Torn Between Two Lovers
I love books. There’s nothing better than relaxing in a tub with my dog-eared copy of Flannery O’Connor
short stories and reading it for the 100thtime. Or exploring the silent aisles of a library and talking shop with the owner of a used bookstore.
As a lover of books, I have yet to transition to an electronic book reader, though I may be a dying breed. In a Los Angeles Times piece from November, Forrester Research reported e-book sales will top $966 million in 2010, and in July, Amazon reported that it sells 143 e-books for every 100 hardcovers.
Like most technological advances, this trend continues to march ahead. In fact, even Oprah Winfrey herself can’t stop its trek according to a post this week from USA Today.
On December 6th, when Oprah announced that two novels, A Tale of Two Cities and Great Expectations, would share the spot as her most recent Book Club selection, one would assume the Charles Dickens classics would fly off the shelf. In fact, Penguin published a single paperwork volume of both novels for the reasonable price of $20.
The result – the combo pack landed at only number 54 on the bestseller list. An incredible feat for two classics from the 19th century, but for an Oprah-backed book – a shocking disappointment.
One possible reason? USA Today pointed out that both novels can be downloaded free from Amazon for the Kindle reader and Barnes & Noble offers them online for 99 cents each. A sign more and more people may be turning to e-book readers.
In my case, I don’t think I can give up the joy I feel when I crack open a book in comparison to switching on an electronic device. And I’m not the only one. The used bookstore I frequent on a regular basis has not only grown, it has expanded both its staff and its stock.
The tech nerd in me, on the other hand, thinks a NOOK or Kindle would be absolutely awesome on trips and have been secretly researching readers to pounce on at after-Christmas sales.
So, my question to you is – are you a fan of the e-book readers or are you an old school addict like me?
By Nicole Plegge, lifestyle writer for SmartParenting
Share This Story
Metro East mom Nicole Plegge has written for STL Parent for more than 12 years. Besides working as a freelance writer & public relations specialist, and raising two daughters and a husband, Nicole's greatest achievements are finding her misplaced car keys each day and managing to leave the house in a stain-free shirt. Her biggest regret is never being accepted to the Eastland School for Girls. Follow Nicole on Twitter @STLWriterinIL
