Cozy Mysteries discussion

Printed Form but I do like my Kindle too.

I'll take a dead tree book any day! I have 2 Kindles, but hate reading books on them. I love them of magazines, tho!

I readily acknowledge the myriad of benefits of ebooks, but I still prefer printed books for myself for a multitude of reasons. I prefer to hold them, read them and I love my home library, it makes me happy just walking into it. But I also cannot use any digital devices for several hours before bed for medical reasons, so even if I preferred ebooks, I'd be limited as to when I could use them.

I still load up my iPad when I travel though - just in case I run out of printed books. :)

I'm happy with either and both. I have paper books piled all over that I'm in the middle of reading, and both a Kindle and Nook loaded with books, and I'll read whatever comes to hand or fits my mood.

I much prefer reading on my Kindle, adjustable text size, less eye fatigue- soothing comfort of reading e-ink, ability to carry my library with me, no hassle/or fire hazard of storing many books, reading/holding with one hand without book constantly closing on my thumb! Wish every book was available for Kindle, but will read PB, or my least favorite of all-'hardcover', if I have no other choice.

I read predominantly more print books, but I do find my Nook convenient at times as well -- particularly for reading the classics. I have several "classic" anthologies each purchased for only $3 and containing 25-50 books each, which make them more economical than buying individual books. It's also lighter and easier to hold than a 500-1000 page tome. I also have a variety of free books on it across different genres.

Good point about hardbacks, C. I sometimes get tired of holding them, though I appreciate ones that lie open on the desk without holding! Still, the ereader beats any paper for that one :)

I read both my Nook and print books. I like the Nook for convenience. It's great to take on vacation so I don't have to bring an extra bag of books to make sure I have plenty to read. As other people have previously said, it's also much lighter than some print books and I can adjust the font size to make it easier to read. So almost any new books I buy are in electronic format. However, I still shop at the used bookstore almost every week for bargains and have bookshelves full of old favorites that I like to re-read.

K.M. wrote: "I collect books, so sometimes I'll even have more than one edition of a book, maybe one or two hardcover with different covers, then maybe three or four paperbacks with different covers. I've found..."

I have an embarrassing number of Pride and Prejudice and Sherlock Holmes editions! :)

I prefer paper books, but will read in just about any form. If I want to keep the book, I will get a paper copy. I worry about format changes and all the files being unreadable at some point. My paper books are upgrade proof.

Both

I will read books in any form. I love the feel of paperback or hard cover books, but find my Kindle is easier to handle and travel with. I, Do though, have a treasured collection of favorites and autographed books that are keepers!

I never read paper books anymore. I've been using ereaders for about 8 years now. The main reason initially was for travelling so I wouldn't pack 6 books in my suitcase and go over the luggage weight limit.

Today my main reason is because it so easy to hold. I have carpal tunnel syndrome and holding a paperback or hardback caused pain in my hands. I can prop my ereader on my lap or pillow and be hands-free holding! The secondary reason for my love of ereaders is the ability to adjust font size plus sharpness, line spacing, margins, font type, etc. As I get older, the font sizes in paper books seem to shrink. My Kobo has 24 font sizes! It also is lighted (not front lit like tablets and smartphones which cause eye strain) so I can read in bed late at night.

The benefits of ereading far outweigh any justification for me to read on paper anymore so there is no turning back for me. I definitely am clearing out my bookshelves of paper books and donating them.

Melodie wrote: "I have 2 Kindles, but hate reading books on them. I love them of magazines, tho!"

These statements make me think that both of your Kindles are tablets. However, Amazon makes Kindle ereaders with e-ink that are very different from their Fire tablets. Don't write e-ink ereaders off if you haven't tried one.

❂ Jennifer (reviews on BookLikes) wrote: "...But I also cannot use any digital devices for several hours before bed for medical reasons..."

Have you ever tried an ereader with e-ink? That's very different from reading on a tablet. It's like reading from paper.

I don't like reading books on tablets. I enjoy reading from both paper and ereaders, but I prefer reading on my Kindles. When I don't need an added light source, I usually use my regular Kindle, but I use my Paperwhite when it's too dark to read without a light. I like my Kindle for reasons already stated by other people. I like being able to adjust the fonts to a comfortable size and style for my old eyes, plus adjust the line spacing. I like being able to stick a Kindle in my purse whenever I leave home and always having a book with me in case I have to wait somewhere. I can read my Paperwhite in bed when I can't sleep during the night, and there's not a bright light to bother my husband; my iPad's light is far too bright even at the lowest setting.

I also love audiobooks, because I can listen to them while I'm doing cooking, cleaning, and laundry.

However, I'll always still read paper books. My family owns more than 2500, and I'd like to read at least 650 of those. I still get paper books from the library. Usually it's because a book isn't available in ebook or eaudio, but sometimes it's because it's a long book that I don't think I would finish before the ebook's due date. I also only buy Kindle books if they're very cheap. If I want to own a book (that's only if I want to read it repeatedly or if I'll need to use it over a long period of time), I buy a paper edition.

