Now that i've moved to a state that has hurricanes and floods physical books make me nervous. I worry about them being damaged. With my Kindle I can pack it up and evacuate with all my books with me.
i like all forms of reading and it makes me so sad when people shame non physical book readers, because they never think about accessibility ): and audiobooks in particular can also be used as a way to train your ear in different languages.
Totally! I've never understood people who look down on audiobook listening over reading, it's sheer snobbery and doesn't acknowledge what suits people in different circumstances. :)
Jean Bookishthoughts well... to be honest i like both, BUT while listening to a voice i personaly cant imagine the world as good as i can while reading (real or ebook) i cant mark sentences and stuff like that
I used to be OBSESSED with the physical book. I collected them. I’d always have a book on the go. Now I only exclusively read on my phone & listen to audiobooks. I got my Kindle back in 2012 for my birthday & it was a game changer! I just prefer reading on my phone now. I always listen to an audiobook & read along on the kindle app on my phone, as I just find I absorb the book better that way. Audiobooks used to be my safe haven when I was younger. Growing up with my parents was really tough & there were some nights where I was scared & upset. Audiobooks came to my rescue. Just having someone reading to me was a comfort. They still have the same effect now.
I feel that every individual is different. People are different from each other in many ways. What is right and working for you may not work for someone. There are no hard and fast rules about which one is better. www.allwealthtips.com/audiobook-or-paper-book/ check out for more
I love all three formats! I listen to my nonfiction while commuting to and from work, I use my kindle for light/new adult fiction, and then physical books for everything else. Physical books are my favorite.... the weight, the smell and the feel of them is just intoxicating!!
While physical books will always be better, I find ebooks a good enough alternative ninety percent of the time. They are cheaper, and you never have to worry about them being in stock. I love that I can get any ebook I want within seconds. It’s a massive time-saver. Moreover, I just don’t have the need to own a copy of every book I’ve read. It’s not like they last forever, is it? Within a decade, all those cheap paperbacks will yellow and look nasty. I’ve had to throw away so many books from my childhood. Neither I not anyone I knew wanted them. Frankly, I don’t remember the last time anyone asked to borrow a book from me. Everyone just buys them on Amazon these days. In my experience, reading habits have changed considerably in recent years. Before Internet came along, people who couldn’t afford books or were too cheap to buy them had no other choice but to borrow either from friends or a library. These days, they can just pirate thousands of ebooks within minutes, or buy and return them without setting a foot outside.
Ereaders for me and audiobooks for when im driving or cleaning. But i very rarely read physical books. But i do love book cover art and i miss buying cute book marks and stuff. I dont reread books so i feel like they take up space in my home. But i definitely prefer ebooks.
Ebooks mostly for me!! I have felt conflicted bc I love physical books and like you said I spent so much of my childhood with books so it’s nostalgic. However I have moved boxes of books so many times and that’s annoying. Also I have found that with ebooks having access to any of them anywhere I am and being able to look at all of them is just as satisfying if not more. Not to mention my most favorite is to turn off the lights in bed and use my ereader with the backlight. 💜
I feel that every individual is different. People are different from each other in many ways. What is right and working for you may not work for someone. There are no hard and fast rules about which one is better. www.allwealthtips.com/audiobook-or-paper-book/ check out for more
I find that I more easily remember that I own certain books if they are on my shelf in physical form as compared to (especially) on the kindle. I forget that the book is there and I don't prioritise it. I also love the kindle for short fiction and travel, it's great.
I always read physical books - mainly out of preference but my eyes don't get along with reading on screens anyway so it's just easier for me that way. I considered getting the Kindle Paperwhite since it has no glare on the screen, but I think in the end I'd just end up buying paperbacks when I could anyway. I do love using audiobooks to help me along with uni work though! I've previously had to read 2 or 3 classics within a week (which is just not possible for me), so audiobooks made it so much easier in that aspect! Especially in some cases, having the narrator made the story so much easier to follow.
Absolutely interesting!! I adore audiobooks for the same reasons you mentioned. I listen to audiobooks while cleaning, doing laundry and cooking. I usually listen to music while working out, but listening to a book sounds great! I’ll definitely try. I adore physical books too.. there’s something magical about opening a book and unravel a hidden world. Also.. the smell (and sound) of physical books is precious to me.
I love physical books and think it is a different reading experience than listening or even ebooks. However, I love audiobooks while out walking, commuting or exercising. I discovered that I prefer non-fiction on audio, like you said the author reading their own memoir makes it so personal. But also science fiction or fantasy can be fun on audio. I least often tend to get the audio for literary fiction, unless as support like I did with Infinite Jest. I also like my kindle for the reason you described, it's small and holds many books, so great for travel. Also good for impatience if I want a book right now. A tip for prices. Check the price on different devices. I recently got a book on my PC instead directly through the Kindle because it was 50% less on the website. Apparently that is because amazon knows where you are shopping from and assumes you have more money or need when buying on kindle...that's just a theory.
I enjoy all three as well! I totally understand what you mean about music! I used to listen to a lot more of it but now I often choose audiobooks over music. I struggle with podcasts too because there are so many that sound interesting, but I usually choose books over podcasts too.
I bought an eReader this year and I love it! I took it travelling and it was so perfect. I use it to get library books mostly, because usually I can get eBooks faster than I can get the physical copy. I love owning physical books but the eReader is such a helpful way to carry a lightweight library around in your purse.
