Books: What’s the Best Way to Read in the Digital Era?
Kindle, iPad, Nook, or traditional paper?
Earlier I posted about my feeling accomplished, at having finished reading two excellent books the old-fashioned way — on books made from trees!
A colleague asked me the reasons why someone like me would read traditionally made paper books (apparently he sees me as the digital detective, Inspector Gadget).
Well, I do appreciate the “digital readers.” I bought a Kindle when they first came out. Then… a year and a half later, I bought a new Kindle (and gave the previous one away as first-prize for a social media contest at work). Then, more recently, I decided to give that Kindle away (again, as first prize in a creative contest), and got my spouse an iPad for his birthday.
Well, fortunately, the iPad has a zillion more uses than just book-reading, so that was already a smart-move, at least for our family. But the larger point here is that, so far, I still prefer reading books on paper.
A colleague asked me the reasons
why a techy like me would read traditionally made paper books…”
“Tree” Books
The thing is, when I buy a book, I tend to read it cover-to-cover, to the very end. I think because I spend almost all day every day on my computer (I have that kind of job), and because I read so many blogs and news feeds on my Google Reader, I just find it refreshing and relaxing to put aside the digital equipment for a little while and pick up a good, old-fashioned paper book!
So here are the three books that I’m going to read next. Have you read any of them?
Keith Ferrazzi wrote a previous book that I found very impacting, called Never Eat Alone, which really helped me to see business as a treasured collection of lifelong relationships instead of as “transactions.” I’m eager to see what he has in store for this next book, Who’s Got Your Back?
And, I loved reading the first Law of Attraction book so much (by Michael Losier), that I figured I’d give this one a try, by The Hicks.
Finally, this particular John Wooden book is about mentoring. We’re starting an innovative internship program at my company, and I want to know how to be as helpful as possible to our new candidates. What intrigues me is that John Wooden rarely (if ever) talked to his team about winning a championship; instead, he would share with them success strategies in order to help them reach their fullest potential, no matter what the circumstance. I have a hunch this will be a valuable read!
How Many Books?
Let me ask you a serious question. It’s an honest question, because I really don’t know and I’d like to hear from some of you to know your thoughts (please use the comments section below, or get me on Facebook or Twitter). How many books do you think you should read each year, to keep your brain enriched and your mind literary and sharp?
I invite you to comment.
I enjoy hearing your thoughts, ideas, and questions!
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David Findley
One of my favorite iPhone apps is called “abraham-hicks daily quotes,” which delivers daily law-of-attraction quotes from Esther and Jerry Hicks, the authors of “The Law of Attraction.” Today’s quote: You might say, “How do I know if I’m in receiving mode or not?” And we say, you always feel good when you’re in receiving mode. When someone offers you a compliment, do you receive it, or do you sort of just shrug it off?” There’s something about believing that you must justify your existence through your effort or through your perseverance, through your struggle. And many of you just have not practiced the receiving mode.
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Joel Nass
I really like the idea of not having to hall around a small library of books every time we move, but there is something very introspective and personal, albeit subconscious, about engaging with a paper book with which there is a terminal connection between media and reader.
Dane Findley
Joel, I do agree with you! For non-fiction, I still go paper. I need mark and bend and scribble and dog-ear the pages. For fiction, though, digital is fine. I rarely read novels twice. When I’m done, I’m done.
joel nass
To be honest, I read fiction almost exclusively and I don’t make margin notes or dog ears, it is the finite nature of the hard copy that I find focusing and an agent to elevate intimacy between the author and reader. I tend to re-read books though, I find that well written book offers me different things during different portions of my life.
Allen Martin
I love the book, instead of the e-readers. I have an iPad that I just used for internet or gaming stuff. I like to carried the book, pull it out and discuss it with people. I highlight interesting ideals. I more of a hard core book reader.
jared
There is a lot of really cool technology out there but I still love reading a book with paper pages. For me it is the tactile experience as much as the enjoyment of the story. Also, because I can’t seem to get away from measuring my progress through a book, a physical book allows me to see where I am in the story and how much I have read.