AlegnaB wrote: "Melodie wrote: "I have 2 Kindles, but hate reading books on them. I love them of magazines, tho!"

These statements make me think that both of your Kindles are tablets. However, Amazon makes Kindle..."

Yes, both my Kindles are Fires, but I've looked at the Paperwhites and just don't like them. There's something totally missing for me when I read an e-book. They hold my attention for no more than a half hour or so at a time. With a "real" book, I can sit down with it and never stop until I'm all the way through. Even the books I've read electronically that I really, really liked took me forever to read. Something about the experience is missing for me.

AlegnaB wrote: "❂ Jennifer (reviews on BookLikes) wrote: "...But I also cannot use any digital devices for several hours before bed for medical reasons..."

Have you ever tried an ereader with e-ink? That's very different from reading on a tablet. It's like reading from paper..."

I know about and have used the e-inks, but they too are digital devices; they might feel like reading from paper, but your brain knows it isn't, and at any rate, readability isn't the issue for me, it's the electronics/digital displays.

Even without the medical restrictions though, I'd prefer printed books. I find the same thing Melodie does - even books I love don't hold my attention when I read them electronically, but in print, the world could end and I'd be the last to know. Which works out perfectly given my medical restrictions.

I prefer ereader now and I hardly read paper books. It's more practical for me and my back, as I always carry the ereader with me (unless the bag is too small -night bag mainly-, and then I use the phone). Furthermore, I live in Spain and shiping costs are high. And my flat is not so big, so space is a problem.

I have no problem with digital devices, I don't miss at all the paper, and I can read for the same long time at any book/device. For me, reading is my thing, not physical sensations related to paper.

I like both but still prefer paper. However, as print gets smaller and smaller in the books and I get older and older, the Kindle is handy to increase the font size. I like the Kindle when I vacation as I don't have to drag the books along.

I've had my kindle for a couple of years, a gift from my daughter. I like it and as someone else here said I too don't notice the difference once I've gotten into the story. The drawback to the kindle for me is that it has to be charged. Also I really like to check out books from the library. I do check out electronic books on the kindle too though. I like having both but if I had to live without one I'd pick printed books.

I prefer printed books. It just feels better. However, if I traveled more often, I would use my kindle more for reading books. The amount of space and the number of books you could take with you would outweigh the negatives of reading on a tablet for me.

Marisa wrote: "...reading is my thing, not physical sensations related to paper..."

Same here. As long as I get to enjoy a story or learn some interesting information, it doesn't much matter which format I get it from. Different formats are good for various situations. And the more formats that I enjoy using, the more library books I can find to read/listen to.

I definitely prefer paper. I love to soak in the tub and read, which I never do with my kindle.

Printed..I like turning pages

Both, actually. But with a house overflowing with books, Kindle does have it's advantages.

Norma wrote: "Both, actually. But with a house overflowing with books, Kindle does have it's advantages."

Ain't that the truth! Sometimes I worry about the load-bearding ability of the house when I look at the bookshelves.

I am old-fashioned. I prefer paper as I like holding the book in my hands & turning actual pages. I also like the smell of books.

I've always been a physical book fan. Sure I have the apps and even a NOOK myself. But I like being able to still put a bookmark in a book. Smell the new book smell. And actually while reading I like to feel like I've accomplished something when I read so many pages a day. Whereas with a Nook or Kindle it takes forever to get a chapter done sometimes. Pending on how it is formatted. I sooo hate that. But I will give it to the ereaders for being convenient to carry around.

I'm a converted Kindle user. I used to be a die-hard print fan but now I love reading on the Kindle. I can take it anywhere. The books don't collect dust and dog hair and aren't killing any trees. The main reason I preferred print books before was because I could, usually, easily trade them for another book. But online book trading is pretty much dead now, the cost of ebooks has come down, my library has tons of ebooks now and there are no used books stores left around me to trade my print books for others.

I have kept a lot of my old print books that I cannot get for free in ebook format. Those are good for bathtub reading.

I still prefer printed books. I love the feel of holding them. It was never the same reading on a screen. But I just started reading books on my tablet. Sometimes when I go somewhere and have to wait, I realize I left my book at home, so I've started adding books on my phone as well. I've never had a kindle and not sure what the reason would be in getting one if I already have a tablet.

Dhfan4life wrote: "I've always been a physical book fan. Sure I have the apps and even a NOOK myself. But I like being able to still put a bookmark in a book. Smell the new book smell. And actually while reading I li..."

Very true. It takes forever getting through a chapter on my device.

Annakay wrote: "I've never had a kindle and not sure what the reason would be in getting one if I already have a tablet."

To me the point would be that eInk is far more readable than tablets are. More like reading a real book, and far less eye strain.

Yep, reading on a Kindle ereader (not the Fire, which is just another tablet) is very much like reading on paper. I have the model that came out just before the touch and also a Paperwhite. I use them both. I love that I can read on my Paperwhite in bed during the night and not bother my husband. I can't read on my iPad in bed during the night, because the light is so bright, even at its lowest setting, that it hurts my eyes.

