I Still Prefer Physical Books Over eBooks
Start writing a post
Entertainment

I Still Prefer Physical Books Over eBooks

I judge a book by its cover.

89
I Still Prefer Physical Books Over eBooks
Flickr

From my "What is a Book?" course, based on the eponymous debate, especially when it came to classifications from physical books and e-books, I learned about what made those two formats different. However, I want to argue based on my personal preference. In my case, I prefer physically-bound books, whether they would be paperbacks or hardcovers.

No matter how many rearrangements there are on a bookshelf, there will always be new vivacious array of juxtaposed colors from the spines.

It is for that reason why Director David Mamet wrote about the juxtaposition of shots in film in order to create a new meaning for the audience, which is what made, by his knowledge, documentary films so interesting. He stated that all film-makers should want to become documentary film-makers, while I would argue that all book lovers should want to become librarians.

It is for that same reason that books pop out whenever you walk into not just a library, but a Barnes & Nobles, a consignment shop, a used bookstore and even the book sections at big-box stores.

It would also make your own shelves the subject of conversations when inviting company, whereas not so much with e-books which are confined to an e-reader.

Physical books also have the advantage of being stories in themselves, specifically of the people who may have previously owned them. Evidence of this could be found just behind the front cover, showing in pen ink the previous owner's name and what date they purchased it or whether it was a gift. There is no concept of a used e-book, rather it only functions as a cold, mechanical facsimile of literature.

What is also attracting about a physical book, is because of its financially and environmentally beneficial use. There might be an instance when a used book can be at a much lower price than the e-book version. You also do not need to consume electricity to read a physical book (unless you do not have natural sunlight and need a lamp), while you have to make sure the e-reader is charged enough.

I also like the convenience of grabbing a book from its shelf (or the floor because of how unorganized I am) and just reading it. With an e-reader, I have to fiddle on it until I can get the right book on the right page.

The tips of our fingers can pick up a lot more information than we expect, through our nervous systems that enter into our brains. This is what makes feeling the ink letters and turning the page more memorable than clicking the next page on an e-reader.

Of course, everybody has their personal preferences, but I merely present my case in why I choose my own. Although I do own e-books on my phone, almost all of what I read comes from my physical book collection.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

54909
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

35337
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957496
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

184298
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments