factor. it is nostalgic for me. it is all part of the experience. holding books. smelling them. turning the pages. etc.

Physical books. It just feels more personal to me. I can smell that familiar book smell, I can turn the pages. I never understood the hype that came with e-books. Just not my thing. I want to hold the book, not a tablet or phone. I love my bookshelves. I love organizing the books. Technology seems to be trying to rid the world of good things.

I recently wrote an essay about "will physical books ever become extinct?" And came to the conclusion that even though physical books, for me, are better, e-books are not completely evil.

I agree. There is of course a personal element to physical books, but I cannot deny that e-readers are handy, especially when I can't decide which books to take with me on a trip without overflowing my bag :)

I never thought I'd like ebooks before my brother and his wife randomly gave me a Kobo for Christmas, years ago. I've since come around ;)

It's very handy if you want to carry multiple books around at once, or if you're reading something that would be enormous as a physical book (I'm looking at you, Atlas Shrugged), or something a bit embarrassing that may or may not rhyme with Fifty Glades Of Hay :P

E-readers are definitely easier to travel with. Even if it's a weekend away - trying to lug a bag of books on a train is not fun. E-books are generally slightly cheaper too which is always a plus. I generally only buy actual books either from a charity shop (random impulse buys normally), or if it's a special book or by an author I'm particularly fond of. I'm currently building my collection of Terry Pratchett and Georgette Heyer, they're filling most of the bedroom bookcase!

I honestly like physical books batter because they look better because you can actually feel and see the cover, and also if I stare at a e-book too long, my eyes start to hurt. (But then again, I do download A LOT of free pdf's of books online so I'm not one to judge) =)

I love and prefer physical books than an E-reader. I love the feel, look and smell of a brand new book it appeals more to me than an E-reader.

physical books. but when I'm outside my room I prefer e-book. whenever I put a book in my bag it comes with crinkle so I dont want to risk it with bringing my book around

In my heart and hand, nothing is better than a physical book. I enjoyed owning trader's copies and hardbacks. However, I am grateful for e-books as I am now visually impaired. Without my Kindle, my world would be minuscule.

I love my epub and kindle readers, but there's nothing quite like snuggling up with some blankets, your fluffiest cat, and a great page-turner in your hands.

i love physical books but just today i am actually trying my kindle. i want to be able to read my book in bed without worrying about getting up and turning the light out. I still think my preference will be a physical book as i work on a computer all day.

I'll always love physical books. I love opening a new book and turning the pages. But I also like my kindle. I can rent books that I'm not sure I'll like on there and it's also lightweight for when I'm traveling. I don't particularly like the strain it puts on my eyes but I have the blue shade setting on which makes it easier.

I definitely prefer paperbacks, though ebooks do have their advantages(the free ones), specially since in my country, books are really expensive, so when buying a book I have to be 100% sure I'll like it because if I don't, it's like the world is ending.

I usually prefer physical books, though I've never tried e-books, to be perfectly honest. My eye sight is very bad, so I usually stay away from screens as much as possible, but I was told that Kindle lighting is different from other electronics. If that's true, I'd love to try it!

DEFINITELY PHYSICAL BOOKS

Both.

I prefer physical books. Especially paperbacks.

Physical, 189% physical. For several reasons. Firstly, I read to get away from my world, that means technology too. Secondly, I like the feel. Thirdly, reading off a screen in sunshine is a terrible idea. Fourthly I love having a book case, I love having the books. Screens make me uninspired, I write all my work and school stuff on paper too. Don't like screens, laptops etc. for creative things.

Definitely physical books. I agree with Anny, I like to esacape with a book and that means a break from technology too. Physical books are easier on the eyes. I love the feel and smell of a book. I like to physically see the books I read on my shelves. It makes me nostalgic and I like collecting books. Can't get that with an ebook.

Paperbacks definitely! I love to touch, to feel the paper, to smell it (even to taste it when I was small!). I love to spend time in book stores, looking at book covers, reading blurbs, talking with the salesperson... I love to buy books, I feel so satisfied, so happy when I go back home my bag full of books!

Both

Books! I want to touch them, feel the pages, smell the old paper.. You can't get that from ebooks. It's not quite the same.

I'm torn at times. In so many ways having books on Kindle makes it easier. You know where they are. You don't leave them behind, the Kindle keeps your place automatically, etc.

On the other hand, there is nothing like a holding and leafing through a book on a cold rainy day with a big mug of coffee or tea.

I agree totally with Mara. I love the convenience of having a library at my fingertips wherever I go via smartphone or tablet. And when we moved to a much smaller place and I was forced to part with the bulk of my book collection (which was soooo hard!), it meant I could once again have All The Books in a tiny space.

But there's definitely something about having a paper book in your hand, the tactile sensation and the smell of the ink. There are studies now that say we learn and remember books better if we consume them in paper vs ebook form, and that the stress-reducing benefits of reading are better from paper form. So there must be something scientific to it!

Phsical books definitely because you can't feel the familiar weight of a book or smell the smell of a new book on an e-book. Little things matter my friend. For me anyways.

I prefer physical books. The feel and the smell. I love it.... But I work alot and I can't always just bring a huge book with me, so its easier to read it on my phone in ebook. The other thing is I can usually find books online that I can't find easily physically.

Physical books provide an unmistakably sensual experience. I used to love my home library. But after reading The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up, I have donated all but my absolute favorites and my unread titles. I love kindle and (gasp) Audible because I travel frequently and for long periods. I do indulge in periodic physical books, but promptly pass them along so they can serve their purpose of bringing joy rather than decorating my shelf.

I prefer physical books over ebooks. Partly because I love the smell and the feel of the pages between my fingers, but also since I like how bookshelves look in a home.
Ebooks have the advantage of being great when I'm out and about though, so I keep an app for that in my phone if I am in dire need of a reading fix.

Physical books are nice but due to a lack of space where I live ebooks are just more practical for me.

depends on my mood. but if i'm not travelling, i'll be seen reading physical books

I just read two e-books and in my opinion it's different.
For me absolutely physical book.

Well, that's kind of a hard decision to make. Sometime before December 2014, I discovered E-books. I still use them and I love them.

On the other hand, a book on paper is just so tangible sometimes and it impacts more.

They are both great.

While e-books are certainly more practical for a public transportation reader, physical books are definitely the way to go. We stare at computer screens and phone screens all day long - it's a nice change for the eyes to stare at paper for a little bit.

Interesting times isn't it. I love that we have so many choices. I am a hard copy book person - love the smell, the feel and just having books on my book shelf(ves). No doubt though that ebooks are really handy too. Plus, the turning of the pages doesn't keep my husband awake if I'm reading in bed ... but sometimes he just has to put up with that!

i prefer kindle than hard copy, since you can't carry three books whole day everywhere.
best for reading in nights without disturbing anyone.

Physical books are my personal preference. I always try to keep space in my bag no matter where I'm going. Other times I have to be realistic and if I know I won't have time to read before I get home, I'll just leave the book behind until later.

Physical books, for all the reasons listed below. For bedtime reading I use my headlamp, far less intrusive and handy to turn off when I fall asleep reading! :-D

Physical books. You can't throw a kindle across the room when the plot changes in an unexpected way.

Physical books for me.Always. The cost factor makes ebooks more attractive though. But, the ability to change fonts, enlarge fonts is also a point in favor of ebooks. Especially for elderly people, large fonts are a boon.

physical all the way! I don't mind electronic though, but I love the feel of a book!

I prefer physical books. idk why but I just find them way easier to read.