22 April 2010

Real Books or EBooks?

Happy Earth Day!

Last year on Earth Day I talked about how when you are eating healthy it is so much better for the earth as well as your body. I am still practicing that, probably even more so now because it is part of our lifestyle rather than a practice that I am struggling to implement. That feels good.

So this year I'm going to pose a question that for once doesn't have to do with diet and exercise. Ready? You over the shock? Good.

Do you have a kindle? I can't decide if I want one or not. Here's the deal. James is finally getting to an age where he can play alone or with his sister without my constant focus. That said, I am starting to read again. I love to read. My favorite things to read are fiction, especially series books where I can really get to know the characters. Lately, I have re-read the Twilight series for the THIRD time. I can't believe it either, I've never re-read books before, at least not like that! I re-read those like it is the first time all over again.

Knowing that about myself it bothers me to purchase books to only read them once or maybe twice and then try to store them in our already overflowing library or to sell them in a garage sale or at a used book store. I know I could use the library but I've never been a fan of the pressure of taking care of someone else's property. (Don't roll your eyes, I really do feel anxious when renting something or checking out a book. I worry about taking perfect care of it and with kids around it worries me even more.) I am also a little sicked out with the thought of curling up in my bed with a book that I don't know where its been. Or turning pages that someone else might have licked their finger to turn. Seriously, I realize I may need help but that is not the issue at hand!

Also I am also often buying books for Bible Studies that I am involved in so that I can underline and make notes. That is possible on the kindle and I wouldn't have to make the time to go to the book store or wait on it to ship. Kindle books are also some cheaper than book store books even with a coupon.

For Mother's Day I was planning to ask for several different books that I know I want to add to my library. One is a parenting one that I have been wanting for a while but the book store never has it when I think to look for it. I think it would be one I want to keep for reference. Anyway, now I am thinking about asking for a kindle but am torn on whether or not it is a worthy investment. Also, Amazon is often offering free books for the kindle. Books that I might enjoy reading but would probably never buy.

It also seems like the purchase of a kindle would save some trees too! I want to be kind to our earth in all areas of my life...

Please tell me, what do you think? Do you have an ebook reader?
Also, go enter my giveaway!

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4 comments:

Brooke from The Bluestocking Guide said...

Very interesting that you ask this. Although a Kindle saves trees, the process to create a Kindle isn't Earth friendly at all. I just read an article on this. The article suggests that books may be better.

That said, I intend to purchas an ipad.

Crazy Cathcart said...

Hey girl!
I borrow books from the library (since I realized I have a $20-30 a month book buying habit) and the last one I borrowed REEKED of smoke! Totally disgusting so I hear ya...
That being said, my BF Jessica reads the kindle stuff on her I-phone...She loves it! So maybe you could try it on your phone and then make your decision...let me know what you do!

Unknown said...

I think it's a great question, Natalie. What I wonder is what happens after it either outdates or stops working? Then we have all these electronics in the landfill. But I dunno. If you use it, it sounds like the Kindle is a great investment!

Kinda like paper or plastic, hey? Even reusable bags are not perfect. We just can't seem to win.

Cheryl said...

there is something about holding a book in my hand that makes the whole reading experience....I now use the library alot more and purchase less. The kindle is $20-30 per download is it not?