Thousands of books have passed through my hands over the years. Back in the day, my books were physical things—dog-eared paperbacks, hardcovers with the dust covers ripped. Today, they consist of electrons, whisked down from the 'Net for a brief time to my tablet, and then, when I'm done, whisked away again like crumbs from a tablecloth.
In the time between high school and graduate school and for two decades beyond, the physical books piled up. The day came, however, when I decided to move from Vermont to New Mexico. I didn't want to truck all those books, so I decided to sell them. I was lucky enough to live near a college town with not one but two used bookstores, and they took almost everything. I have no remorse—I choose to not tongue that particular toothless socket—but I do miss physical books. Librarians and other bibliophiles will understand: the delicious, papery odor of a book, the welcome heft of it in the hand, the pleasure of turning page after page, the transcendent ability to read the book anywhere, anytime, so long as you have a light source.
In the early days, I fought reading on a tablet, but I got used to it. And I came to love it, once I discovered I could download a plenitude of books from my county library without having to visit it. Granted, some of the more obscure titles aren't available in digital form, and a series often is interrupted by an interregnum. (Where is the second book in R. A. Salvatore's "Dark Elf" series?) Also, when I travel now, rather than toting along 20 pounds of books in a canvas bag, I can carry that—and much more—in my 12-ounce tablet.
Besides minimal physical space and portability, one other advantage of digital books: I'm not committed. Once upon a time, no matter how much I might have disliked a book, I read through it to the end, especially if had paid for it or had to lug it back to the library. (My dislike, by the way, is usually an unhappiness with poor grammar, gratuitous tricks of style or non-consequential plotting.) These days, I abandon with abandon.
I usually have a couple of books—all in digital format—going at any one time plus several magazines. I like to read fiction after retiring; fiction serves to build a world in my head, a story I can enter and lull myself to sleep with. (Yes, even Stephen King.) After waking in the morning, I lie in bed with coffee and non-fiction, usually in the form of a book or magazine; non-fiction serves to jump-start my creativity, and I often go right to my keyboard after an hour of reading.
With fiction, I'm eclectic in my tastes: science fiction and fantasy, historical fiction, suspense and detective novels, but rarely romance. Sometimes I fall back on my English degrees and read literature with a capital "L." (Jane Austen, anyone? But not James Joyce, whom I find uncunningly abstruse.) With non-fiction, again, it could be anything. History, science, current trends, philosophy—but not self-help books.
Oh, I still buy the occasional physical book, but it is usually an art book. I recognize a hierarchy of preference, you see, for viewing paintings. It goes from looking at originals in museums, then down to fair reproductions in coffee-table books, and finally to unsatisfactory, pixelated versions on a tiny, illuminated screen. Since my path rarely intersects with museums, my next best option is art books.
By the way, there's a downside to reading digital books so quickly. Recently, I was asked what I'd read lately. Interestingly, I could remember subject and sometimes plot but neither title nor author. It seems that rapid consumption defeats absorption, and the bulk passes through, shit through a goose.
Should I slow down? Can I slow down? The world spins apace. Last month, or maybe it was last year, I bought a couple of physical books, one a collection of short stories by a friend, the other an anthology of essays by some famous people. Both books, sadly, sit untouched on a side table.
I'm tempted to take them to bed with me, but it's so darn hard to reach the light switch of the bedside table.
I like books too. When I moved into my new place, I went through my entire collection and pared it down (went from a big house to a cottage!). I don't regret it either. My favorites are now lining my walls, part nostalgia and part decor. I love it.
What's a good sci-fi series you'd recommend? I just started the Honor Harrington series and am loving it so far.
Thanks Michael After reviewing your suggestion I think I will opt of the Samsung Galaxy Tablet. Gosh they do range in price. I noted some YOUTUBE videos comparing Samsungs Top withe he new iPad Pro. Samsung got rave review in side by side comparison. Ok well thank again. I am not sure that the top of line is needed for reading book though. A less expensive model in Samsung might be in order for books. Your thoughts