Brooklyn Bookworms! discussion

I'm having concerns about Kindle, Nook and other electronic devices for reading. Am I a Luddite? I just love the feel of a book in my hands and I love to pass on a book to others and have them pass it on. It's the gift that keeps on giving. I feel that the devices are pretty selfish. I'm sure for some people, it's much more handy than a book but I really don't know. Can I get your opinions on Kindle, Nook and other electronic reading devices?

well, it's hard to say sometimes. Like you, I actually like the feel of a book in my hands, turning the page and relishing in the smell of the work done in making the book (maybe that is just me...). However, sometimes it is a convenience to have electronic reading devices. Believe it or not, some authors use these electronic devices to get their work read and noticed. I noticed recently on this website, some "indie" authors who sell their books at some sort of price or have them for free and you can keep a copy on your computer or your electronic reading device. In my opinion, if it helps authors to get their work out there and help get their name out, I actually think its worth keeping. You still have an option of having both. You don't have to give up on reading your book in both electronic and non-electronic. Just make your choices wisely.

You are a Luddite. The future is upon us. That doesn't mean that I don't also prefer actual books, though there are times when I need a book in a pinch and it is significantly easier to download it than find it in hard copy. My real complaint about e-reading exclusively is that I can't build a library. I dearly love looking around and being surrounded by books (librarian speaking). You can't do that with an e-reader.

I feel the same way. I know that probably means I'm also a luddite to a certain extent, but I just can't see myself reading on an e-reader.

Aside from the feel of a book in one's hands, I think about the future "bookshelves." Other than that thrilling feeling when surrounded by books (as mentioned by Halley), there is real aesthetic value to a filled bookshelf.

At least we live in an early enough period to appreciate the beauty of bookshelves and libraries. In the future, all books will be electronic files.

No one who truly loves or values books reads them via a polycarbonite touch-screen manufactured in some far-off Asian factory. Period.

You're not a backward 'Luddite' if you stick with the printed page--rather, you are sane and reasonable and sober. You are a serious reader if you read your books on print.

The whole e-book trend is bogus; its for casual readers; lazy readers; and trend-followers.

Every fadder loves to tell you, 'the future here now'. But it never is. Fads always fail.

Stick with tradition, stick with the tried-and-the-true. You know what you're getting.