Crime Detective Mystery Thriller Group discussion
General Discussions
>
Do You Prefer Your Reading Device, Tablet, or Print Edition Of A Book?
date
newest »
newest »
I prefer holding a book in my hands but when traveling I take my Kindle Fire with me. Less to pack and it also can be used for the internet if needed.
While I actually prefer reading a regular book, circumstances have dictated that most of my reading now is on my Kindle. No more room for bookshelves in the house, no longer able to drive so don't get to the used bookstores I used to haunt or to the library as often. I also have to admit I love the convenience of being able to download the new released by one of my favorite authors the same day it is released without ever leaving the farm ... at 2 AM if I'm awake.
I prefer paper books, but I read what works for me at the time. Ebooks are just too handy & I've been trying them for years. I still have the Rocket ereader program, although not the device from the late 1990's & I don't think that was the first I tried. Microsoft's .lit reader was awesome. (Typically, they recently quit supporting them now that ebooks have really taken off. It still have a boatload of them, though.) I currently use a Kindle DX & it's pretty good. It's big & uses epaper, a big deal for my aging eyes. I spend too much time reading back lit screens during the day & it's relaxing to read. I love being able to change the font size. Calibre makes importing any sort of book to it easy, too.I originally got my Sony ereader because computer documentation is just too bulky to read on the computer. Weird, right? OK, if it's an 800 page reference manual, I'm not going to read the whole thing & cherry picking it on the computer is fine, but if it's a 200 page overview of a program or service, I need to at least skim the entire thing to decide how I'm going to configure it for my network. I found that easier on the ereader than the PC where I tend to get distracted & can't read as comfortably for long periods. According to one study, people don't absorb information as well from ebooks, though.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014...
My wife has dyslexia & she needs to page back frequently, so she hates ereaders. I don't, but understand her frustration. I page back occasionally. I always bookmark maps & find bringing them up far more of a hassle on ebooks than paper ones. I even find going to the next page slower & kind of annoying on every ereader I've ever had. Can I really flip to the next page that much faster in a paper book? I wouldn't think so, but it sure seems like it.
For the past couple of years, I've listened to more books than I've read, though. Commuting, weeding gardens, mowing, & other mindless chores go so much quicker & easier when listening to a book. I have a small farm, so tend to stay pretty busy with chores. Even my varied hobbies (woodworking, spinning, knit/crochet) can often be enhanced while listening to a book. I use a Sansa MP3 player which is tiny & easy to plug into my car or shop stereo or it clips on with ear buds when I'm outside. I just pause it if much thought is required.
I'll never give up my paper books, though. We have bookcases all over the house, some filling entire walls. Looking at their multi-colored spines is like visiting with a bunch of old friends. Some are collectible, but most are just well read paper & hard backs. They often have papers stuck in or between them with series order, author's notes, & other information on them. That's a living repository of knowledge that I just can't seem to recreate as well for my directories of ebooks. Those directories have pictures & text files stuffed in them too, but it's just not the same. I still print out a lot of computer documentation & annotate it. Reference books often have sticky notes poking out their pages & many have eared pages with notes jotted in the margins too. Yes, I write in books & consider it a good habit. Underlined passages & old scrawls often bring back pleasant memories. Better yet, some notes are from my grandfather.
What a great post, Jim! I have often wanted to share a discussion with someone about the way we read. My eyes too are very affected by LED, and now I think I'll try to find a better reader. I know about the guardian article, but I have not bought a hard copy in a long time, and really don't read them; but I am exactly as you are, I have a massive library and would not give it up for anything. I also like the way you keep old technology--we never get enough use out of our innovations because we drop them to pick up something new. I have to try listening--but in my aging way, my hearing is just not that good. But wow! Thanks for telling me the the right P3 player to get, if I ever have time to listen. I'm still teaching and doing research. Thanks so much for this response!
Thanks, Carol! I try to use appropriate technology. That means keeping up with the new (which I do for my job) but if old tech works better, I'll use it.Audio books have almost doubled my reading. Good readers can also add a LOT to a story, but bad ones can ruin them. Orson Scott Card says he writes his books to be read aloud, but not all authors do. Mystery books seem particularly well suited to audio unless an author writes poorly. Repetition is very noticeable. There is no skimming, but I've gotten through books that put me to sleep reading them traditionally. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is my typical example. I wanted to read it for decades, but couldn't until I found it in audio.
