What is your preference when it comes to reading books? Are you the kind of person that likes to physically hold a book while you’re reading? Feel the book, smell the book, and hear the pages as you turn them? Did I just say smell the book? Yes. Books have a distinct smell. Walk into any bookstore and tell me you don’t “smell” the books. It’s an awesome smell. Or are you the kind of person that likes to have things digital and use an electronic screen to read?

I am a physical book kind of person. I like to hold a book in my hands. Feeling the pages in my fingers as I turn them and yes, smell them, too. There’s just something about that experience. But, I will say that electronic books (e-readers) have some pros, as well. They certainly don’t take up much space and you can have many books on one device. But, it’s still missing that feel/smell factor for me.

With the pandemic going on right now, I no longer go to my local library. The thought of going inside is one thing but even worse for me is the thought of the books being touched by so many people. I know the library is taking precautions but I think I’ll still wait for now. In the meantime, I am downloading e-books from Amazon and using the Kindle app to read them. I’ve read some great books recently and it’s been pretty convenient, too.

Downloading the books is simply like borrowing them. You don’t have a deadline, though to return them so that’s nice. I’ve also noticed that every book I’ve wanted is available. I’m not sure if that’s because they are only showing available books or if they just have more availability. But, compare that to Overdrive it’s a huge difference. I stopped using Overdrive because almost every book I had an interest in was checked out. I had to then place a hold on it for weeks. One time a book was on a hold for 12 weeks! That’s just crazy.

I also have an Amazon Kindle similar to this. It’s very old but still works. It’s just a basic reader. No back lighting or extra features. I’ve also used a Nook which is an e-reader from Barnes and Noble. My Nook was much older and is now discontinued. But, I have to say after using all of these different devices to read none of them can compare to a real book.

I’m not the kind of person to simply buy a book and read it. I know how long it takes me to find a book that I like so just borrowing them is a better choice for me. That way if I don’t like it, it’s just a simple trip back to the library or pressing return electronically.

So, I’m curious whether there are any of you out there that have never even used an e-reader before. If so, which do you prefer; e-readers or actual books?