And I thought about it, but there wasn't really anything "pretty" I wanted. I mean, I'm out of space for shoes in my closet, and I just got a new purse. What else do I need?
A few weeks before that, a bee friend published a book. I downloaded the Kindle version thinking I could read it on Ye Olde iPad if I downloaded the Kindle app. Which was mistake #1. Ye Olde iPad is SO olde that the Kindle app isn't even compatible with it anymore.
Which left my phone. Mistake #2. I downloaded the Kindle app and then cursed myself for the entirety of the reading experience. The book was great, but reading a book on a phone is HARD. It's hard on your eyes because of the backlight, and because the text isn't big enough (and if it is big enough, you're constantly turning "pages" like, every 10 words).
So when I finally had the option to name my price for being nice through grad school, I asked for a Kindle. After years of being adamantly anti-digital-reading, the book-on-phone experience showed me the undeniable value of having one, and I was tired of fighting it.
When Matt got home from his graduation ceremony, he presented me with a giant pink bag with pink polka-dot tissue paper (does he know me or what!), and a shiny new Kindle Paperwhite.
I made my own case so that it wouldn't get scratched while in my purse. I followed this Allie-proof tutorial for sewing padded gadget cases and used some fabric my sister left at my house years and years ago.
And you know what? I love it. I usually read more than one book at a time, so it's nice being able to carry around a lot of books with me. It's nice being able to carry books in my purse without lugging the weight. It's nice being able to read at night without the light on, without hurting my eyes. I like being able to "highlight" things so I can flip back and forth for reference. I LOVE being able to look up words I don't know instantly, and translate phrases in languages I don't understand.
I've subscribed to BookBub (thanks Madison!) so I can download free e-books all the time, and I can get free downloads from my local libraries, too. I don't intend to use the Kindle as a replacement for books; I don't know that I could ever give up paper books. But if it can supplement my reading obsession? I'm on board. One can never have too many books!
What are you reading right now? Do you have an e-reader? And is there anything that "everyone else" is doing that you've been resisting too?
Now I really want tho know who that bee friend is :-)
ReplyDeleteShe blogged for Weddingbee under the moniker Ms. Prairie Dog.
DeleteI was so against getting a Kindle, but now I LOVE it. Mine is almost 5 years old and still works great--not so much with iDevices! My favorite part is having more than one book with you at a time; i cannot tell you how many times I've thwarted my own plans for a cozy reading trip by not having enough reading material! Not so with the kindle; I keep whole series' on there at a time. So so so great.
ReplyDeletePS Love the Star Trek reference :D
I am the weird one out with a nook instead of a Kindle, because I worked for BN, and wanted to be supportive. And I still love it! I still jump from e-reader to real books, because I take what's available first at the library, but I think it's great! Especially being able to carry multiple books at once. I love that.
ReplyDeleteI did look at the Nook back when I was doing research on which one I might want! But I took your original advice to just ask for a Kindle instead. :)
DeleteTHE BANDWAGON! Haha :) I'm glad you like your gift. Although it's quite funny that HE got YOU a gift for his graduation. What a guy.
ReplyDeleteaww, what a sweet story! i haven't crossed over to the Kindle yet, but I'm anxious to hear your thoughts about how it compares to my beloved paperbacks :)
ReplyDeleteSuch an awesome gift, and I love the cover, too. I don't have an e-reader, but I've heard so many people say that they read more with them.
ReplyDeleteThank you! So far I've only read two books on it, but maybe that's more than what I would have read? Don't know yet. :)
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