An advertisement for Amazon’s “Kindle” e-book reader has me contemplating e-books again. I go through stages where I almost like the notion of reading via screen, keyboard and fiber cable, but then I come back to my love of printed covers and textured pages, and the fact that even the most expensive e-book reader isn’t designed for use while soaking in a tub.
(Not that conventional books are either, really.)
Somehow, I can never immerse myself into an e-book the way I can with paperbacks or hardcovers. It’s not the physical presence, as there is something to hold in either case. I think it has to do with the way we read computer text, not blinking fully and staring at certain parts of the page, being different from the way we read text on paper.
Or it could just be that I like the smell of paper, and the smell of a book should be associated with that papery scent. Dusty, dry, crisp, ancient, magical paper.
Same here. Although I prefer to read articles and news related items on the web (saves trees) I prefer a book in my hand to an e-book. The dusty papery smell you describe reminds me of my favorite recycled bookstore.
I agree, although to me it is the physical presence of the book. That’s why I greatly prefer a hardcover to a paperback. I guess I just take it more seriously. Just my personal opinion for what it’s worth.