Reading Part 2 – How Do I Read?

 

All people my age began their reading experiences with books.  Whether comic books, textbooks, or novels, it was all on a printed page. And many of us continue to use that medium because it is familiar; we like the feel of the pages and the smell of the covers.

But we are now in the age of reading options. In my car, I listen to an audiobook. At my desk, I have hardcover books. I have both a Kindle and a Kobo reader for e-books. And I have the app on my phone.

I love reading in every form. But if you are trying to determine your comfortable mode, I offer my not-extensive, not-researched thoughts on how to choose your own reading medium.

 

If you are forgetful.

If you often lay a book down and forget where you left it, reading from your phone means you always have a book in your pocket. Unless you are also a person who forgets their phone.

If you like to share your books with others.

Although Sydnie has provided a library of electronic books for our family to share, you do have to know words like “download” and “retrieve” so you may find it easier to loan a hard copy of a favorite book.  

 

If your books are valuable and you are concerned about loaning them and never getting them back.

Ignore the suggestion above.

 

If you want people to SEE that you are a reader of print books.

Carry a book under your arm and wear glasses.

 

If you want people to HEAR that you are a reader of print books.

I have found that avid readers often mispronounce words that they have read but have never heard. So read print books and let the world chuckle when you mispronounce hyperbole or Penelope. They will know you are a book reader, not a book listener.

 

If you have vision issues.

I am convinced that typeface print is getting smaller as I get older. Kobo readers allow for the font to be enlarged, the lighting to be adjusted, and it even comes with bookmarkers.

 

If you want a readily available dictionary.

I am a big fan of using the dictionaries that come with e-books. Simply touch the word, and you can see the definition immediately.

I have become so acclimated to this electronic resource that I once pressed a word several times in a print book before realizing I was going to need a Webster Dictionary.

If you prefer using the library rather than purchasing.

Print books are still available at your local public library. But after decades of browsing shelves, I was excited (and mystified) when I discovered that libraries could check out electronic books to their patrons. I am obviously not the only person who knows this because some of my selections have a 23-week waiting list.

 

It doesn’t matter if you choose hardcover books, paperbacks, electronic versions, audio or even scrolls - the only wrong medium is the one you never open.