loopyloulaura

Last week I read my first paperback in at least a year. I had almost forgotten what it was like to read an actual physical book! (Oh and you can read my review here)

I have become utterly dependent on my Kindle app on my phone, so it was refreshing, challenging and enjoyable to hold and read a book. Here are my thoughts:

The unwieldy nature of a paperback

I read on my phone (thanks Zach for smashing my Kindle a couple of years ago 🙁 ). It goes everywhere with me, fits in my bag, easy to hold in my hand. A paperback is bulky in comparison and more awkward to transport around in a handbag.

The page colour

I read on my Kindle app with a black background so that it isn’t too bright, especially at night. With a paperback, I couldn’t read at night without disturbing Chris by putting the light on 🙁

Unable to read while cooking, brushing teeth etc.

I find it so easy and natural to pick up my phone and read a few pages in the kitchen or bathroom. I can balance my phone on the arm of the chair and read while I eat. Much trickier to do everything one handed or without putting your book down and losing your place (I pre chopped my sausages so I could eat one handed but was worried about dropping my book in my lunch!

Bookmark required

The joy of the Kindle app and it always opening at the right page. No fear of the kids dropping the book on the floor and losing your place!

Something mysterious and unexpectedly glorious about holding words in your hands, the feel of the cover

I didn’t realise how much I miss the physicality of books, and despite the limitations which I have outlined above, there is something special about holding a book and falling into its pages.

When was the last time you read a paperback? Or do you avoid reading apps?