Reading time: Just over 1 minute
This is my weekly installment of “writing about writing,” in which I scan the world to find websites, books and articles to help writers. Today I discuss an article from the Observer in which the writer mocks e-readers…..
Did you get an e-reader for Christmas? I’ve been an enthusiastic Kindle owner for the last three or so years and while I don’t use it every day, I love my e-reader.
I find it especially useful for travelling. How else could I take a gigantic library on a plane, with only a small carry-on bag? I also enjoy being able to keep it the Kindle in my purse and dip into reading whenever I have a few moments to spare — on the train, waiting to see a doctor, waiting in line at the bank. I read 62 books last year, in large part, because I make liberal use of my Kindle.
When a friend sent me a link to an article about e-readers in the Observer, I smiled when I read it. The writer seemed to suggest that e-readers are simply a fad that, with any luck, will soon wear itself out. I think she’s underestimating the value of convenience.
While I like books, I’d much rather read fiction on my e-reader. It’s easier. I can hold it in one hand and turn the page, while lying in bed. It always keeps my place without a bookmark. If my eyes tire, I can make the print bigger with the click of a button.
I agree with the writer that most cheap e-books are, well, cheap. But after the first one, I stopped buying them.
When I total up the benefits and disadvantages columns, I come down on the side of the benefits. What’s your view?
