Why paper books are better than eBooks…

Many people out there enjoy reading from ‘real’ books for many reasons. Some just enjoy the feel of real paper on their fingertips. People also enjoy using bookmarks and keeping them in their books, a sort of physical milestone which they can’t do with eBooks or kindle. Some people enjoy using sticky notes on pages, we know as we are always removing them from used books! There’s also the emotional context to reading a real book, especially a used book by lamplight with a hot cup of tea or coffee, a connection exists with the book that simply is not there with a Kindle or eBook. Then of course there is the bookshelf, aesthetically pleasing, comforting and handy a hard drive or device simply cannot compete. A bookshelf is often our very identity with the titles affirming our beliefs, interests, and values to all who see it. Those around you will know you are an avid reader and might borrow your used books too, your job will be to ensure they bring them back! So lets look further into why paper books are better than eBooks.

7 reasons why paper books are better than eBooks or Kindle….

1. Recycling

Paper books can be recycled, passed on, inherited, loaned, and sold again. Printed books can be reused by generations to come and by other people if you ever decide to discard, donate, or sell your books.

2. Saving Money

eBooks and Kindle can be expensive compared to printed books, especially if you are going to buy a used book. It’s always more cost effective to opt for a used second-hand book instead of buying an eBook.

3. Passing on your books

Another good thing about paper books is that not only you can give them away temporarily to someone else who wants to read your book but you can also sell it. You can donate your books to those who need them through charity organizations.

4. Shuffling pages

It’s more convenient to shuffle back through chapters and pages enjoying the plots of the story when you’re reading a paper book. You can put sticky’s on pages for reference.

5. Longer life and history

What could be the life of your kindle? 5 years? 10 years? A paper book on the other hand could last longer than you! We have shelves and shelves of books from the 1950’s. They are a snapshot of life then, a part of our history. It’s very doubtful that eBooks will fulfill that role in the future and will probably disappear as technology changes. For this reason alone, paper books rule!

6. Better for your Health

According to research, the feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment is far greater when you finish reading a paper book as compared to an eBook. Another health reason is that the device on which you read your e-book emits light that is not only harmful to the eyes but also affects sleep, not good if you read a lot before bed. It is also believed that reading information on a screen is not absorbed in the same way by the brain and it is not retained as well, this is a phenomenon that I can certainly attest to from personal experience.

The reasons why paper books are better than eBooks are many, and ultimately most people would not deny the joy of reading a paper book and finishing it as opposed to reading eBooks! So, what would you do? Buy books that you can hold and feel in your hands, or go for eBook?

Buy a real book now, search our categories for something you can read with a cup of coffee and a reading lamp and support independent book sellers. Or you can search us on Abe Books