Audio books have traditionally been expensive, but now my libraries have thousands free to download. They also have even more ebooks free to download. I buy a few audio books when I really like a series. Skyboat Media sells their books for $8-$13. I've bought all the Matt Helm & Quarry series they've published this year. They're both favorites & they're read by Stefan Rudnicki, an excellent reader.
My earbuds are pretty good & I cover them with ear protectors when I'm operating machinery, but some readers or parts of books were tough to hear. One of our sound techs suggested I buy "Xcessor Triple Flange Conical Replacement Silicone Earbuds - Small" & they made quite a difference.
I heard Robin Williams (R.I.P.) say once that he had loaded 10,000 books into his e-reader and now he couldn't pick it up!But e-readers are here to stay and I love them because of the portability of good literature when I'm on the road.
I tend to write specifically with the e format in mind because I think that the way that people read is evolving with the constant multi-tasking going on in the world these days. Maximum meaning with minimum words, plus power and propulsion in the plot has never been more appropriate for an author who wants to get the attention of the audience.
Hello, everyone! I honestly had a really hard time reading on my kindle at first. I love to hold the book and turn the pages. Recently, I finally buckled down and read an eBook. I realized that with my odd/hectic schedule that...ebooks are a blessing! Audiobooks are awesome for when I'm driving, doing chores, or even at work. So..basically.. I'll take books anyway I can get them. I'm a true addict and I'm totally okay with that :)
I keep trying to use my Kindle but always fall back to book. Probably because I enjoy the library, new and used book shops and old books and the smell.
There was an interesting article in The Author recently discussing ebooks vs print books. It acknowledged the advantage of a Kindle (or similar) being able to hold multiple books, useful while on the go which is what I like particularly, plus the ability to download samples. But it also commented on the concept of 'digital' regarding music compared to books - books being more tactile than a CD for instance. But it also made the point that a audio CD needs a device of some sort to access the music on it but a print book is by default a 'mobile device' in itself! I quite liked that thought! ;-)
I read all types of books I have hardbacks, paperbacks and my kindle. I love reading on all three I currently have a hardback book and a kindle book on the go at the same time. I love the whole holding a physical book experience but I love carrying around a wide range of ebooks on my kindle with me (currently have over 150 books in the cloud storage) I can download whatever takes my fancy as I am out and about. I finish a book I can start a new one there an then. I love all types of reading platforms. If it means i can read ill use it.
I used to be one of those people who said I liked the feel of a book in my hands. Then I got a Kindle for Christmas. So much easier! I prop it up while I'm having breakfast (one of my favorite times to read before getting busy for the day) and can carry a virtual library with me when I travel. It's Kindle for me. I'm a believer!
I was a paper back lover until I explored the kindle. Not only reading is handy and can carry around a range of books but also contributing to nature by reducing carbon footprints. Why to cut down trees if you have a better medium...
I was a paper back lover until I explored the kindle. Not only reading is handy and can carry around a range of books but also contributing to nature by reducing carbon footprints. Why to cut down trees if you have a better medium...
I was a paper back lover until I explored the kindle. Not only reading is handy and can carry around a range of books but also contributing to nature by reducing carbon footprints. Why to cut down trees if you have a better medium...
I MUCH prefer reading on my Kindle Paperwhite.My reasons are thus:
1. I can read outdoors and in bright sunlight without the pages ruffling in the wind.
2. I can read in bed in the middle of the night without disturbing my husband with the light or the rustling of pages. (he is a very light sleeper)
3. I can carry all of my TBR in one light little Kindle so I am NEVER without a book.
4. I can adjust the font size, keening, page color, etc. to suit the book and my aging eyes.
5. I can see how much reading time I have left in my book. This is important to me so that I can judge when I will have reviews written.
6. I can highlight as much as I want without defacing the book or taking the time to write copious notes.
7. I review books for both NetGalley and Edelweiss and it is SO much easier to download them when you have a Kindle. I just choose the option “Send to Kindle” and HEY PRESTO !!! the title is on my device!
I will always live with hardcover books. For me they both charm and comfort. They are my friends. I have been known to purchase a book I particularly loved AFTER reading it on my Kindle. Just so I can gaze at it with fond memories…
Yes, I acknowledge that I am addicted to books.
But for reading them… it is Kindle ALL the way.
Colin wrote: "I keep trying to use my Kindle but always fall back to book. Probably because I enjoy the library, new and used book shops and old books and the smell."The only downside of books is that they take up space where a kindle/nook/kobo take up nothing. Still prefer the real thing.
