by Arielle Ford
"I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library". -- Jorge Luis Borges
We are tactile creatures. We run our hands over furniture before we buy it. We feel the fabric of clothing before we ever consider trying it on. For many of us the same is true for the experience of buying a book. For me it starts with the smell when I first walk into a bookstore -- ahh, fresh crisp pages! Even if I can read the endorsements on a cover without taking it off the shelf, I still pick it up and I feel the texture of the cover and the pages inside. I LOVE BOOKS. I love the way they feel in my hands. I love the portability and share-ability of them.
Many of my friends are Kindle lovers but I find myself resisting getting any type of a digital reader. As a former book publicist I thought perhaps I was being a bit biased with my desire to always buy books from a bookstore. In order to get a better perspective, I recently solicited the opinions of others through social media outlets and I realized my adoration was shared among many. Can you feel the devotion in these responses?
I love having a collection of books at home that I can come back to anytime.
My bookshelf beckoned me to visit old friends again for inspiration, and to highlight what speaks to my heart.
The smell of a bookstore with a coffee shop is the most comforting smell ever!
Going to the library! The magic of being a kid and turning the pages on a colorful book, even if you're too small to read the words
I've met so many cool strangers who have walked by and said "I read that book, isn't it great?", and a great conversation started.
I love highlighting, folding back corners and reading the gems over again years later -- when they take on new meaning for me. I look at a computer screen all day and when I want to relax I want to turn pages, not scroll down.
I often buy extra copies of my favorite books when I see them at used bookstores -- this way I always have one on hand to give to someone. One of my favorite places is the library. I can't imagine a world without libraries either.
I cherish the smell and texture of the page. Even those that have been dropped in the tub!
I love to read a book then leave it on a train, or in an airport, or even in a hotel. I thank it for the journey it provided for me and then send it on its own journey to other readers.
I love books in my home -- there is something comforting about them -- old friends who made me laugh, cry, think, hope, grow. I mark pages in some and love to review my thoughts later! I love used books inscribed with love to someone or to congratulate on a milestone, it tinkers with my imagination!
I like my best friends in hardcover and they are my most valued possessions. I have a book of fairytales my Nana gave me when I was about 3. 42 years later, Nana is gone, and that book is like gold to me!
The other side of the page...
I do think a Kindle would be great on an extended trip because I'm a fast reader, and like to travel light.
There's nothing like losing yourself in a bookstore or library. That said, I received a Kindle for my birthday and it is a truly amazing device. I love it! What turned me around about the Kindle was that I found I was able to lose myself as easily in the text of a novel or non-fiction book as easily as the real thing. Borrow one and dive into a book and see if you find this is true for you. Plus, it is GREEN.
Here's hope for the best of both worlds
I remember going to movie theaters when I was very young and there were people with petitions trying to stop cable TV from coming to town because it would mean the end of movie theaters... guess what? Now we have the best of all of it... hoping the same is true for books and Kindle.
Let's all agree that when we are giving gifts this year that we BUY BOOKS at real BOOKSTORES. Every occasion is a great time for a new book or an old favorite. Birthdays, Mother's Day, baby showers -- could you imagine reading a bed-time story to a child on a digital reader?
Arielle Ford has launched the careers of many NY Times bestselling authors including Deepak Chopra, Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Neale Donald Walsch & Debbie Ford. She is a former book publicist, literary agent and the author of seven books. To learn how to get started writing a book please visit: http://www.HowToWriteMyBook.com
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