Just a week ago I got a Kindle Paperwhite, and I love it. As someone who's done printmaking and bookbinding in the past, I love physical books-the tactility, smell of paper and ink, the finalized layout, the linearity of left to right, etc. But I'm pleasantly surprised that I'm okay with the Kindle. The note-taking feature is useful, but I like using a pencil, so for study I go physical, as well as art books or books with many images and books that I would love owning. Other books for casual reading, I would recommend an e-reader. The information on environmental impact of e-readers vs books is iffy though.
Really interesting. I enjoy all 3 formats . Usually non fiction and books I don’t want to own I tend to read on my kindle . Also at night in bed I can read without keeping my husband awake due to the back light. I still love physical books though and probably 50% of the books I read are physical copies. I also love audiobooks but these can be expensive so I tend to only get them when they are on offer . X
I use all three formats. I have a Kindle Paperwhite, which I love. I primarily listen to audiobooks on my commute. I have been considering listening when I walk the dog, so I may try that soon. I actually bought a Kindle Fire just for listening to audiobooks because I don't have a cell phone and the iPad is a bit large to carry around in my purse. I mostly read on the Kindle after I turn the light out at night, before I go to sleep, but I also read it when I'm out somewhere since I can throw it into my bag. I tend to gravitate toward print books for more complex literature because I seem to comprehend and retain better if I have a physical book. I fully agree with you as far as narrators on audiobooks. I have my favorite narrators and will try other books that perhaps weren't on my radar based on the narrator. Ari Fliakos is great. For Jane Austen novels, Juliet Stevenson is THE narrator. A book can be great but if the narration is crap, it's a no-go for me, too. If your library system uses Overdrive, most of the books are available on Kindle, so you check it out from the library and then download it from Amazon just like you would any Kindle book.
My eReader is probably my favourite thing I own. I especially loved that I can change the font, the spacing and all that. It makes it so much easier to read sometimes. I have an old Kobo Touch (and sometimes I use my nose to turn the page when my other hand is busy) which goes everywhere with me.
I use all three too! Though mainly physical and audio. My e-reader is four years old at the moment. I mostly buy paperbacks because e-books are only slightly cheaper, and most of the times I forget they're an option and I have the device haha. I did use my e-reader a lot while travelling Europe. Great way to read lots of books without stuffing your backpack with paperbacks. I listen to audiobooks when I can't hold a book in my hands. While cycling, walking (with or without my dog), taking public transport.
Can't beat a physical book - the feel and smell and covers plus look good on shelves. Although E-books growing on me especially when there are long journeys or holidays. Got a few Dr Who audio books to listen to but not got into them yetx
Love this video! I agree with you on so many thing there! I love scribbling annotations all over my books so usually buy second-hand books to quench my moral conscience (I've got this weird thing where writing on a new book is sacrilege). I've got the problem where I need to read a book a week for uni but am an extremely slow reader. So what I usually do is listen to the audiobook while reading along with a physical copy and annotating it.
I love books in all their forms. I really enjoy reading eboooks from libraries on my device. I live in rural area so visiting other branches not always an option. I can borrow eboooks and effortlessly return them without leaving my home. I think this accessibility is good for seniors or anyone unable to easily travel to library. Similarly, rural areas often lack bookstores or peopl e lack shelving space. I do love as you said the beauty of a well designed and illustrated physical book. My books on my shelves surround me like beloved old friends.
Kindle is perfect for traveling. You can get many books with you with out adding pounds to your bag. Audio books are for car traveling in our family. Audio books are too very good for kids to listen to if the book is too hard for them to read. For example the kids have been listen to Charles Dickens "Oliver twist" and 'Christmas Carols" on audio because the books were to hard to read for them at the age of 10-11. Physical books are the best. I just love bookshelf full of books, it inspires me to read more.
I’m a huge fan of all three. I probably read physical books the most because I think, like most booktubers, I like books as physical objects. But I love my Kindle so much too! It’s so convenient and easy to read on. A lot of the time I’ll own a book but check out the ebook from my library and actually read it that way lol! Audiobooks just make chores and exercise actually enjoyable.
I really like all three. My favorite books I always want to get a physical copy, like you said for building a library and being able to lend out, but for new books usually the kindle book will be the same price as a paperback so I can get the cheaper price without having to wait for the paperback to come out. Also there's a super long series I read by J D Robb that has like fifty books in it so at some point storing them in physical form is a bit ridiculous. For audiobooks one of my best experiences was one where there were a lot of songs because it took place in a country where people sing everything, like a musical. I read it the first time in a physical book and enjoyed the story a lot, but when I later listened to the audiobook they actually sang the songs with all the different voices and it was just amazing, way beyond where my imagination had been able to take me. That's what got me into audiobooks, but since then I've listened to the Fellowship of the Ring which I enjoyed very much while I was bike riding, and also Sense and Sensibility on my bike.
For me a paper book is the best format, not only because I like well designed books but there is just something about the feeling it gives me that the kindle can't replicate, I have a kindle but I hardly ever use it, except the kindle app on my phone when I'm stuck somewhere then it's nice to be able to read it there. I also love audiobooks but like you said the narrator has to be good - I love to listen to P.G. Wodehouse with actors who really get the Posh English of the 20's, then it's such fun to listen to. But the bulk of my reading is paper books.
