The curse of paper books and the danger of e-books
Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 08:46AM
It’s been a book I’ve long wanted to re-read.* But I put if off since it has not been published in the Kindle format, let alone offered by my public library on Libby.
I did find a copy of Harry Combs Brules in the Internet Archive and started reading it there. But I found the “reader” almost impossible to use on my iPad. The book couldn’t be downloaded and it didn’t make sense to just read it on my laptop.
So I broke down and bought the paperback version. And boy, do I regret it.
I had forgotten just what a pain in the butt reading a fat, heavy, stiff, small print publication can be. I have to have my reading glasses. I have to have really good light. I have to remember to bring the damn thing with me when I leave the house if I want to read it somewhere other than in my recliner. I have to rest my wrists and fingers now and then.
Reading on my phone, my iPad, and my Kindle has really spoiled me. Synchronization among devices (The last location read is _____. Go there?) Customizable font size. Back lighting. Instant definitions of unknown words. No crowded book shelves. No visits to the physical library for pick up or return. No overdues. Yes, I have to keep the devices charged, but it is a small price to pay for the ease with which they allow me to read.
Way, way back in 1995, I wrote a column called "The Future of Books" in which I complained about the shortcomings of print books and speculated on the positive possibilities of e-books. Considering it was 30 years ago, I didn’t do too bad.
Even though I have been an avid reader all my life, I wonder just how much reading I would be doing today in my dotage were it not for ebooks. Yet another case of technology’s subtle invasion and control over our lives. It won’t be killer robots that will lead to our species extinction, but the denial of technological services of a rebellious AI subspecies.
*The book’s content has not aged well. Extremely violent and rather slow paced, it’s not just the format that making Brules a tough read.
Reader Comments (4)
Haha, my thoughts here:
https://mglink.org/2025/04/01/print-book-perspectives/
I'm thankful we have both options, although I use the Kindle and Boundless apps on my iPad and my actual Kindle far more than I buy print books. Like you, my eyes are on the decline, and I like being able to enlarge the print on the screen. I leave my iPad downstairs and my Kindle by my bed, so the syncing feature is terrific!
Miguel,
May I suggest using your public library to obtain new books? Crazy, I know, but it just might work!
Do they still have libraries in Texas?
Doug
Hi Mandy,
Yeah, I feel kind of bad for my parents and grandparents who were great readers but did not have the option of ebooks. I remember my grandmother's old round magnifying glass always sitting near her chair. (Actually I have one too for reading the fine print on stuff!)
Doug
Yes, of course, you can suggest. As a veteran ebook purloiner (does that word mean what I thought it did?), I find it easier to buy books than go to the Library, check them out, then return them. I have also found that the digital ebooks they have available aren't always the ebooks I'm looking for.
Simply, I want digital and print copies I own with digital rights management.
I'm enjoying success at that, but I'm also having to spend time looking for what to read next...Amazon eliminated that trouble for me.
Like many other bibliophiles, I have books everywhere, in every nook and cranny of my home, as well as digital books, audiobooks on every device. And, I won't mention all the books on teaching reading and writing a colleague left stacked halfway to the ceiling on my file cabinet at work.
I am grateful for books to read, print or digital or audio. I loved your complaining about print, though. Old dude problems.
hehe
Miguel