Why I prefer an ereader

I do really prefer to use an ereader. But yes, I get it. Nothing beats the scent and texture of a real book. I know. Believe me. I have walked through bookstores so many times, tempted to buy a new book that is flawless and fresh only to be screamed at by the voice in my head.

“You know you’ll never read it that way. You know you’ll go home and download the ebook version and read it on your ereader. Put the book down and leave the store.”

And as always, my little voice is correct.

You see, there are three main reasons why I prefer the ebook. The top one is because of my book OCD.

I have book OCD

I don’t know if it’s because I grew up not being able to afford books or because I just have a mild form of OCD but I can’t relax carrying around an actual book. I put it in my bag and I get anxious everytime I take it out to read. If there is a minor scratch, the smallest of creases, the tiniest of dog ears, I get worried. I will press and press until it’s flawless again. The books on my bookshelves are used books that look like they’ve never been touched. If you borrow from my collection and you return it creased, I will not like you anymore. I might even have to drop you as a friend, or family member.

I am lazy

I hate shopping of all forms. That includes book shopping. I like the accessibility that ereaders give me. I want to go through the latest copies as well as the old ones all in one place. I hate going to a bookstore and not finding what I want, especially when I’m craving to read it. Plus, I really couldn’t be bothered getting in the car and driving to the shops when I could just easily buy it online and place myself in the hammock at the same time.

I am impatient

This is probably one of the main reasons I use my ereader a lot. I like the immediate gratification it gives me. I have been reading a lot of series lately. I’ve also been reading a lot of work from authors I just discovered. When I finish one, I want to be able to go to the next one without having to look for it. A friend of mine wanted to read the next book in one of the series I was reading but no matter where they went, they couldn’t find the damn book. I told them to go online and read it on their tablets.

And more

I like how it tells me how many hours I have left to finish the book. I can plan my activity around it. For instance, it says I have nine minutes to go so maybe I can push sleeping for another 10 minutes. It’s only 11.40pm anyway right?

I like how it tells me the percentage that I’ve finished. Because even if it’s a thriller, I want to know how long before I get the gasp moment.

I like how it tells me the average number of books I’ve read each month. Apparently, I’ve been reading an average of one book per week since I got this ereader. Of course, it doesn’t know I’ve been having an affair with the iBook on my iPad as well. We don’t have to tell my ereader that.

I like how I have over 300 books in one teeny tiny compact gadget.

I love how it recommends other authors and books based on what I have already read. This is good for me since I read in “themes”. One time, I went a whole three months reading nothing but zombie books.

I love how it gives me previews of books so I can decide whether I like the book or not.

I love how no one can see what I’m reading (Pride and Prejudice Zombie ahem).

Yes, I love my ereader. I have never stopped using my ereader since I bought it (second hand too). I do love my gadgets.