Chris wrote: "The only downside of books is..."That's not a downside, it's decorative. Sometimes I just stare at the spines of books & remember the stories in them. So much nicer than a folder full of file names.
Lynne wrote: "I MUCH prefer reading on my Kindle Paperwhite.My reasons are thus:
1. I can read outdoors and in bright sunlight without the pages ruffling in the wind.
2. I can read in bed in the middle of the..."
I want to give you a "like" for this post, Lynne!
Nothing can compare to hold a print book in your hands. Can anyone say that they have any of their first read books from school.
I like hardbacks, but I LOVE the kindle price! Plus I don't have to pay International shipping and there's no wait involved. It saves a lot of money and I'll have far fewer books to read if could only choose between hardbacks/ paperbacks. :)
BOOKS! All covers! I tried a reader but I just couldn't enjoy reading off it!
I know there are some advantages to the e reader format, but real books have the charm, feel, and character that the e reader format lacks.There is something intrinsically satisfying about real books; the feel, colors, and texture of the paper. Words reach you in a different way than on an e reader, and the appeal, thankfully, has not lost its touch!
Speaking as a writer, some of my book's original formatting had to be changed when I published my book on Kindle. Also, I omitted the artwork, lost all of my wonderful fonts, graphics, and even some text in order to publish something legible on Kindle, so as a writer, the printed page is still my very best friend!
Elissa wrote: "BOOKS! All covers! I tried a reader but I just couldn't enjoy reading off it!"I agree with you. I do feel a little bad when I think about all the trees that were used for all the books I've read. I have 17 year old that loves to read and she won't even read off of a reader.
Mod
I love everything about books - the feel, the smell, the anticipation of a book coming out of a writer I like - but after getting one, the convenience of an e-reader is wonderful. On top of that, there are so many free books out there as well as great deals. But being able to take one on vacation or to read while waiting in line somewhere without having to cart around a lot of books is a great feature.
I read both paper books and e-books on my tablet. They both have advantages and disadvantages. The advantage of books is that I can get hold on many older books as well. I have experienced that occasionally, I search the library web page for a book, and when I want to borrow it as an e-book, it doesn't exist. The disadvantage is that I have to carry the books to the library, and as I can't quite control myself, I end up borrowing 12-14 books at a time, and they are heavy when I have to get them back to the library. I also have to remember the date of handing in the books. The advantages of reading e-books are many. First of all, the tablet doesn't weight as much as the books, so I can easier bring it with me. After a month, the books hand themselves in. I don't have to go to the library, and I don't have to remember the date.
Started reading with an ereader over two years ago. On occasion I will read hard cover books but I prefer my Paperwhite over all other ereaders. I own older model Kindles, Nooks and Ipads but still prefer my Kindle Paperwhite.
I find the convenience of font selection alone makes ereaders preferable to paper books. Sometimes photographs and diagrams don't show up as well as on paper, but overall the electronic format is superior and a good yarn is always a good yarn.
Certain series I read, especially in the humorous mystery category, are ebook only so my preferred format is Kindle, but I read epub and pdf as well.
I do prefer print for any book over 300 pages. If I like an ebook well enough to want to reread it, I prefer to buy a print copy. I read all my ebooks on my laptop, not on a tablet or ereader simply because I prefer it.
And yes, I recall books in print better than ebooks.
I do prefer print for any book over 300 pages. If I like an ebook well enough to want to reread it, I prefer to buy a print copy. I read all my ebooks on my laptop, not on a tablet or ereader simply because I prefer it.
And yes, I recall books in print better than ebooks.
Hi,I got a kindle for the holiday and I'm just beginning to understand how to use it. I was wondering if you could name some books you liked in the "humorous mystery" category? Also, I love Donna Leon books and I find myself rereading them. Do you know of any other books like them I can move on to? Recently I was stranded in Spain for several weeks and read 6000 pages. The only English books available were the super trendy fiction at the time. I read all the "Dragon Tattoo" series, the "Gray Mountain" John Gresham book, "Shades of Grey" and a local mystery somewhat like Donna Leon, only taking place in Galatia. It was a bad time in my life and reading is what got me through.
