I have read so many articles lately about the possibility of Barnes and Noble closing some of its stores and possibly selling itself. Yes, I have an alert set up for Barnes and Noble posts. What can I say? I love books.
There is so much talk about electronic devices taking over as the leading provider of literature. They are also blaming the sale of used books on sites like Amazon and other used book storefronts. I’m cool with Amazon providing used books. It is recycling and it saves us money but I still love going into Barnes and Noble to walk the aisles and find the next book I want to add to my collection. It is relaxing and fun to sit in their coffee shop and read through the first couple of chapters of my newly purchased treasure.
And I understand where Kindles and iPads have their place but it can’t be exchanged for the time I long for with a good book. I listen to audio books on my iPod and have purchased many (too many) ebooks so I have no problem with them. I simply can’t believe that they would replace good ol’ paper books. You can’t curl up with it, read it in a bubble bath, or loan it to a friend. I like to be able to highlight things and write in my books. There is something about a dog eared page that makes me happy. It shows progress. And I don’t know about you but I just like to see my books on the shelves and by the table and in my purse.
I asked on Facebook and Twitter and discovered that most of my friends there feel the same way. What about you? How do you feel about it?
In support of the traditional books I will give away one brand new copy of some new releases every day next week. I’ve been waiting for the perfect opportunity to share them with you and I think this is it. So be sure to check back and enter to win one.
Then you can dog ear, highlight, write in, cuddle up with, and enjoy a new book – a traditional book. You can even put it on your shelf to admire it.
Newspapers shutting down, book sales slumping, and people reading literature on their phones where you can do a search for only topics you need right now is just not the same as a world with the first and last page and a complete adventure in between. What is the world coming to?
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I like e-books, because I’ve been able to get many out of print books…even for free. But nothing beats a real paper book to carry around and snuggle up with. Besides, there is only so much reading on the computer that I can stand…it make my eyes get tired so much faster that a real book. I love discovering old and new treasures in literature.
I have hemmed and hawed about getting a Kindle or a Nook, but I just can’t take the screened word as seriously as I can the word that is written on textured paper that I can feel and smell. Perhaps it is the effect of too much internet?
The feel of the paper between my fingers, the sound of the page turning, the slight crack when you are opening a brand new hardback book… no simulation on the computer can replace that, no matter how realistic it looks!
Very much agree. I just don’t think reading to my babies would have been the same on a Kindle. The feel of the pages, the colors of the pictures, the different fonts. I read in the bathtub & would be very upset if I dropped a Kindle into it. I even love the smell of book stores!
Oh girl, I can’t even fathom not having my books in my hands but I also know that this may be a lost cause. I loved the discussion it stirred up on Facebook/Twitter yesterday though…way to get us thinking!
I have to be honest, I never thought I would love electronic books more than the real deal. Then I got a Kindle. The thing changed my life – it stores so many more books than I could ever hold, allows for awesome organization and is just my favorite little gadget.
Of course, I still love real books – but I now prefer the Kindle…
I totally agree!! And, I’ll add, there’s no way to discover new books while you browse the shelves on an ebook reader. I love browsing!
I. Love. Books. The real ones. Barnes & Noble is like a prelude to heaven for me – the smell of books, and rustling of paper – alongside the smell of deeply delectable coffee and pastry. I mean SERIOUSLY! I know Heaven smells like that on some days!!!
I’m all for books. I like digital – occasionally – but I much prefer a book that I can take anywhere with me and read anytime I want. I love the written word on the page and my eyes tired TOO quickly from the whole digital experience. I’d be SICK of B&N shut down… just sick.
I thought I was the only one who still LOVES to hold a book in my hand and READ it! I do not care to have someone else read me a book – therefore I do not buy or listen to e-books. I, like you Amy, also love to read a book while taking a bubblebath. I love to read someone else’s “notes” they have written while reading the book they thought was so good they loaned it to me. So, as you may have guessed – I LOVE BOOKS!
I feel the exact same way…but we are moving to a digital age and well, they probably can’t keep up. Sad.