One of the biggest debates I have had in my life has been if real, hard/paper cover books are better or worse than e-books. Everyone has their own opinion, which is what makes these debates so fun and interesting to listen in on. Some come up with the basic things you’d hear while others think of things completely outside of the box.

What’s so great about “real” books?

1.The biggest thing about “real” books and reading them is that you actually get to touch the pages as you’re reading. You get to hear that turn of a page and feel the paper between your fingers. 2. They’re easy to share! Have a book your bestie or family member wants to read? Hand it over to them with ease…be careful, you may not get it back! 3. When you’re finally done with a book and you can physically put it down, it’s a feeling like no other. Who else loves to see when they’re done with a book? It’s the same feeling as checking off something on your to-do list! 4. They’re also super easy to read in all light sources and fill with little notes and highlights.

But of course…there are downsides as there are to everything. 1. Books can take up a lot of space, especially if you’re an avid reader or book lover. 2. Those suckers are EXTREMELY heavy boxed up or just carrying them for a while. 3. “Real” books can be easily torn/damaged and sometimes never returned. Those precious books got their love but it’s so sad to see them go. 4. The killer is always that sometimes the print is just too small to read or it makes your head hurt looking at those tiny words!

E-books are here to save the day! 1. These e-books can store your library that way you always have your favorite book with you, without the weight. 2. By having all your books on the e-book, you save space in your house for more things or other decorations. 3. Pesky, tiny prints are a thing of the past considering you can change the font size on most e-books.

But wait, there’s always bad with the good. 1. You have to worry about battery life and even though these things do stay charged for days, it still takes electricity and time. 2. You can’t share a book as easily. Your favorite book is just a file which isn’t always easily shared across devices. 3. Not every book you want to read is available through an e-book so you either have to wait or buy a real one!

All in all, these are just some ideas that me and a few of my classmates came up with. Personally, I love “real” books and I love seeing the wear and love on them. Either way, both give us the opportunity to explore and let our mind wander through the pages and stories of the author’s, an incomparable experience.