I’m still really anti e-readers in principle even though I’m coming around to reading on my Hudl. There is no doubt there is nothing like a real book. I’ll never find an online substitute for half an hour in Waterstones culminating in a bag full of books, even though I’ve not been able to afford to do that for so long it is little more than a hazy memory. I’ve been praying for the day when I can browse bookshops again with a clear conscience but until there is a job on the table it’s going to stay a pipe dream.
The smell, feel and tactility of real books make them my first choice every time BUT I have discovered that e-reading can be good for me in a number of ways. In the first instance, I’ve re-discovered reading in bed and they are great for that – no light on while I’m reading = a happy and harmonious bed-life with hubby. The other two things that make them great are the fact that for about a paperback and a half in weight, you can cram dozens of books on your Hudl and take them on holiday without the fear of the moment when, at 10pm when you're in the middle of nowhere, you read the last page of your book then realise you've finished your holiday quota and can't get to the bookshop until the following day. AAArrrrggghhhh. I HATE that feeling and emergency trips to book stores rarely end up with wise choices for reading material. Couple that with the fact that so far, I’ve been able to feed my reading addiction without spending any money!
I bought an ebook and got a big bonus on my Nectar card and hence a wadge of cash off my next trip to the supermarket. I read the book and reviewed it. They sent me a tenner for my review. I bought another four e-books, only spending £3 because of my tenner in the pot. I read one of the books and reviewed it. They sent me another tenner…just in time to stock up on my books before I run out again.
It strikes me that I could be onto a winner here – they like my reviews and if I can keep turning in ones that hit the right note with them I could keep on feeding my addiction to reading without shelling out any dosh whatsoever! I’m so glad I have time to read again…there is a wealth of wonder lying in between the pages of the books I have missed out on while engrossed in studying and I'm determined to shove my hands down into their riches and enjoy catching up!
BTW - during this e-book reading spree I have also devoured three grown-up paperbacks and three children's paperbacks so I've not allowed the e-reader to take over my reading totally.
Mind you, I am aware of my shortcomings in the photography department for this post without needing to be told!
