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It's relatively easy to understand why—e-readers capitalize on impulse buys and the ability to download a book in seconds rather than driving to the nearest bookstore or waiting for a print book to be delivered to you certainly makes the whole book-buying process much faster and more convenient. Combine that with the (usually) lower prices of e-books, and it's not all that surprising that people with e-readers tend to buy and read more than those without.
Over the course of the last five years, the most I'd ever read in a year was eleven books (pitiful, I know). Now that I've had an e-reader for nearly a year, however, I've found that the survey results have proven true for me as well: the year isn't out yet, and I've already read nearly nineteen books—ten (and a half) e-books and eight print.
While I know for many of you, eighteen books in a year is nothing, having an e-reader has made a huge difference in the amount I read—in fact, I've already doubled the amount of books I read last year.
I'll admit I was hesitant about trying out e-readers—I even wrote a post about my reasoning behind my hesitation before I tried it out. I worried about eye fatigue and had thoughts like it won't be the same and I talked about the texture of pages and the smell of a new book.
But nearly a year later, I've come to realize it's not supposed to be the same. Yes, reading a print books feels entirely different from reading an e-reader. Yes, you lose some nuances in the print reading experience—the feel of the paper, the weight of the book, the rustle of pages and satisfaction of adding a book you've read to your bookshelf. Those things don't exist with e-readers.
But I don't believe that you have to choose between print or e-books. I don't believe that it's impossible for e-books to thrive in a world where print books are popular. I don't believe that it has to be a one or the other mentality—the two can, and should exist side by side.
For now at least, e-readers make it easier and more convenient to read—and as a bonus, they encourage people to buy more books than they might have otherwise. And as a writer, that sounds pretty great to me.
What do you think? If you have an e-reader, have you found that you're reading more than you did without it? If you don't have an e-reader, why have you held back?
I definitely find that I'm reading more. I don't have an actual e-reader, but do have the kindle app on my iphone, so read a lot on there. And didn't realize until I got my credit card statement last month that I spent $25 on books in one month. Not a lot maybe, but if I went into a store to buy books, I'd realize more what I was spending. And I got more books for that $25 than I would have at the store since most of them were between $0.99-$2.99. Another bonus, I've been reading a bigger range of genres than I normally would. I would like to get an actual e-reader with a bigger screen than my phone and with a battery that lasts longer than 1 hour when in use. :)
ReplyDeleteHi! This is so true for me. I got a tablet only a few weeks ago and I've read a couple of books already. I have decided though that i will continue to buy print books from those authors that I love (a lot of well known authors overprice their ebooks). But I want to support indie authors too. I want someone to take a risk on my books one day too so why not return the favour! I love being able to buy a book quickly and cheaply and if u don't like it, it doesn't matter. It only cost $0.99!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great point about being able to buy more books for the same amount of money--print books are usually more expensive, so you can definitely get more bang for your buck with e-books. Also, I find it interesting that you mentioned reading a bigger range of genres, because while I hadn't thought about it while writing the post, I have to say I certainly did expand a little more with genres after getting an e-reader. Hmm.
ReplyDeleteIf you're looking for a relatively inexpensive e-reader, I recommend the NOOK Simple Touch. It's a great little e-reader with fantastic battery life--it can easily last for days (or even weeks) without a charge as long as you remember to turn it off while you're not using it.
I definitely like buying both print and e-books. If I started a series in print (before getting an e-reader), then I'll continue to buy the print version, and if I really like an author and the print isn't much more expensive than the e-book, then it's not unlikely that I'll get the e-book. I also find that being able to sample any book for free whenever I want is a pretty fantastic bonus. :)
ReplyDeleteI bought my e-reader hesitantly, mainly because I couldn't ignore the convenience of being able to carry a "library" with me when going on holiday. (I read a LOT on holiday.) I was under the impression that reading on e-readers would be slightly uncomfortable. But when I received the device I was surprised to discover that I PREFERRED reading with it.
