To E-Read or Not To-E-Read

This morning while reaching to beat the alarm into silence, I knocked over the stack of books waiting patiently on my nightstand for my attention. Stumbling out of bed, I tripped over the mound waiting to take the next open spot on the nightstand. Using both hands I was able to lift my novel laden purse onto to my poor aching shoulder and bring it to my car where I had to shove the emergency pile off the seat to make room. This morning was nothing unusual. Books have always been a large part of my life and I’m most content surrounded by them.

However, I am beginning to second guess my earlier thoughts on portable electronic readers . I don’t own one and in fact have never even seen one up close – or for that matter, from a distance. In my spare time (ha-ha) I dabble in a little proofreading and editing. The majority of the manuscripts are sent electronically; corrections are made, and then sent back. Computers are an amazing invention! Occasionally after a long day of staring at the screen I am visited by white ghosts dancing before my eyes. This is what I expect the experience of an e-reader to be.

Would the convenience of carrying this small device rather than a heap of paperbacks make up for this? I will never give up books. It is so much more than the written word which draws me to them. I love the sound of the pages turning and nothing beats the musty book smell or the surprise chocolate morsel waiting for my enjoyment since the last time the pages were opened. But, maybe it’s time to add to my experience. To join this century. I’m sure it’s not really as hard as I expect. Why, just last year I gave up my trusty VCR after it ate tape two of Titanic. (Does anyone know how it ends?)


If you happen to work for Sony or any other company which creates or sells electronic readers; or if you happen to have extra cash you don’t know what to do with, feel free to send me one and I will be happy to give a more knowledgeable opinion.