Ebooks are great. I read, on average, 25 or more ebooks every year. They’re convenient, especially when traveling. They don’t take up precious shelf space. They don’t have to be dusted.
I don’t feel guilty when I read an ebook, but I purposefully choose physical books for the majority of my reading, for numerous reasons. Reading a physical book provides a more sensory experience. Touch, smell, weight, all contribute to the pleasure. Studies suggest that those who read a physical book recall and retain the material better. Some find that reading a physical book causes less eyestrain and/or headaches than reading from a screen.
But here’s something I’ve realized only recently. It relates to the legacy I want to leave my kids and grandkids.
You see, when you use a tablet or an e-reader, your kids or grandkids can’t see you reading. That is, they don’t necessarily know you’re reading a book. From their perspective, unless they’re looking over your shoulder, you may be reading Facebook or recipes. You may be watching a movie or YouTube video. You could be checking a text or email message.
But when you hold a physical book in your hands, it says something to a child or young person who may—even casually—notice. It communicates, “This is something people do.” It says, “Books are interesting,” “Reading is fun,” “This is a great way to use your time.”
It may seem like a small thing, and maybe it is. And I have no plans to abandon ebooks, by any means. But children live the values they learn from parents and others. Maybe they will value books and reading more if they’re given the opportunity to observe the appeal of a good book in the material world.
A Guaranteed Rejection
I really really like to read,
it gives me sense of time and place,
and for that final glow I need
a big cigar and a case
of beer beside the packing crate
that does its duty as my chair.
You may not think this setup great,
but ‘fore you go and judge, take care,
for reading’s an experience
that is unique unto each man,
and if you show me tolerance
in turn I’ll show you that you can
enjoy this too, so sit ye down
with book, cheroot, and nutty brown.
Perhaps this is a case also for taking a physical Bible to church.
I agree Bob. The same is true about reading a Bible vs. a digital device. I look up verses on my phone and it’s convenient, but noting and dating in my Bible with names of family members as I pray a passage or verse for them, is something I want my family to find after I’m gone. Legacy doesn’t happen with a phone or tablet.
Marilyn, I don’t know if this is germane to your comment, but one day Barb and I were in the Starbucks in a Barnes and Noble, and she overhead a woman at the next table say to her son that she’d never met an author.
To my shock, Barb waved her over and pointed to me. “Here’s one!”
The lady downloaded my book onto her phone…and then handed me a Sharpie and asked me to autograph the back of the phone’s case.
Maybe the legacy isn’t the signature. Maybe it’s the request for remembrance, in the sight of a child.
Amen! I read very few books on e-readers, because of the eye strain/headache issue, and I love, simply love, the feel of a book in my hands! it’s a feeling that has comforted me and giving me joy since I was a child and the sensory aspects of turning the page to see what happens next, the smell of old books, the weight and heaviness of a serious, satisfying fat classic tome in my hands….
Ditto with photographs, most of which will probably never be printed off my phone. Where is the legacy for my kids and grandkids in that? However I have pictures of my mom as a young woman that I treasure… I wonder if I would have those pictures if smartphones had existed in those days?
This is a great point. I have two nephews and so far, the oldest adores books. However, they don’t often see people reading except with them. I love the idea of someday reading books in the same room as my boys, and that’ll definitely start with me reading in their presence when they get a little older.
Bob,
Worldwide the statistics show that phyiscal books are here to stay. I heard the CEO of Penguin Random House (the largest publisher in the world) say their statistics are 80% print and 20% ebook. Ebooks did not take over the world and physical books will always be around.
Terry
author of Book Proposals That $ell, 21 Secrets To Speed Your Success (Revised Edition) [Follow the Link for a FREE copy]
That’s a significant statistic. As a devotee of reading a physical book, I also practice being ready to write a comment or a question in the margin. Sometimes I’ll include the date and the place where I am/was … to give context to the thought.
There is something to be said … er, that might be said to someone you see reading a book. You might strike up a conversation, ask about the book, the author, recommendations, preferences, subject matter, and see what develops. Our God is not shy.
There is a saying I have seen: Opportunity reveals the man.
My single parent mother raised 10 children, graduated from a community college, and liked to read. I got addicted through her. I had over 3000 books in my pastoral library. I’ve retired and downsized to about 200. It was thrilling to pass the other 2800+ books along to those who would use them.
[But when you hold a physical book in your hands, it says something to a child or young person who may—even casually—notice. It communicates, “This is something people do.” It says, “Books are interesting,” “Reading is fun,” “This is a great way to use your time.”]
I had never thought of that point before! And it’s SUCH a good one!
I fully agree with the kids part. Reading to and with our kids and grandkids has always been a huge part of our lives and I hope that legacy goes on for generations without end. Having said that, I doubt that my great great grandchildren will ever read more than a single physical book or two in their lives; I’d like to travel across the ocean in a sailing ship but it’s just not convenient these days, nor do I believe a big old heavy book book will be in their times.
That is so true. Great reminder of the many wonderful benefits of reading a physical book. Thank you!
To hold a physical book in my hand is like holding a cast of friends I’ll will soon meet. I look forward to not just meeting the characters, but feeling the pages turning in my hand, knowing I can easily go back with a flip of my fingers to a place I wish to reread or underline for future reference. It’s not just tactile, but all senses accept taste are involved. The feel of the book, looking at the cover with just a quick turn, hearing the page as I physical use my fingers to turn to the next page, the smell of the pages, reminding me of the years I spent in bookstores, old and new, each book distinct in its own unique aroma. Now if I only had more shelves to hold all these treasured physical books. Grateful for libraries.,
Yes, yes, yes! Even if I do drop the book in the bath occasionally…
And yes, to taking our Bible to church! I’m amazed how few young people can actually navigate their way to Obadiah or Hosea without the internet doing it for them.
Yes, I agree, Bob. Physical books make a big difference. Your point about our children is so great. Most don’t think about that legacy. Fabulous. Thank you!
I agree
So true! I learned this on a recent road trip with two grandkids. I was reading an e-book (not driving!) when my 10-year-0ld granddaughter asked what I was “looking at.” I told her I was a reading a book then noticed she brought her physical book. In her eyes, we were doing different activities. So we focused on her reading out loud to me and having a conversation about her book, The Magician’s Nephew. Focusing on the physical book lent itself to conversation. We were not just consumers of information, but participants.
I have to stare at a screen so much that holding and reading a physical book offers sweet relief.