I really struggle with ereaders because I like the sense of where I am in the novel. I know we have the % indicator, but I like to feel the weight of the pages going from right to left somehow. Having said this, I do read through Netgalley so it's useful for that. I am intrigued by the idea of an audio book while at the gym. I would love to hear the Scots version of Harry Potter in this format if it ever comes out! Happy reading to you too!
I use both because I while I do love physical books on shelves and carrying them in my bag., if you on a trip for example you can only bring so many books and having the entire series on one light device makes it worth it.
Love all reading platforms. I can highly recommend the Kindle Paperwhite. It’s front lit so it is easy on the eyes and no glare in any circumstance. It amazing. Thanks for the video x
Audio books are my favourite I feel like my book is always with me because it is on my phone lol. I also like it because with ebooks and especially physical books I seem to get distracted and loose interest in my book that I would be reading. With my audio books I feel like I get a better understanding of what the book is about My vote 1.Audio books 2.Ebooks 3. Physical books (I do love when I go to a book store looking at books so I can find them as a audio book lol
I really enjoyed this video. I read 98% of my books on my Kindle or Fire HD 10 tablet. I only buy physical books when I can't get them for my Kindle. It's a space restriction thing for me. Just haven't got anywhere to put a lot of books. I've also just started a subscription to Audible as I do like audios to. Quite agree when it's the author reading the books and listening to how it is intended is excellent. Stephen Fry reading Sherlock Holmes is fantastic. Steve 😀
I enjoy both physical books and kindle books but I've never listened to an audiobook! I'm afraid I won't like the narrator. And I know I would definitely drift off and get lost in what's going on because it happens to me with podcasts. But I'm really excited to try! I love the fact that it would allow me to do other things while I listen to it
I love all forms. I have a collection of physical books and I love having them in beautiful editions. I collect these hardback, gilded editions of classics that I love. But predominantly I read ebooks because I seem to read faster, they are more portable and with my ereader I don't risk damaging the pages. I love audio books for when I don't have the time to read. I can't read and walk, or read and clean or cook and that were audiobook are life savers
RE: cost of books on a kindle vs physical ones, it does make a big difference when living in a non-English speaking country. The books aren't always cheaper on the Kindle store than, say, from Book Depository, but sometimes it's just not practical to wait 10 days for a book to arrive either! :D
I use all 3. I use physical books at home, my kindle for public transport/holidays and I have had insomnia for years and i find if I have an audiobook playing at night it helps me sleep :)
I love all formats of books. Physical books are beautiful and it's easier to read graphic novels, cookbooks etc as physical books. My kindle (Paperwhite) is great for travelling, chapter samples, and securing great offers. I use Audible while travelling, walking my dogs, and doing chores. And I still have many audiobooks in CD format, so I listen to those in the car :)
I use them all (for different purposes) as well. Something different from what you mentioned that I find is that I don't get as much from a book when I'm reading it on my kindle. If I want to fully-digest the text, I'm going to read it in physical format.
I use all 3 too. I always like reading e-books on my phone if I'm having dinner on my own and don't want to feel self conscious about being alone - somehow that makes me feel less like a sad sap. :)
I've never used ebooks myself but I get why other people use them. I used to read whitepapers and e-books that I downloaded on one of those old Kindles and it was a horrific experience, although to be fair they were work stuff so that probably didn't help. I like audio books as well, but I only ever listen to audio books if I've already read the book first. Another of the reason why I only read physical books is that I collect them all. What's great about having all three types of book is that there's choice there. The format is pretty much unimportant, it's the content that matters. It's kinda like how you can have an Android phone or an iPhone and while most people have a personal preference, it doesn't really matter what everyone else goes for! As long as we can meet up afterwards and discuss the book, we're good :D
I prefer physical books but I also read a lot of local indie authors, and their Kindle editions are usually under $5, which allows me to support them. I use the free Kindle app.
Because I'm dyslexic reading a physical book and listening to an audio book in tandem really really helps me, it can be expensive but if i find the subject difficult or if the book is in my second language then it's really really helpful to do both at the same time ☺️
I prefer physical books, but due to having to move around a lot recently I've had to resort to ebooks and audiobooks in the interest of saving space and and amount of things I have to move. I read a lot on my iPad mini - I know the glare bothers some people, but it's never been bad enough to put me off. I also like using my iPad to read articles for school, which is easy and helps me save paper. Basically my iPad has been one of the best investments I've made in the past year - that's my two cents :D Love your channel, including your videos re: academics!
All formats are good as long as people are reading! Although I do have a bugbear with kindle books, more the business side than the actual tech. Because no one really owns a kindle ebook, it's just on permanent loan, so if a kindle owner closes their Amazon account or dies, all those books disappear. Unless someone breaks the DRM. However, if there are sites that sell mobi/epub files, you download it and its yours forever, which can be read in free reading apps or programmes like Calibre - both are doubly great because with the right plugin or app any text can be an audiobook, albeit done in a robotic voice.
I loved this video, I think this is a really interesting discussion! I have never owned a kindle and I don’t plan on anytime soon - I can totally see why people use them and why they’re great for some situations, but I don’t feel I have a need for one right and I love collecting physical books too much🙈 I am exactly the same with audiobooks, I listening to them when I get ready/walk anywhere/clean/have a bath/go to the gym/go to sleep haha!
