In general, I am someone who reads very quickly, within a week remembers only key points, but as soon as I start to re-read the book I then remember every detail. A few books are an exception, but this is my general experience. I don't know if there are others who experience this as well, but that's how my brain works. I think that's why my writing is very fast paced and very visual - it helps people like me retain more of what they read.
Anyway - here is a quick list of the benefits and negatives I have found by going e:
Benefits:
- You can start reading as soon as you even hear about a book - love the immediate gratification
- You can bring a ton of books with you on a trip - I have been known to pack over 10 pounds of books during travel
- It's physically easier to read - not having to adjust positions because a book is getting heavy in the hands is definitely a positive
- I can mark areas of interest and find them again easily without using so many post-its that my book looks like it is fringed
- I am having trouble remembering the titles of the books I've read - I have no visual of the cover art to keep reinforcing the title in my head
- I am having trouble remembering the authors - the above point impacts this, but also I didn't have to force myself to remember both the author of interest and to get my backside to the bookstore
- The social activities of reading are diminished - hey, I work in publishing. I get why sharing books is not a positive from a business perspective and deprives authors of well earned royalties. However there is a communal aspect in showing and sharing your library, of taking a beloved book out and discussing it with a friend.
- There isn't a special way to store, and keep seeing, such a beloved book - I like looking at my bookshelves, seeing a book I enjoyed and remembering the experience.
This a great post! I love my kindle, but it does have drawbacks. I live nowhere near a bookstore, so I have to go three hours to the nearest city or wait a couple of weeks for a book I want. So the Kindle is fantastic in that respect. I can get a book now. Yay! But if I find a book I really enjoyed, I buy a hard copy for my personal library. I just can't help it. They do tend to get lost on the Kindle. There is nothing better for going on trips though. Talk about relief on the arm muscles (or lack thereof). Great post!
ReplyDeleteI read the same way you do! Way too fast! but it makes rereads fun!
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