Reading has certainly made some dramatic changes in the last few years, or more accurately, I should say that books have made some dramatic changes in the last few years. Growing up there was only one way to read a book. Hold a book made of paper in your hands, read, turn the page, read some more. What an array of options we have today!
I’m guessing for most of us holding a physical book is still our favorite way to read but I really do love my Kindle. I also read books on my laptop. Each of those is a different experience. A Kindle can approximate the feel of a paper book but it’s really not the same. Reading on a laptop isn’t even close, though it’s still an enjoyable experience sometimes.
I also love audio books but again, not anything like holding and reading a physical book. So how do you choose?
Sometimes it comes down to what’s available at the time. I use my personal library and the public library to for physical books as well as having won some on Goodreads. Since I bought my Kindle, I’ve certainly gotten many books from Amazon (I love to see what they have for free each day!) and I’ve gotten a number of interesting ones from librarything giveaways and from author giveaways. I’ve also just started using Netgalley. I use my state library site (Kansas State Library) to get audio books as well as my public library. So when I want to read a certain book, I sometimes only can get it in one format or another.
Sometimes it comes down to where I will be reading. If I’m traveling, I want ebooks or audio books on my Kindle. If I’m home and relaxing, I want a physical book. Íf I’m mowing the yard, an audio book is the only option.
If I have my choice, I’m going to pick a good physical book and read it curled up on the couch. But in the absence of ideal circumstances, I’ll take a book anyway I can get it!