I love the library e-book system, specially living overseas where there are limited English book resources. Amazon Prime lending library has been great and Overdrive.
I love the accessibility of my Kindle - being able to take loads of books around with me so I can flick through different choices (I also have the older, original version which I find is more than sufficient for the timebeing). But I love the feel (and smell, slightly odd perhaps!) of physical books. The only thing I haven't tried is an audiobook - I shall have to get around to it, although I'm not sure where I'd start :)
Ohhh I love borrowing ebooks, once I figured out the system. I have a Kindle Fire with a few apps that connect to my local libraries. Problem with the Kindle Fire is the battery won’t last for weeks and weeks like an ordinary kindle... Technology can be such a trade off!
I have an original kindle and a kindle fire. Prefer the original one though as you say you can’t read in the dark. Love audiobooks in the car but my favorite by far is an actual book. I like the feel, the smell and the feel of a proper book.
I don't mind reading on the Kindle, if the print is too small on the physical copy, or the cost of the e-book is very cheap. I don't like the fact that when books come out in hardback, the e-book version is around the same price of around £9/10, which I think is too much, given you can't do anything with the e-book edition once you have read it.
This was such an interesting video! I have listened to very few audiobooks because I struggle to find a narrator I like, though i did listen to Aziz Ansari reading his Modern Romance and I really enjoyed that. Definitely need to get into more audiobooks.
Glad you thought so! The author reading is always a treat. I love anything narrated by Stepehen Fry or sometimes your favourite actor might have narrated a book, might also discover a new book that way.
I have a touch Kindle. It's great. But if you're reading out and you're wearing gloves is not the best XD But, on the other sides, is great to underline and write notes.
e-book is good for travel and journalism and author for instant editing the book you are reading by taking notes it help publisher notify the writer of his mistake or defending his stand. the audio book is good for car driving or for those blind or vision impair and for those less reading ability. but print book for rich can afford permanent resident and space for book shelf.
I only read physical books. I can't absorb things when I'm reading on a screen and I hate being read to. Ugh, just the thought of someone reading to me right in my ear gives me shivers.
I Prefer Physical Copies Of Books but I also like Kindle Too. I find that I read faster on my Kindle. I don’t care for Audio Books. I lose my Concentration real easily whenever I listen to one. Good Video. I do not mark in my Books. I want to keep my Books in their Original Condition. I don’t want to ruin my Books. I was taught not to mark in my Books and to use a Book Mark in my Books. Happy Reading 📚📖
I prefer physical printed books because I’m not staring at the screen and you don’t have to always Cherge It; and the worse think is some books only come in ebooks like the ultamit histband, Christmas’s wedding bells and a few other Ed that’s where ebooks dome from.
To be honest, I only really like physical books. Articles, blogs, reports-these I can read on the screen, but something as lengthy as a book, I'd rather have it on paper. I realise that's probably not environment-friendly, so I'm trying to borrow/swap/buy secondhand as much as I can now. As for Audiobooks, I don't find it in keeping with my reading experience, as I'm the type of person who will move her lips to the words she reads. I can read silently, sure, but it's just no fun for me. Audiobooks will, sadly, only put me to sleep, I'm afraid. Really love this video, though! Hope it'd inspire other booktubers to make one too, as it's rather intriguing ;)
One thing that makes me weary of e-readers is that, if you read a poetry book, some of the lines will be longer than the width of the Kindle (because most of them are smaller than a physical book). So the lines can wrap oddly, and it messes up my experience of the book.
I exclusively use physical books. Never bothered with kindle or other e-readers. I don't have the attention span for audio books. The 112 page tag proved that.
James Holder Yeah, I couldn’t do audiobooks often, as I listen to so many podcasts and I would be wondering why it hasn’t ended after an hour and start thinking about life.
I definitely think all three are great. You hit all the points spot on but lately, my ereader apps haven't been loading up right. So I've been finding myself getting frustrated.
Jean, You mention in this book that you annotate books, could you make a video about this? I am currently in Uni and need to do this for projects, however, I am hoping to start with pleasure reading books though I am scared to start. Thank You!
It's really not that systematic or in fact proffesional aha. Sometimes I've written idiot next to bits of a book I think are ridiculous. Mostly if it reminds me of something else, in classical literature, I'll make a note of that in the margin. If what the author is saying sparks a thought and I'm not making in depth notes in a notebook or am out and about I'll write that in the margin. And if it's important/I want to return to it I'll either highlight, underline or sticky tab it so that I can find it again (sometimes both). :)
An avid reader usually consumes any type of book format and isn't shaming e-readers or audiobooks. Most people who start a rant against books in digital form ("I couldn't possibly read from a Kindle; I want to smell and annotate the book" or "Audiobooks are too damn distracting") raise some valid concerns but don't actually read at all. They may be spending 2 hours a day swiping left and right and liking boobs on instagram, reading nonsensical fake news on facebook but reading a book on their phone will strain their eyes...
I find it so hard to study from an e-reader or read books at a fast enough past on audiobook - I love both of those formats but physicals are the best in my opinion
I quite like the way that audiobooks slow down your reading pace slightly ^_^ it feels really immersive for me but I know other people who feel similarly to you. I've never studied from my e-reader, I don't think I'd like it either for some reason, although I do read articles on my computer.
