traditional paper book VS e-book

[Heather]

I love traditional, paperback books. There is just something special about holding a book in your hands, and turning the pages. It's almost like you're holding a treasure. It makes me feel closer to the story. I also love wandering through a bookstore. So many treasures there!

[StardustHorizon]

I much prefer the nice physical books rather than an e-book. There's many reasons why I rather them. First and foremost, the fact that you have a copy of the book you can physically read by turning the pages and you get the feeling of being super antsy and want more of the book when you have it in your hands. The smell of a new book is also a very interesting, peculiar smell. Probably because you have yet to explore the world(s) that are within it, so it gives you a sense of imagination and how would they truly smell--those worlds in there? Lastly, (since it is rather late and I've just been reading a book to where I think I could crash; I'm so exhausted) is the threat of electricity dying on you. What would you do if your e-book reading device ran out of batteries and your power went out. Who knows how long the power will be out. You'd get "threatened" with being bored since you can't sit there and read your book when you want to because the power is out. Sure, you can't read your book in the dark but if you're desperate enough you can use a flashlight for it; or if the power went out in the daytime you can just go sit outside and relax then read your physical copy of your book.

[sarahpayne23]

I went through a phase a few years ago where I felt I had too many books. I had to buy a new book shelf every couple of months and my entire room was lined with book shelves. I just felt cramped, so I decided to look into e-books. I thought this was the best new way to enjoy books. E-books definitely have their benefits. I used to carry around a book in my purse at all times, for those short minutes when I could read a chapter or two, and I would get really sad when I would finish the book I had in my purse while I was out and had nothing to read. I also used to travel a lot and carrying 3-4 books with me for my trip was a little ridiculous, so e-books became a lifesaver.

The thing I can't get past, is the feel of the paper book, turning the pages, and seeing books laying around my place (I know, the very reason I started exploring e-books). Right now, I typically have a book on my e-reader and a paper book which I read at the same time. As long as the stories are different, I don't have a hard time keeping track of the storylines.

Anyone have suggestions about how they store their paper books?

[SparklingOne]

Nearly all e-books now. While I bought my first reader years ago it took me quite a while to read it exclusively. When these devices first came out you couldn't get every book you wanted to read on them. Now it seems like everything is released in this format, and with the ability to borrow e-books from the library it's the only way I read now. Also the e-books are still cheaper than print versions as long as you aren't buying them right after release.

[CrescentMoon]

I love the convenience of ebooks but I definitely prefer to physically hold the book in my hands. I also feel like reading on paper is much better for my eyes. Staring at the screen too long gives me a headache.

[Reader-Rachel]

I'll happily read on either. I switch back and forth between the two. Although, if I do read a really good book on my Kindle, I will the the physical copy to add to my personal library. I would never give up actual physical books for e-books, but I'm a fan of both. Reading is reading.

[kl23]

Paper 'proper' books are my favourite. They also don't fail when the battery dies or need plugging in. And you can read them outside on a sunny day!

[Christine Benedict]

Paper books - hands down

[Booky_BettyC]

I prefer Ebooks. No need to make room on shelves and have clunky books laying around. I also have a "thing" with certain paper. Some paperbooks make me cringe when touching the pages!! Using an ereader, your hands can be all wrinkled from being wet and you won't have that gross feeling have to touch the paper to read!! Lol