Electronic Reader Fixation
Posted: June 20, 2012 Filed under: Paris | Tags: e-readers, paris 4 Comments »Sometimes I get fixated a decision and become paralyzed by it. The last few days that decision has been whether or not to buy a Kindle. It’s not the cost (they really are affordable) but the issue of giving up physical books.
in cinque terre
I love reading. As far back as I can remember it has been my favorite way of entertaining myself. I’m not always easy to entertain and have never really liked TV or movies. Books, however, keep me completely rapt for hours at a time.
When I think back to many of my favorite memories they involved reading (usually in some beautiful or peaceful location). When I picture life in Paris I imagine reading along the Seine, in cafes, in Luxembourg Gardens. In all of my memories and daydreams I am holding a book. Not a piece of technology.
In the mountains for Thanksgiving
I’ve never really been a luddite but find myself having those tendencies with the whole kindle/nook trend.
2006 in our house. short hair!
That said, my options are limited with our upcoming move. If I am committed to books, either I find an English bookstore in Paris and spend a large portion of my weekly budget there or I pack so many books that we need to leave the Vitamix and Nespresso at home (and shoes, for that matter). I can imagine that I won’t have the engergy physically to spend my time at first tracking down affordable books all around town.
While backpacking through Europe.
This week I’ve been struck by the realization that I need to bite the bullet and get a Kindle.
In Edinburgh. 2007.
So, that’s it. No real point to this post except that I have been unneseccaryily obsessed with this decision.
San Diego. 2010.
Emerald Isle. 2010.
My guess is that it stems my from uncertainly about our loft, our Paris apartment, my health, packing, work, money, etc. It’s likely easier just to worry about something minor than admit all the major aspects of the move that are unknown.
East Village. 2010
Do you have a Kindle? Do you find it as comforting and good old-fashioned books?
Looooove my kindle! Do it! If you or Joel already have a kindle account on an ipad then you can use the same log-in and stuff and share books. That’s what Will and I do. I’m pretty sure you can also share books with friends too if you have amazon prime, but I don’t.
Though, I just left your blog and immediately saw this article: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/21/books/french-bookstores-are-still-prospering.html?hp
Do it! Getting a Kindle is not the same thing as forsaking books. I was skeptical myself until I went on a trip to Costa Rica and finished my two books less than 1 day in (thanks to reading on the plane) and a friend easily had 20 books left on her Kindle to read. It’s easy on the luggage for trips, but I also love keeping it in my purse and pulling it out at times that might otherwise annoy me (like waiting in line at the dmv). If I want to buy a book, I still can. Kindles don’t get jealous. You’ll love it
Kristina- I bit the bullet and bought the touch. I like it so far, although I haven’t used it much. I still feel like I’m holding a computer but I am hoping that once I really get into a book it won’t matter.
Your comment had me laughing- I read it out loud to Joel.
Jessica