Book Lair discussion

Do you own any paperbacks? Do you find them as pratical as I do?

I own 100s, possibly 1000s of paperbacks, but I have a hard time reading them in the last year or so. I've had some problems with my eyes, which is what drove me to an e-reader, and find the pages/print difficult.

When my favorite authors publish new books I buy the hardback and haven't gone back to buying "new" paperbacks in years.

Most of my book collection is in paperback. And, yes, I do find them practical. I do buy hardcovers now and then.

I think this is the first time I have heard someone mention that reading a real book hurts their eyes more than an e-reader. I thought any electronical device would hurt our eyes more?

I love the feel and smell of real pages and paperbacks are cheaper and easier to carry along :) But I can see myself becoming overwhelmed with E-readers.They are very practical indeed.

I am on the verge of needing bifocals, but refuse to get them (yet) so I have to constantly tilt the boook for the light to "hit" the page correctly. With an e-reader, it's backlit, so always perfect. I can't read a color e-reader outside in bright sun, but the b&w versions are perfect for outdoor reading.

I find my eyes are a lot more tired ever since I started reading on my smartphone. I am not sure if that's because the letters or small or because it is an electronical device. I never had this problem with paperbacks... So I wonder if an e-book would be better or worse for this issue. The backlight definitely seems handy but it's still a screen so I don't know...

I just read this online:

"Q. Is reading on an e-reader bad for my eyes?
Megan Hupp
Washington, D.C.

A. Not in moderation. So says Harvey Moscot, a New York City–based optometrist. That said, if you spend a long period (more than two hours) staring at a screen—on an e-book, a smart phone, or a laptop—you could suffer from what is sometimes called computer vision syndrome (CVS), a repetitive-stress condition characterized by some uncomfortable side effects, including headaches, blurred vision, and eyestrain.

To prevent CVS, some e-readers, like Amazon’s Kindle, use “electronic ink,” which has sharply defined type and is easy on the eyes. Reading on electronic-ink devices compares most closely to doing so on paper (which is what our eyes tolerate best). Other e-book models, like Apple’s iPad and Barnes & Noble’s Nook-Color, have a backlit LCD screen, similar to a computer monitor. Even though these devices generate their own light, you may want to keep a lamp on close by (no reading under the covers!). A stark contrast between the screen and your surroundings is hard on the eyes.

Also take brief breaks to avoid eye-strain, says Moscot, who recommends the 20-20-20 rule: After 20 minutes of reading, focus on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds."


I wonder if Kindle Paperwhite is equipped with this 'electronical ink".

I believe the Paperwhite and the Glowlight are both e-ink. That's why you can read them so easily outdoors and for long stretches without tiring your eyes.

That's exactly why I have a Nook tablet AND a Glowlight. You can't get magazine, watch videos, etc on the GL, but for just reading it simply cannot be beat.

Very tempting indeed! Thank you very much for all the information. :)

I have a lot of paperback books, and I like that they are so portable. They are easy to move around, and it seems that you can get through them really quick.

I like the portability of paperbacks, but the font is so small unless it's a trade paperback.

I have been reading more paperbacks lately and I have to admit I missed the feeling of holding a real book in my hands. Not as practical as my Kindle, though. Must use my hands at all times :/

I've been reading more paperbacks latetely, for several reasons:
1/ I got back into bookcrossing lately, which means a lot of exchange of physical books.
2/ I'm desperately trying to decrease my piles of unread books. I've been reading more of the physical ones since the advance is much more visible (they change place on my shelves when I've read them).

But it is clearly not as convenient when I am travelling, which has been often the case lately (I currently have three books in my suitcase, something that haven't happened in ages because I can have so much more of them in my e-reader).

I completely understand, especially the part about decreasing the pile of 'real books'.

Besides, I actually bought these while all my e-books are free so it kinda feels like a waste not to read them :P

At the same time, I keep putting it off. I guess I want the feeling to last. Especially with the Stephen King books I haven't read. I have Joyland, Cujo, Thinner, Revival and Mr Mercedes just waiting to be devoured and I think I am terrified I won't like them as much as his other stuff...

Also, I really miss buddy reads, the entire experience makes me look at books in an entirely different way.

Ana, I own all of King's books so if you feel like a Buddy Read on any you already own, let me know. I didn't love Revival, but I would still reread. The others are terrific.

Awesome, take your pick then! :D

Cujo is my favorite of those, and loses nothing having been written in the 70s. Joyland is much shorter so either of those that fit in your schedule at the moment would be terrific. Maybe wait a few days to begin in case anyone else wants to join?

Well, I can tell this book is going to take me ages.
I'll post in the Buddy Reads topic :)