Isn't there a more fundamental question of whether modifying classical literary works to make them audio presentations (and audio books do "modify" the work) is even dignified or proper?
I don’t see how. Ancient epics like the odyssey were original transmitted through performance not reading so surely in that case the audiobook is truer to the original. Not to mention some people literally can’t read because of site problems so why would you deny them access to these stories.
I'm talking about classic literature originally written, not performed. I would deny everyone audio access to those works, not just people who cannpot read. And visually impaired or blind people can still read.
I do use all 3 types but more ebooks than the others. Once I was very much an "only traditional paper" would do! Now with age and failing eyesight, I prefer ebooks. The ability to change "font size" and background is handy. Audios are nice, soaking in a steaming bath with an audiobook is the hight of luxury. The comparative prices aren't really important, but recently I have noticed ebooks being priced the same or similar to paperbacks which strikes me as "publisher greed". A traditional store has staff, rates and so many overheads that ebooks particularly amazon doesn't. I do recognize the hypocrisy of owning a Kindle and having an audible subscription but sometimes (usually) convenience beats ethics, damn capitalism! :-)
There are often audiobooks at the library in your language (if you're in the country where your language is spoken). If not, there are sites that provide audio books in different languages - storytel is one for the Nordic countries.
HomeWithMyBookshelf yes, thank you! A lot are narrated by people who donate their time for the blinds association since its probs the only people here listening audiobooks.
I personally cant stand ebooks/ audiobooks. I get headaches when looking at screens and when I listen to audiobooks I don’t count it if I want to hear audio that what my tv is for. And why buy an ebooks when it not technically yours.
Now that i've moved to a state that has hurricanes and floods physical books make me nervous. I worry about them being damaged. With my Kindle I can pack it up and evacuate with all my books with me.
i like all forms of reading and it makes me so sad when people shame non physical book readers, because they never think about accessibility ): and audiobooks in particular can also be used as a way to train your ear in different languages.
Totally! I've never understood people who look down on audiobook listening over reading, it's sheer snobbery and doesn't acknowledge what suits people in different circumstances. :)
Jean Bookishthoughts well... to be honest i like both, BUT while listening to a voice i personaly cant imagine the world as good as i can while reading (real or ebook) i cant mark sentences and stuff like that
I used to be OBSESSED with the physical book. I collected them. I’d always have a book on the go. Now I only exclusively read on my phone & listen to audiobooks. I got my Kindle back in 2012 for my birthday & it was a game changer! I just prefer reading on my phone now. I always listen to an audiobook & read along on the kindle app on my phone, as I just find I absorb the book better that way. Audiobooks used to be my safe haven when I was younger. Growing up with my parents was really tough & there were some nights where I was scared & upset. Audiobooks came to my rescue. Just having someone reading to me was a comfort. They still have the same effect now.
I feel that every individual is different. People are different from each other in many ways. What is right and working for you may not work for someone. There are no hard and fast rules about which one is better. www.allwealthtips.com/audiobook-or-paper-book/ check out for more
I love all three formats! I listen to my nonfiction while commuting to and from work, I use my kindle for light/new adult fiction, and then physical books for everything else. Physical books are my favorite.... the weight, the smell and the feel of them is just intoxicating!!
I love nonfiction on audio. It's great that we have all these options so we can keep reading at all times of the day now ^_^
While physical books will always be better, I find ebooks a good enough alternative ninety percent of the time. They are cheaper, and you never have to worry about them being in stock. I love that I can get any ebook I want within seconds. It’s a massive time-saver.
Moreover, I just don’t have the need to own a copy of every book I’ve read. It’s not like they last forever, is it? Within a decade, all those cheap paperbacks will yellow and look nasty. I’ve had to throw away so many books from my childhood. Neither I not anyone I knew wanted them. Frankly, I don’t remember the last time anyone asked to borrow a book from me. Everyone just buys them on Amazon these days.
In my experience, reading habits have changed considerably in recent years. Before Internet came along, people who couldn’t afford books or were too cheap to buy them had no other choice but to borrow either from friends or a library. These days, they can just pirate thousands of ebooks within minutes, or buy and return them without setting a foot outside.
Ereaders for me and audiobooks for when im driving or cleaning. But i very rarely read physical books. But i do love book cover art and i miss buying cute book marks and stuff. I dont reread books so i feel like they take up space in my home. But i definitely prefer ebooks.
I love physical books, I love touching the pages and the satisfaction of turning them over and seeing how much you've read! Audiobooks are fab too!
Ebooks mostly for me!! I have felt conflicted bc I love physical books and like you said I spent so much of my childhood with books so it’s nostalgic. However I have moved boxes of books so many times and that’s annoying. Also I have found that with ebooks having access to any of them anywhere I am and being able to look at all of them is just as satisfying if not more. Not to mention my most favorite is to turn off the lights in bed and use my ereader with the backlight. 💜
I feel that every individual is different. People are different from each other in many ways. What is right and working for you may not work for someone. There are no hard and fast rules about which one is better. www.allwealthtips.com/audiobook-or-paper-book/ check out for more
I find that I more easily remember that I own certain books if they are on my shelf in physical form as compared to (especially) on the kindle. I forget that the book is there and I don't prioritise it. I also love the kindle for short fiction and travel, it's great.
