I buy a lot of books. In fact, probably an unhealthy amount, an amount I’ll probably never actually read. I’ve got an iPad with the kindle app on it, but I rarely ever use it, unless I’m travelling and already burned through the books I packed. I’m a member of my local library and I spend many an afternoon working there, or just tucked up in a cosy armchair reading. But I still buy books, lots of them, and in a world where the reader’s best friend is the Kindle, I wanted to justify my love of real books.
A more immersive reading experience.
For me, nothing will ever be as immersive as holding a tactile book in my hands, and losing myself in the pages. The physical connection between my hands and the pages alone (not to mention that paper smell) make reading a more all consuming, engrossing experience alone. Add that to the fact that when you’re reading a digital book, you have the temptation of the internet being a few clicks away, well, I never find I’m as focused or as absorbed in a digital book.
Supporting local bookstores.
One of my favourite ways to while away an afternoon is in a local bookstore. I LOVE my local Waterstones, the staff are so friendly, there are hand written recommendations next to new books, an ever-changing stack of staff favourites, some of my favourite reads have come from their ‘blind date with a book’ section. The staff are always suggesting new reads based on my previous purchases, and honestly any excuse to chat books is okay with me. When I travel, you best believe I’m sticking my head into every independent, or second hand book store we see. There’s something magical about shelves and shelves of unexplored adventures.
Share + connect.
One of the best things about finishing a great book is passing it along to a friend and waiting to hear what they have to say about it. I love the social aspect of reading, and I have a network of pals I’m always swapping and sharing books with. You can’t swap digital downloads!
Instant homeware.
I always think a home full of books is a cosy one. I love nothing more than nosying through someone’s bookshelf, the kind of books someone has says so much about who they are as a person. So yes, I’m going to go ahead and say that books also double as homeware.
To support authors.
Now, that’s not to say by downloading a digital copy or picking up a book in a library, you’re not supporting the authors, of course you are! But there’s no denying that buy buying a physical copy, there’s a few more pennies going to the authors who have slaved away to create your new favourite read. There have been a few times I’ve read a digital download and then gone out and picked up the hard copy after because I’ve loved it so much. It’s nice to support the author and nice to have a hard copy of your favourite reads!
And in the end, treating yourself to a beautiful new physical book always feels like a delightful treat!
Are you a hard copy or a digital download kinda reader?