I feel that people make a big deal out of digital books, perhaps because they don't hold as much character as a physical book. However, for me, the character of the book is within it's text, it's content, and what it can teach me. I have never been one who wrote in the margins or highlighted certain quotes of books frequently, but even digital technology still lets you do this. Therefore, I do not see the big deal. The words on the "page" are not altered, so why should it matter whether you are holding a Kindle or essentially what could be described as a large stack of papers? I feel that it's the words that matter most.
Also, I own a Kindle myself and I find reading digitally is much easier than reading a physical book. It is always awkward when you have to hold both edges of the book open and I often cannot find a comfortable position to read in. However, with my Kindle, I am not only saved the awkwardness of it all, but also the weight of the book. Often times, I like to lie flat and read (probably strange) and the book usually tires my arms. As pathetic as that sounds, it becomes a problem when trying to read easily. And with my neck and back being all sorts of messed up, I could use as little problems as possible when trying to position myself comfortably. Also, with the Kindle I have a free hand for snacking. Who doesn't enjoy a snack while reading?
Alas, I do not believe in this "lack of mystery" that digital books have. I think it's completely appropriate to own and read digital books and hey, we could all use the trees we'd be saving.
I agree with you about the value of digital books. I, too, enjoy my kindle and the ease in reading that it offers. However, having attempted the digital textbook over the summer, I think that there are some instances in which a paper book is preferred. That being said, I think Gleick was onto something when he referred to books as "fetish objects". From "A History of Reading" we got into a discussion about the physicality of books and reading. I think that avid readers maintain a certain attachment to the tangible when it comes to reading. The smell and atmosphere of bookstores is what keeps many going back. My Kindle doesn't smell like books. It doesn't smell like much of anything. I think thats part of its appeal, that we can so totally hand ourselves over to the act of reading withoit having to worry about marking our page or ripping it, or sore arms. I think though, that some of the fun of reading is having to separate yourself from your environment.
ReplyDeleteI see where you're coming from. I, too get annoyed with trying to find a comfortable position to read in. However, I enjoy the authenticity of a book. I've always enjoyed being able to see my collection of books over the years and see how my library has grown. I enjoy lending people the actual book when they say "hey, have you read blah blah blah?" and I can respond by saying "Yeah I have. You can borrow it if you'd like." I don't know; that's just me.
ReplyDeleteP.S.-I also agree with you when you said using Kindles would save a lot of trees. :)
You make a good point about the efficiency and practicality of digital readers. I myself am an iPad girl. Whenever I read an article about digital texts, I always feel "guilty," like I am robbing myself of a true reading experience. But now that you have pointed out that the significance lies in the content, as well as the environmental benefits of eReaders, I feel much less guilty.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I totally enjoy a snack while reading :)