I always read physical books - mainly out of preference but my eyes don't get along with reading on screens anyway so it's just easier for me that way. I considered getting the Kindle Paperwhite since it has no glare on the screen, but I think in the end I'd just end up buying paperbacks when I could anyway. I do love using audiobooks to help me along with uni work though! I've previously had to read 2 or 3 classics within a week (which is just not possible for me), so audiobooks made it so much easier in that aspect! Especially in some cases, having the narrator made the story so much easier to follow.
Absolutely interesting!! I adore audiobooks for the same reasons you mentioned. I listen to audiobooks while cleaning, doing laundry and cooking.
I usually listen to music while working out, but listening to a book sounds great! I’ll definitely try.
I adore physical books too.. there’s something magical about opening a book and unravel a hidden world. Also.. the smell (and sound) of physical books is precious to me.
I love physical books and think it is a different reading experience than listening or even ebooks. However, I love audiobooks while out walking, commuting or exercising. I discovered that I prefer non-fiction on audio, like you said the author reading their own memoir makes it so personal. But also science fiction or fantasy can be fun on audio. I least often tend to get the audio for literary fiction, unless as support like I did with Infinite Jest. I also like my kindle for the reason you described, it's small and holds many books, so great for travel. Also good for impatience if I want a book right now. A tip for prices. Check the price on different devices. I recently got a book on my PC instead directly through the Kindle because it was 50% less on the website. Apparently that is because amazon knows where you are shopping from and assumes you have more money or need when buying on kindle...that's just a theory.
I enjoy all three as well! I totally understand what you mean about music! I used to listen to a lot more of it but now I often choose audiobooks over music. I struggle with podcasts too because there are so many that sound interesting, but I usually choose books over podcasts too.
I bought an eReader this year and I love it! I took it travelling and it was so perfect. I use it to get library books mostly, because usually I can get eBooks faster than I can get the physical copy. I love owning physical books but the eReader is such a helpful way to carry a lightweight library around in your purse.
Just a week ago I got a Kindle Paperwhite, and I love it. As someone who's done printmaking and bookbinding in the past, I love physical books-the tactility, smell of paper and ink, the finalized layout, the linearity of left to right, etc. But I'm pleasantly surprised that I'm okay with the Kindle. The note-taking feature is useful, but I like using a pencil, so for study I go physical, as well as art books or books with many images and books that I would love owning. Other books for casual reading, I would recommend an e-reader. The information on environmental impact of e-readers vs books is iffy though.
Really interesting. I enjoy all 3 formats . Usually non fiction and books I don’t want to own I tend to read on my kindle . Also at night in bed I can read without keeping my husband awake due to the back light. I still love physical books though and probably 50% of the books I read are physical copies. I also love audiobooks but these can be expensive so I tend to only get them when they are on offer . X
I use all three formats. I have a Kindle Paperwhite, which I love. I primarily listen to audiobooks on my commute. I have been considering listening when I walk the dog, so I may try that soon. I actually bought a Kindle Fire just for listening to audiobooks because I don't have a cell phone and the iPad is a bit large to carry around in my purse. I mostly read on the Kindle after I turn the light out at night, before I go to sleep, but I also read it when I'm out somewhere since I can throw it into my bag. I tend to gravitate toward print books for more complex literature because I seem to comprehend and retain better if I have a physical book.
I fully agree with you as far as narrators on audiobooks. I have my favorite narrators and will try other books that perhaps weren't on my radar based on the narrator. Ari Fliakos is great. For Jane Austen novels, Juliet Stevenson is THE narrator. A book can be great but if the narration is crap, it's a no-go for me, too.
If your library system uses Overdrive, most of the books are available on Kindle, so you check it out from the library and then download it from Amazon just like you would any Kindle book.
My eReader is probably my favourite thing I own. I especially loved that I can change the font, the spacing and all that. It makes it so much easier to read sometimes. I have an old Kobo Touch (and sometimes I use my nose to turn the page when my other hand is busy) which goes everywhere with me.
I use all three too! Though mainly physical and audio. My e-reader is four years old at the moment. I mostly buy paperbacks because e-books are only slightly cheaper, and most of the times I forget they're an option and I have the device haha. I did use my e-reader a lot while travelling Europe. Great way to read lots of books without stuffing your backpack with paperbacks. I listen to audiobooks when I can't hold a book in my hands. While cycling, walking (with or without my dog), taking public transport.
Can't beat a physical book - the feel and smell and covers plus look good on shelves. Although E-books growing on me especially when there are long journeys or holidays. Got a few Dr Who audio books to listen to but not got into them yetx
Yeah I never want to not have a library but like when I moved to London I couldn't bring my books so having a kindle was amazing.
Love this video! I agree with you on so many thing there! I love scribbling annotations all over my books so usually buy second-hand books to quench my moral conscience (I've got this weird thing where writing on a new book is sacrilege). I've got the problem where I need to read a book a week for uni but am an extremely slow reader. So what I usually do is listen to the audiobook while reading along with a physical copy and annotating it.
I love books in all their forms. I really enjoy reading eboooks from libraries on my device. I live in rural area so visiting other branches not always an option. I can borrow eboooks and effortlessly return them without leaving my home. I think this accessibility is good for seniors or anyone unable to easily travel to library. Similarly, rural areas often lack bookstores or peopl e lack shelving space. I do love as you said the beauty of a well designed and illustrated physical book. My books on my shelves surround me like beloved old friends.