If you like e-books, try your library. It seems most states will give you access to the largest library in their state. I live in Erie PA, which has 6500 titles,but any PA resident can get a free library card for Free Library of Philadelphia which has over 25,000 titles wwith many copies of bestsellers. When I put NYPD RED 4 on hold two weeks ago I was 55th on list. When I checked tonight I was 2nd,so I sure they have many copies!
Many libraries in the States use the Overdrive system. I love it!
Debra wrote: "Hi,I got a kindle for the holiday and I'm just beginning to understand how to use it. I was wondering if you could name some books you liked in the "humorous mystery" category? Also, I love Donna ..."
What about the Montalbano series set in Sicily? The Shape of Water
Humorous Mystery
Jana DeLeon - Her Miss Fortune series is best but her Mudbug books are entertaining
Leslie Langtry - Bombay Assassin series and her new Merry Wrath series (book 2 is better than book 1)
Julie Moffett - Lexie Carmichael series
Josie Brown - Housewife Assassin series
LB Lynn - Neurotic Hitwoman series
Liliana Hart - Whiskey Bayou series (Book 1 is hysterical) and JJ Graves series
Hart also writes kind of smutty romantic suspense and Moffett does period romance, not all are humorous mystery.
As for moving on from Donna Leon, Try Collin Cotterill's Dr Siri books or Martin Walker's Bruno Chief of police. Also, Louise Penny comes highly recommended, but, I've not read them, but respect the taste of those who said I should.
Hart has also started her own publishing business with a former police chief, Dr Silverii called SilverHart. Paranormal author Alyssa Day is doing a paranormal mystery series set in the same 'world' as her Atlantis shifter wars books. The site also offers paid membership to mystery authors (or would be authors) to gain access to technical info/help on police work, weapons, and other technical expertise. Chick-lit cozy author Gemma Halliday has also gone small press but I've found her authors very uneven, and Jana Deleon also runs her own small press and Leslie Langtry, another Dorchester refugee is with her.
Jana DeLeon - Her Miss Fortune series is best but her Mudbug books are entertaining
Leslie Langtry - Bombay Assassin series and her new Merry Wrath series (book 2 is better than book 1)
Julie Moffett - Lexie Carmichael series
Josie Brown - Housewife Assassin series
LB Lynn - Neurotic Hitwoman series
Liliana Hart - Whiskey Bayou series (Book 1 is hysterical) and JJ Graves series
Hart also writes kind of smutty romantic suspense and Moffett does period romance, not all are humorous mystery.
As for moving on from Donna Leon, Try Collin Cotterill's Dr Siri books or Martin Walker's Bruno Chief of police. Also, Louise Penny comes highly recommended, but, I've not read them, but respect the taste of those who said I should.
Hart has also started her own publishing business with a former police chief, Dr Silverii called SilverHart. Paranormal author Alyssa Day is doing a paranormal mystery series set in the same 'world' as her Atlantis shifter wars books. The site also offers paid membership to mystery authors (or would be authors) to gain access to technical info/help on police work, weapons, and other technical expertise. Chick-lit cozy author Gemma Halliday has also gone small press but I've found her authors very uneven, and Jana Deleon also runs her own small press and Leslie Langtry, another Dorchester refugee is with her.
Debra wrote: "Hi,I got a kindle for the holiday and I'm just beginning to understand how to use it. I was wondering if you could name some books you liked in the "humorous mystery" category? Also, I love Donna ..."
One of my favorite books is Baby Game. It's a good mystery and is hilarious. Last I checked, it was not available on Kindle, though.
Kirsten *Dogs Welcome - People Tolerated" wrote: "Debra wrote: "Hi,I got a kindle for the holiday and I'm just beginning to understand how to use it. I was wondering if you could name some books you liked in the "humorous mystery" category? Also,..." I've not read the books but the TV series is absolutely brilliant! They have also shown 3 series of 'The Young Montalbarno' which also really very good and I can highly recommend them. I'd be interested to know if you read any of the books.
Oh, another funny, and award-winning author of amateur sleuth humorous mystery is Donna Andrews with her Meg Langlow books.
Crime Detective Mystery Thriller Group
Books mentioned in this topic
The Baby Game (other topics)The Shape of Water (other topics)
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin (other topics)
Snow Crash (other topics)
Authors mentioned in this topic
Orson Scott Card (other topics)Stefan Rudnicki (other topics)
My hands are in pretty bad shape & just trying to flip pages is painful any more and until I got my tablet I pretty much stopped reading, which is someth..." What a brilliant use of technology Mark!