ReplyDeleteReading is now so much easier. I can pop my Kindle in my purse and read in lineups, while on transit etc. (I can't do that with print books unless they're small enough to carry around easily.)
I do read print books as well -- from the library or as gifts or "borrowings" from friends. But if I had a choice, I'd always read on my e-reader.
I can't say it's increased my reading, though. In a typical year I always read between 52 and 70 books. Still doing that, but no better.
I think ebooks will eventually reduce regular books to a very small part of reading, not because they're better, just more convenient. And in the end it's story that counts.
ReplyDeletemood
My sister gave me a Kindle for my birthday, and I've loved it so far. It's definitely helped me read more. Now I want the new Kindle Fire HD :) And I completely agree with Mooderino. When the story is good, it doesn't matter how you're reading it because the device or book disappears
ReplyDeleteI love my e-reader. I've found that I read much more as well with it. I can even download from the library instantly! It's so great. I haven't given up print books, but now I buy them as collector's items, and get them signed by my favorite authors.
ReplyDeleteI don't have one yet. I can't convince myself! To be honest, considering there are libraries where I can borrow MANY books for free, I haven't seen the need yet. Plus I'm always dropping my books everywhere and spilling water all over them...you can't do that with an e-reader :)
ReplyDeleteI'm funny about books--more times than not, I like to own copies of books I've read. I suppose I really just love collecting them, which is why I still enjoy buying print books. Collecting e-books doesn't have quite the same effect.
ReplyDeleteSince I bought a tablet, I read a lot more--and I used to read printed books quite bit anyway. I've read fan fiction in the past too, so the concept of reading on a screen isn't foreign to me. As far as I'm concerned, it's about the words, and not how I go about reading them. A good story is a good story.
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting post, Ava. I am still on the fence about buying one, unless someone decides to send me one for Christmas!
ReplyDeleteHowever, the rise and rise of eReaders has got me thinking about my own WiP in regard to chapter length. With people reading in brief bursts these days as our attention spans seemingly decrease under competing sources (read: Internet), writing long chapters could be a turn-off for some. That being said, eReaders automatically save where you cease reading. How do you go about your chapter lengths? Any thoughts?
I've found that reading with one hand is much easier on an e-reader than with a print book, as you don't need a second hand to turn the pages--you can just press a button or swipe with your thumb, depending on the device you have. Holding an e-reader with one hand is also easier than holding a print book with one hand, IMO. I think both have their advantages and disadvantages, so I'm not sure that I really prefer either--I just them pretty equally.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, 52-70 books a year is very impressive regardless of whether or not you're reading more post e-reader.
I think if e-books do reduce print books to a small part of book selling, it won't be for a while yet, but I agree that in many ways, e-readers are much more convenient.
ReplyDeleteI also absolutely agree that it's not the medium that's important--it's the story itself. Print or e-books, it all comes down to the story.
It's been interesting to see just how many options there are out there for e-readers--and the options just continues to expand. On another note, I also agree with mooderino--in the end the medium doesn't matter.
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that you buy print books as collector's items. I like to collect print books too, but I buy a lot more print books than I have signed.
ReplyDeleteYou definitely don't want to spill water on an e-reader, although some are hardier than others and can take minor drops (although those tend to be the less fancy e-ink e-readers, versus the nice HD tablet ones).
ReplyDeleteI'm funny about my books. While I don't mind borrowing from a friend or family member, I still prefer to own whatever I choose to read, print or otherwise. I'm guess I'm just quirky that way. :)
"A good story is a good story."
ReplyDeleteExactly.
Hmm... I think I'll write a post about this. :)
ReplyDeleteI'd love to read it! I've been thinking about writing on the topic on my own blog as I've just recently halved my first chapter from its original 4,000+ words.
ReplyDeleteThe post will be up on Monday. ^_^
ReplyDeleteAlso, if you do decide to blog about it, feel free to leave me the link.
I have a room at home dedicated to my library of 3,000+ paper books.They cover all the walls in bookshelves two books deep. Since getting an e-reader two years ago they've also acquired a layer of dust. So has the TV.