Many of the issues with ebook readers which you mention are overcome in the more modern models.
Kindle is perfect for traveling. You can get many books with you with out adding pounds to your bag.
Audio books are for car traveling in our family. Audio books are too very good for kids to listen to if the book is too hard for them to read. For example the kids have been listen to Charles Dickens "Oliver twist" and 'Christmas Carols" on audio because the books were to hard to read for them at the age of 10-11.
Physical books are the best. I just love bookshelf full of books, it inspires me to read more.
I’m a huge fan of all three. I probably read physical books the most because I think, like most booktubers, I like books as physical objects. But I love my Kindle so much too! It’s so convenient and easy to read on. A lot of the time I’ll own a book but check out the ebook from my library and actually read it that way lol! Audiobooks just make chores and exercise actually enjoyable.
I really like all three. My favorite books I always want to get a physical copy, like you said for building a library and being able to lend out, but for new books usually the kindle book will be the same price as a paperback so I can get the cheaper price without having to wait for the paperback to come out. Also there's a super long series I read by J D Robb that has like fifty books in it so at some point storing them in physical form is a bit ridiculous. For audiobooks one of my best experiences was one where there were a lot of songs because it took place in a country where people sing everything, like a musical. I read it the first time in a physical book and enjoyed the story a lot, but when I later listened to the audiobook they actually sang the songs with all the different voices and it was just amazing, way beyond where my imagination had been able to take me. That's what got me into audiobooks, but since then I've listened to the Fellowship of the Ring which I enjoyed very much while I was bike riding, and also Sense and Sensibility on my bike.
For me a paper book is the best format, not only because I like well designed books but there is just something about the feeling it gives me that the kindle can't replicate, I have a kindle but I hardly ever use it, except the kindle app on my phone when I'm stuck somewhere then it's nice to be able to read it there. I also love audiobooks but like you said the narrator has to be good - I love to listen to P.G. Wodehouse with actors who really get the Posh English of the 20's, then it's such fun to listen to. But the bulk of my reading is paper books.
I really struggle with ereaders because I like the sense of where I am in the novel. I know we have the % indicator, but I like to feel the weight of the pages going from right to left somehow. Having said this, I do read through Netgalley so it's useful for that. I am intrigued by the idea of an audio book while at the gym. I would love to hear the Scots version of Harry Potter in this format if it ever comes out! Happy reading to you too!
I use both because I while I do love physical books on shelves and carrying them in my bag., if you on a trip for example you can only bring so many books and having the entire series on one light device makes it worth it.
Love all reading platforms. I can highly recommend the Kindle Paperwhite. It’s front lit so it is easy on the eyes and no glare in any circumstance. It amazing. Thanks for the video x
Audio books are my favourite I feel like my book is always with me because it is on my phone lol. I also like it because with ebooks and especially physical books I seem to get distracted and loose interest in my book that I would be reading. With my audio books I feel like I get a better understanding of what the book is about
My vote
1.Audio books
2.Ebooks
3. Physical books (I do love when I go to a book store looking at books so I can find them as a audio book lol
I really enjoyed this video. I read 98% of my books on my Kindle or Fire HD 10 tablet. I only buy physical books when I can't get them for my Kindle. It's a space restriction thing for me. Just haven't got anywhere to put a lot of books. I've also just started a subscription to Audible as I do like audios to. Quite agree when it's the author reading the books and listening to how it is intended is excellent. Stephen Fry reading Sherlock Holmes is fantastic. Steve 😀
I enjoy both physical books and kindle books but I've never listened to an audiobook! I'm afraid I won't like the narrator. And I know I would definitely drift off and get lost in what's going on because it happens to me with podcasts. But I'm really excited to try! I love the fact that it would allow me to do other things while I listen to it
I love all forms. I have a collection of physical books and I love having them in beautiful editions. I collect these hardback, gilded editions of classics that I love. But predominantly I read ebooks because I seem to read faster, they are more portable and with my ereader I don't risk damaging the pages. I love audio books for when I don't have the time to read. I can't read and walk, or read and clean or cook and that were audiobook are life savers
RE: cost of books on a kindle vs physical ones, it does make a big difference when living in a non-English speaking country. The books aren't always cheaper on the Kindle store than, say, from Book Depository, but sometimes it's just not practical to wait 10 days for a book to arrive either! :D
I use all 3. I use physical books at home, my kindle for public transport/holidays and I have had insomnia for years and i find if I have an audiobook playing at night it helps me sleep :)
I love all formats of books. Physical books are beautiful and it's easier to read graphic novels, cookbooks etc as physical books. My kindle (Paperwhite) is great for travelling, chapter samples, and securing great offers. I use Audible while travelling, walking my dogs, and doing chores. And I still have many audiobooks in CD format, so I listen to those in the car :)
I use them all (for different purposes) as well. Something different from what you mentioned that I find is that I don't get as much from a book when I'm reading it on my kindle. If I want to fully-digest the text, I'm going to read it in physical format.
I use all 3 too. I always like reading e-books on my phone if I'm having dinner on my own and don't want to feel self conscious about being alone - somehow that makes me feel less like a sad sap. :)
Dinning with books! Better than people 50% of the time anyway aha.