I prefer reading on a Kindle. I like being able to set the font to a size and type that's comfortable for me to read. I only need one hand to use it, since I can just slip my thumb over to change the page. If I don't know the definition of a word, I can place my finger on the word, and the definition will come up (usually).

I get a lot of free Kindle books, and I often find books that interest me priced at 99 cents. My local public library has a lot of Kindle books (currently 9043), and I don't even have to leave home to get a book from it anytime I want. I also don't have to take it back to the library or be concerned about paying late fines.

However, I still like paper books and occasionally buy one, if it's one I know I'll want to reread. My family owns about 2500.

I prefer books. I've always been a bibliophile and had a lot of books. Love having them in my house.

I was always a dyed in the wool "real" book reader. A stint in the hospital a few years back and a period of recuperation at my parents and sister's home led me to buy my first Nook via QVC. This allowed me to read while being away from my home library, although I did have a small stack of "real" books at the family home. (The Harry Potter series was read during that period in hardcover format). I still have a huge collection of books at home. My current Nook, my 3rd, has 3641 titles on it, most are samples. The total does not count those titles that are archived after reading.

I remember as a kid when we'd travel to Switzerland for six weeks at a time to visit my dad's family...I'd load my suitcase with books. Now, being able to travel with a Kindle seems like a dream come true. My favorite books, though, those that I read over and over...definitely "real" books!

Mary wrote: "I just found out that our public library is riddled with bedbugs!!!! Time to fully embrace kindle!"

Good reason to use your kindle! Better the bedbugs stay at the library than hitch a ride to your house.

I prefer books but my husband bought me a Kindle Fire for Christmas 2 years ago. I use it when traveling mostly or reading at night.

Old School here! I love books. I love the smell of paperbacks. I enjoy holding them in my hand. I love my book bag.

I dont enjoy the kindle so much. I am sick of computers. Maybe because I have to work with one for 10hours at work each day I work.

I am not addicted to technology at all. Give me a paperback that I can "high five" as I walk by touching each novel to decide what to read. That is lovely to me.

I love my kindle but I love books so much more! One of my favorite parts of reading is finishing a stack of books and going to the library to get more. I could spend hours in the library scanning the shelves and you just don't get that with a Kindle.

I do the same Ashley. I read my Kindle during the day, but after the sun goes down, it's total physical book for me.

Print definitely. Nothing beats holding an actual book in your hands and striking up a conversation with a stranger when you see them reading. I usually assume people are using tablets or whatever if they're "reading" on their smartphones or e-readers.

This one's a real struggle to answer. I love visiting the book store, holding a book in my hands, smelling the pages... but I like hearing a book read to me, especially when I am cooking or cleaning, thanks to my Kindle (and Audible), and get some really great books for free. I may lean a bit more towards physical books, however; those have always been part of my life.

I love both! I support my local bookstores and I buy ebooks. I'm in bibliophile heaven.

There is nothing quite like a real book, everthing about it seems wonderful. But...I live in a nursing home and have no place no store books where as I have nearly a thousand on my Kindle. Also, books are heavy and can get awkward to handle for a woman with arthritic hands. The Kindle is light and with a case easy to prop up. I love the kindle for it's practicality, but books will ALWAYS have a place in this world and in my heart.

I used to like the printed form but now I'm warming to Kindle. The Kindle allows me to read hands-free while on my exercise bike.

I do enjoy the kindle if I am traveling. That way Im not lugging around books and possible lose one! OMG that is a nightmare! But the kindle has a purpose for sure. But still prefer the actual book in hand if at all possible.

An even bigger nightmare, I lost my Nook last year. I stupidly set it on top of my car while I was shedding my coat and tie after a court hearing, and forgot to grab it off the roof of the car. It vanished somewhere between the parking deck and my office. So as soon as I had the spare cash off I went to pick up a new Nook. Unfortunately, the new Nooks made by Samsung lack the memory of the old Nook HD+ (16 gig as opposed to 32 gig.)
At least all my E-books were able to be recovered.

Gary wrote: "An even bigger nightmare, I lost my Nook last year. I stupidly set it on top of my car while I was shedding my coat and tie after a court hearing, and forgot to grab it off the roof of the car. It ..."

That is so awful! But at least you got the books! That is not a good feeling.

I dropped my brand new copy of Lord of the Rings in a puddle of water. It slipped out of my bag. I about fainted! I bought this edition with all 3 books in it after searching forever for it. It was a felt cover with the gold embossed ring on it. I was crushed.

Ouch. I feel your pain and I know that version.

I was a paper book reader and never thought that I would ever want a Kindle. My husband and I went on a business trip for 3 weeks and my daughter loaned me her Kindle. I loved it. The convenience of taking it with me everywhere and the small size. Reading Outlander on it was wonderful. I received a Kindle Paperwhite with a "magic stick" with 8000 books as a present. Add to that, I live in California and can borrow any e-book in the state through the library system. Since I rarely reread that is great for me. Downside, I have a library with over 3000 hard and paperback books just sitting there. I miss holding a book in my hand, but not enough to actually read one anymore.