ReplyDeleteI much prefer to use an e-reader. I have three and plan on getting a fourth when the Kindle Fire HD is available. I also have e-reading apps on my phone. All of my books could fit on any one of my e-readers and that will fit in my pocket. I'm never short of reading material. My 'Read 2012' folder now contains 53 books and I tend to go for longer books.
I download a book as a sample first. They either get deleted, moved to a 'To buy' folder or if the book really captures my attention, I'll buy it at the sample end and continue reading.
Although I read a lot before, I definitely read more now and if a book isn't available as an e-book - I probably won't buy it.
Actually, this didn't happen to me. I practically live at the library so I decided to try an ereader out. Long story short, yes I buy books more often than I used to-- but I also leave them unread for months at a time before actually reading them. In the end my lil brother ended up nicking it off of me to play games on it instead.
ReplyDeleteWow! I have to say, I'm a tad bit jealous of that wonderful sounding library, but I like your e-reading system. I also always download a sample first (regardless of whether I want to buy the print or e-book version), then decide based off the synopsis and sample whether I want to continue reading. I find it interesting that you won't buy a book that isn't available as an e-book. While I'm relatively sure that's rare nowadays (although, I suppose I could be wrong?) I think it's interesting that you've completely transitioned over to e-books.
ReplyDeleteAlso, reading 53 books in a year is very impressive (to me, at least).
Very interesting! You're actually the first person with an e-reader to express a completely different experience, so thank you for sharing. Just out of curiosity, why do you think you leave the e-books you buy unread for so long? Do you think it'd be different if they were print books?
ReplyDeleteNever thought of it that way, but I guess the biggest thing there is the pricing. I can afford more ebooks than paperbacks, so naturally it would add up to reading more, which is great. I think both formats are good for their own purposes, like you said, depending on how urgent the read. Plus, I just love the feel of a solid book in your hands. Good thought!
ReplyDeleteAva, I appreciate your conclusion that one can enjoy an e-reader AND regular books. I would add audio books to the list - I find I listen - and ingest - more material by adding audio books to my tool case because I can do other things - housework, gardening, knitting, sewing, etc. while listening to books that have been downloaded to my MP3 player. Why limit oneself to any one type of reading method - do whatever works best for you!
ReplyDeleteMonday evening here in Tokyo! My post is online now :) Here's the link, Ava: http://t.co/kwYB0goe
ReplyDeleteI totally read more when I got my kindle, then I let my wife (girlfriend at the time) borrow it, and what do you know I stopped reading. I think my only gripes with e-books are that borrowing is not easy even though its possible, and the poetry selection is just depressingly terrible. Other than that, I think that they are great!
ReplyDeletePricing is definitely a factor--e-books are usually cheaper than print books, so you can definitely get more bang for your buck so to speak, when it comes to e-books. Thanks for commenting!
ReplyDeleteYou know, maybe I'm a little weird but I've never listened to a full audio book before. I suppose I worry I might start daydreaming or something while listening.
ReplyDeleteRegardless of my reading habits, you make a great point by pointing out that that's yet another medium to consider--and I absolutely agree that you should do whatever works for you. :)
I agree about the borrowing bit--you have two options as far as borrowing e-books go: either let someone borrow your e-reader (in which case they're borrowing much more than one book) or lend to someone who has the same type of e-reader (NOOK to NOOK, Kindle to Kindle, etc). If someone who doesn't have an e-reader (or the same type of e-reader) as you wants to borrow an e-book, it's not as easy as just handing over the paperback copy. On the other hand, if someone who does have the same type of e-reader as you lives far away and wants to borrow a book, it's exceedingly easy.
ReplyDeleteGreat point, Austin! Thanks for commenting!
Thank you, Khai!
ReplyDeleteI have started reading and buying a ton more books because of my e-reader. It's absolutely true! I wouldn't have gotten a kindle, even though I love it, except my boyfriend bought me one for Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI also got my e-reader as a gift--and it's one that I'm very happy I received. :)
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