Have I betrayed my books? Don't be silly.

10/15/2012

I enjoy reading. We've covered this ground before. Today, I want to tell you about reading on the Amazon Kindle. Just the picture here (that's actually my Kindle) and reading those words causes some to shudder - the very notion of an electronic book is repulsive. How could you even consider reading a book that has no cover or pages? Rest assured, that I still love a physical book and have in my study a wall of bookcases with "real" books that I still read. I think the talk of e-readers making books obsolete is overblown. And the notion that somehow I am less of a book purist by owning and reading on a Kindle is ridiculous. Just ask any of my paper and ink books if they feel betrayed. They don't. (Books don't have feelings.)
I believe reading can and should be beneficial to the Christian's growth in grace. This of course starts with reading the Bible, but continues with reading trusted Christian authors who help us understand and apply the scriptures to our lives. It involves reading broadly to understand more of the world that God has made and the good things he has given us to enjoy in that world.
So let me give you a few reasons why I enjoy my e-reader. Just a note - I have the Kindle Touch, which is no longer available from Amazon. It has been replaced with the new and theoretically improved Kindle Paperwhite.

Convenience - This thing is small, lightweight, and easy to take on vacation, to soccer practice, the reading room, or to bed to read a few pages before drifting off to sleep.
Reading Experience - It's a lot like reading, well, a book. Unlike a back lit tablet or or computer screen, the Kindle utilizes e-ink technology. You can read it inside or outside in bright sunlight without a glare. (One drawback - you can't read it in the dark with out an external light source; I have a cover with a light. The new Paperwhite has a front lit screen.)
I read more than I used to. I'm not sure if it is the convenience factor or what, but I am reading more - some leisure reading, some theology, helpful stuff on Christian living, even a book on how to read.
I can get World Magazine at a discount off the print subscription price. (You can get lots of magazines and newspapers.)
The Deals! You can find lots of books for free or at steeply discounted prices, and there are often specials that pop up for a temporary time. For example today, I picked up Tim Keller's book on marriage for $3.20. You can get the ESV Bible for free.
No waiting for the book to be shipped. When I buy a physical book online, it takes a few days to arrive at my front door. When I buy an e-book, it can be on my Kindle in 1 minute.
Crazy long battery life - unlike my phone which has to be charged pretty much every day, this thing will go 2 months on one charge. It's awesome.

One drawback - I can't easily tell how far I am from the end of a chapter (you know...just a few more pages). The new Paperwhite apparently has a feature to help with this.
What do you think? Sacrilegious? Have an e-reader yourself and love it? What pros or cons have I left off of the list?
As with most any technology, this could be used for your benefit as a follower of Jesus or to your detriment. Read well and use your time well!

3 Comments

Daniel link

10/15/2012 10:04:08 am

While I agree with your reasons why an ereader is a wonderful invention, I still seem to hold on to my reservations about using one. I, too, like to know how far I am from the end of a chapter, but that's a little moot in my opinion, and a book's battery life is by far better than a Kindle's; I jest.

Nevertheless, I'll proffer a few reasons why I think it's important to continue to own "real" books.

1. Though it may never come to this in America, I'll mention it anyway. ereaders make available downloadable content through a publisher, and the publisher maintains a connection to that content. This proves useful for fixing editorial mistakes, but it also leaves the door open for potential tampering. Indeed, all of the (good) post-apocalyptic literature wisely draws the reader's attention to a world in which the government controls access to knowledge, and it behooves people to consider that a device which does not actually possess a book, but merely borrows bits of data from a publisher, is a device that is susceptible to tampering. At this point, we need not worry about this problem in America, but other regions of the world do, which makes a physical book so much safer because it can't be updated remotely.

2. I think books are a great way to spark discussion. Especially as believers, it makes a statement to read a Bible in public, to study the Word with friends in public, and an ereader hides all of that. In the past, people have made comments about the title of a book I am reading or the author, and since most of what I read is canonical, I'm often able to respond with truths about the condition of man––his hopelessness, his discontentment in life, which can lead to talking of Christ.

3. I'd be much more apt to lend a book than an ereader. Here, I must plead ignorance. I don't know if ereaders have the ability to transfer content to another ereader for a limited period of time. If they do, then that's great, but otherwise, I like to lend books or give people books. A younger man (I'm still young), recently told me how he appreciated the way I used to teach the students in a small group that I led. He said he appreciated my methodical, expositional style (and if they learned anything, it was only by the Holy Spirit working through my feeble messages), so I gave him a book about Calvin and Luther and Augustine because he enjoys Church history, and it seemed like an appropriate book considering his comment and the fact that he was studying for the ministry. It's certainly a small thing to like books better because I can give them away easier, but I think it matters. I would imagine, however, that it would be cheaper to give away ebooks.

At some point, perhaps books will become more a niche market, but they will never disappear. People will always want books, and I personally will continue to read an actual book because I simply prefer it.

One final thought, books encourage curiosity and an expansion of knowledge. Browsing is one of the best ways to learn about new things, especially for children, and that's something that I will dreadfully miss should bookstores continue to disappear.

Aaron Hoak

10/15/2012 01:26:39 pm

Good thoughts, Daniel. I too hope that books never disappear (nor do I think they will). Here's a few thoughts on your thoughts.
1. While a print book cannot be updated remotely, a publisher could also alter content with printed books prior to their publication.
2. I agree about books as conversation starters! But I don't think e-readers eliminate the possibility of discussion. In fact, e-readers can create a conversation a book wouldn't. And when the novelty eventually has worn off and everyone knows what they are, the question will be "what are you reading?" instead of "what is that thing?"
3. You can loan e-books, but only (of course) to a person with an e-reader of their own. It's also fairly easy to purchase an e-book as a gift for someone who owns an e-reader.

Jeremy Statton link

12/3/2012 11:36:55 pm

My kindle has revolutionized my ability to read. By having the app on my phone, I have my "book" with me all of the time. I read much more now than I used. Love it.

I do have the paperwhite and would highly recommend it, especially the built in light feature.

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