Kindle

For the longest time I fought the idea of an ebook or ereader. I thought nothing could replace having a real book in your hands and turning the pages. I was also hesitant because I didn't want to spend tons of money on books. Most of the time I just borrow books from friends or family or the library. Why would I BUY a product where I constantly have to pay to use it?? For that reason alone I do not own an MP3 player- I also have no use for one.

I really like to read in bed, or at least reclined, so large books make it a bit tiresome on my hands to hold, so over time I thought I'd at least look into a Kindle or a Nook. Yes, all those TV commercials go to me *sigh*. So now, I decided I wanted one. I began to think of all these occasions where an ereader would be great. Then I did my research- Kindle or Nook? I even ventured into the land of techy-blogs and review sites. Both have their advantages depending on what you want. But for me, I wanted an easy-to-use reader that had the best screen and e-ink. Even with the Nook's latest ink upgrade, Kindle's newer upgrade won out. I wanted a Kindle!

So now I was stuck wanting one with no funds for it. I figured with a birthday coming up I would save any money I received and continue saving until I had one. Not only did I want the book, I wanted the cover with the light. I wanted to be able to read outside at night, in the car, or in bed where I wouldn't have to use the lamp that lights up the whole room and I'm sure bothers my husband who is trying to sleep. So I decided to just wait.

Well, my amazing husband used some of the money he had been saving to buy me a KINDLE!! WITH the cover!!! I was sooo surprised!! And man, do I love my Kindle!! My sister owns a Nook and it definitely has some great attributes, but one thing I never took into account was the amount of quality FREE books each ereader offered. I have over 60+ books on my Kindle and have only paid for 3! The Nook does not have the same amount the Kindle has- and for the cheapskate frugal person I am, this was sooooo wonderful!! Having the cover makes it feel like holding a real book. Plus, how fun is it that you can put a "bookmark" on a page you want to stop on and go back to and it digitally folds down the "corner" of your book page!

[I'm not sure why in this pic, the person has folded back the other side of the lighted cover, I keep mine open so it feels like a real book]

One feature of the Kindle I have really grown to enjoy is the built-in dictionary. While reading, you can scroll down to any word and the definition pops up. Usually I can get the gist of a word by using the context and keep reading, but sometimes I'd just really like to know what a word is. Quick and easy, I have the definition without ever getting up or leaving my page. I am currently reading a hardcover book and find I miss the dictionary of the Kindle.

I will still read "real" books. I like the feeling of turning the pages and holding the books. I think what's most important though, is that we read...and read and read and read!