KINDLE VS BOOKS

One debate I always try to steer away from is the Kindle vs. Books debate. Mainly, because I’m Team Books, all the way.

That being said, I recently received the all-knew Kindle as a gift, and when I opened it and saw how tiny it was, I mean like…smaller than an iPad tiny…like, it fits the palm of your hand so easily, I thought to myself “this is adorable!”

I know. I doubt the creators of Kindle were going for adorable when they came up with this cool idea. Easy to use, maybe. Practical, definitely. Adorable? Not so much. But hey, whatever works, right? So, I decided to *gasp* give it a try. 

I switched it on, charged it, signed on to my Amazon account and purchased my first ever eBook. I decided to go for a cookbook, something I didn’t already have, so I bought Chrissy Tiegen’s “Cravings: Hungry for More”. 

Here was my first thought upon making the purchase: 

Wow, the second you click ‘pay’ you can immediately start reading your book. No waiting time. No shipping costs. That simple.

So, I flipped through the pages of this book, and I say “flipped” because Kindle does give you the feature of flipping through the pages with a flick of a finger. It’s not the same, of course it’s not the same, but it’s still pretty cool.

I then went to my kitchen, propped the Kindle up against a wall, and started working. I realized then how beneficial it is for me to use a Kindle device while cooking. It takes up very little space, it is easier to prop than a heavy cookbook, and easier to flip through than a book would be, especially when you have your hands full or they’re messy with the ingredients you’re using. Also, I realized that a Kindle screen has no glare, even in bright sunlight, which is perfect for reading. 

I completely understand the appeal of the Kindle now. It is super thin and light, making it easy to hold, can carry thousands of books without having to lug around the physical books, and you can download and start reading a book in an instant!

My only real concern is, we already spend a good portion of our day on our devices and screens. Reading, for me, is an escape from this digital, fast-paced world we live in. It’s my way of slowing down, taking a deep breath, and allowing myself to relax and sink in to this other world. I don’t think a Kindle lets you experience that fully the way physical books do, with the weight of the book in your hands, the crack in the spine, the feel of the pages as you flip through, and the smell that can never be replaced. So my conclusion is, find a balance. Kindle devices are great to use when on-the-go. When you’re traveling a lot, moving a lot, using public transportation frequently and for long distances, when you need to declutter (like my use of it in my kitchen). Find that balance, don’t just read on a Kindle and completely give up books and vice-versa. 

Personally, I think I put my Kindle to good use. I found a way to make it work for my needs, and I’m really happy with the result.