If you are a regular reader of this blog, I’ve got to assume that you are also a reader of books. More than likely you’re a voracious reader of books. Me, too.
One of the great things that happened to me as a reader in the last couple of years was the Kindle. Most of my pleasure reading is done in bed before I call it a night. The other place I like to read is on my exercise cycle (a good novel keeps me peddling longer). A lightweight digital book reader is perfect for both of those places.
When I bought my first Kindle, I didn’t expect to fall in love with it. I thought it would be handy for reading my manuscripts during that final read-and-polish stage. But I quickly found that the Kindle was a real pleasure to use. I have to hold a hard cover or thick trade paperback with two hands. I can read the same books on the Kindle with just one hand. One press of my thumb turns the page. And when I’m on the cycle, I can make the font larger so fast riding doesn’t make the screen hard to read.
Last Thursday, I received my new third generation Kindle. While the screen size remains the same, the Kindle 3 is smaller than its predecessors, not to mention a whole lot cheaper. It will hold an amazing 3500 books (I’ve got 265 on mine), and the battery will last for a month on a single charge with WiFi turned off. It weighs just 8 oz without the cover on it. There is no glare on the screen when in direct sunlight so you can read it on the beach. I can sync my books for reading on my iPhone if I find myself waiting somewhere without a book to read. And one truly awesome perk … many publishers give away free books for the Kindle for limited amounts of time. I’ve picked up free books by some of my favorite Christian authors during these weekly or monthly promotions. I’ve also added lots of classic novels that are in the public domain (meaning free), hoping I’ll find time to read them again.
Yes, I have become an unabashed fan of the Kindle ebook reader. If you’ve been thinking about getting a digital reader, I say, “Go for it.”
Oh, I still have bookshelves filled with books in every room of my home, and I still prefer physical books for research because I remember bits of information better when I highlight in various bright colors. But when reading for pleasure, it’s me and my Kindle all the way.
~robin
PS Today it’s three months since I shattered my ankle. I’ve come a long way, even though three months feels like a looooooong time. I’ll be seeing the surgeon this afternoon, and I’m eager to know how he thinks I’m doing. I’ll be glad when the bubble boot is no longer required. Who knows? Maybe I’ll find out I’m already there.
