At the heart of what makes up a book is the story within it. The delivery and enjoyment are a matter of preference. Books today come in a variety formats. Some are paper, some are digital, and some are audible. Some combine visual and audible styles through movie adaptations. Here are my thoughts on the three most common book versions.
Paperback and Hardcover Books
The positive: This is the oldest form besides oral storytelling. Print books are the standard in homes all over the world. Printed books occupy a warm spot in my heart. I grew up reading books in this format. With a printed book, I can flip through the pages. I know how far I am in the story. With non-fiction books, I can move around in the book to find the information I seek. I can display them on a bookshelf. I can get an autographed copy.
The downside: Printed books are bulky. They take up a lot of space. I am more likely to limit the number of books I take with me on a trip or overnight stay. The pages can tear and fade. Sometimes the binding comes unglued. The paper triggers my allergies.
E-Books
The positive: I can carry a lot of books with me in my pocket or purse. They remain dust free. I can brighten or dim the page. I can adjust the size of the print. Most reading apps offer a variety of features such as displaying a word's definition by pressing down on it.
The downside: The limitations of one’s personal electronics.
Audible Books
The positive: Can load onto one device. A person can listen while doing something else such as housecleaning. A reading group can listen together. Audible books offer an option for individuals with visual impairments or people that cannot read.
The downside: No control over the sound of the voice, pacing, or cadence.
Which reading method I choose depends on the situation and my mood. A cozy chair in front of a glowing fireplace screams printed book. Waiting at the doctor’s office lends itself well to an e-book on my cell phone. A reclined lounge chair at the pool or beach is perfect for audible books. In conclusion, I embrace and am thankful for all three options.
Paperback and Hardcover Books
The positive: This is the oldest form besides oral storytelling. Print books are the standard in homes all over the world. Printed books occupy a warm spot in my heart. I grew up reading books in this format. With a printed book, I can flip through the pages. I know how far I am in the story. With non-fiction books, I can move around in the book to find the information I seek. I can display them on a bookshelf. I can get an autographed copy.
The downside: Printed books are bulky. They take up a lot of space. I am more likely to limit the number of books I take with me on a trip or overnight stay. The pages can tear and fade. Sometimes the binding comes unglued. The paper triggers my allergies.
E-Books
The positive: I can carry a lot of books with me in my pocket or purse. They remain dust free. I can brighten or dim the page. I can adjust the size of the print. Most reading apps offer a variety of features such as displaying a word's definition by pressing down on it.
The downside: The limitations of one’s personal electronics.
Audible Books
The positive: Can load onto one device. A person can listen while doing something else such as housecleaning. A reading group can listen together. Audible books offer an option for individuals with visual impairments or people that cannot read.
The downside: No control over the sound of the voice, pacing, or cadence.
Which reading method I choose depends on the situation and my mood. A cozy chair in front of a glowing fireplace screams printed book. Waiting at the doctor’s office lends itself well to an e-book on my cell phone. A reclined lounge chair at the pool or beach is perfect for audible books. In conclusion, I embrace and am thankful for all three options.
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