I've never used ebooks myself but I get why other people use them. I used to read whitepapers and e-books that I downloaded on one of those old Kindles and it was a horrific experience, although to be fair they were work stuff so that probably didn't help. I like audio books as well, but I only ever listen to audio books if I've already read the book first. Another of the reason why I only read physical books is that I collect them all.
What's great about having all three types of book is that there's choice there. The format is pretty much unimportant, it's the content that matters. It's kinda like how you can have an Android phone or an iPhone and while most people have a personal preference, it doesn't really matter what everyone else goes for! As long as we can meet up afterwards and discuss the book, we're good :D
I prefer physical books but I also read a lot of local indie authors, and their Kindle editions are usually under $5, which allows me to support them. I use the free Kindle app.
Because I'm dyslexic reading a physical book and listening to an audio book in tandem really really helps me, it can be expensive but if i find the subject difficult or if the book is in my second language then it's really really helpful to do both at the same time ☺️
I totally get that. I quite often read books aloud to myself, not exactly the same, but I find it really helps me sometimes.
I prefer physical books, but due to having to move around a lot recently I've had to resort to ebooks and audiobooks in the interest of saving space and and amount of things I have to move. I read a lot on my iPad mini - I know the glare bothers some people, but it's never been bad enough to put me off. I also like using my iPad to read articles for school, which is easy and helps me save paper. Basically my iPad has been one of the best investments I've made in the past year - that's my two cents :D Love your channel, including your videos re: academics!
All formats are good as long as people are reading!
Although I do have a bugbear with kindle books, more the business side than the actual tech. Because no one really owns a kindle ebook, it's just on permanent loan, so if a kindle owner closes their Amazon account or dies, all those books disappear. Unless someone breaks the DRM.
However, if there are sites that sell mobi/epub files, you download it and its yours forever, which can be read in free reading apps or programmes like Calibre - both are doubly great because with the right plugin or app any text can be an audiobook, albeit done in a robotic voice.
I loved this video, I think this is a really interesting discussion! I have never owned a kindle and I don’t plan on anytime soon - I can totally see why people use them and why they’re great for some situations, but I don’t feel I have a need for one right and I love collecting physical books too much🙈 I am exactly the same with audiobooks, I listening to them when I get ready/walk anywhere/clean/have a bath/go to the gym/go to sleep haha!
I love the library e-book system, specially living overseas where there are limited English book resources. Amazon Prime lending library has been great and Overdrive.
I love the accessibility of my Kindle - being able to take loads of books around with me so I can flick through different choices (I also have the older, original version which I find is more than sufficient for the timebeing). But I love the feel (and smell, slightly odd perhaps!) of physical books. The only thing I haven't tried is an audiobook - I shall have to get around to it, although I'm not sure where I'd start :)
Ohhh I love borrowing ebooks, once I figured out the system. I have a Kindle Fire with a few apps that connect to my local libraries. Problem with the Kindle Fire is the battery won’t last for weeks and weeks like an ordinary kindle... Technology can be such a trade off!
I have an original kindle and a kindle fire. Prefer the original one though as you say you can’t read in the dark. Love audiobooks in the car but my favorite by far is an actual book. I like the feel, the smell and the feel of a proper book.
I don't mind reading on the Kindle, if the print is too small on the physical copy, or the cost of the e-book is very cheap. I don't like the fact that when books come out in hardback, the e-book version is around the same price of around £9/10, which I think is too much, given you can't do anything with the e-book edition once you have read it.
This was such an interesting video! I have listened to very few audiobooks because I struggle to find a narrator I like, though i did listen to Aziz Ansari reading his Modern Romance and I really enjoyed that. Definitely need to get into more audiobooks.
Glad you thought so! The author reading is always a treat. I love anything narrated by Stepehen Fry or sometimes your favourite actor might have narrated a book, might also discover a new book that way.
How about a video on Bookish Podcasts?
I have a touch Kindle. It's great. But if you're reading out and you're wearing gloves is not the best XD But, on the other sides, is great to underline and write notes.
e-book is good for travel and journalism and author for instant editing the book you are reading by taking notes it help publisher notify the writer of his mistake or defending his stand. the audio book is good for car driving or for those blind or vision impair and for those less reading ability. but print book for rich can afford permanent resident and space for book shelf.
I only read physical books. I can't absorb things when I'm reading on a screen and I hate being read to. Ugh, just the thought of someone reading to me right in my ear gives me shivers.
I Prefer Physical Copies Of Books but I also like Kindle Too. I find that I read faster on my Kindle. I don’t care for Audio Books. I lose my Concentration real easily whenever I listen to one. Good Video. I do not mark in my Books. I want to keep my Books in their Original Condition. I don’t want to ruin my Books. I was taught not to mark in my Books and to use a Book Mark in my Books.
Happy Reading 📚📖
I prefer physical printed books because I’m not staring at the screen and you don’t have to always Cherge It; and the worse think is some books only come in ebooks like the ultamit histband, Christmas’s wedding bells and a few other Ed that’s where ebooks dome from.
To be honest, I only really like physical books. Articles, blogs, reports-these I can read on the screen, but something as lengthy as a book, I'd rather have it on paper. I realise that's probably not environment-friendly, so I'm trying to borrow/swap/buy secondhand as much as I can now. As for Audiobooks, I don't find it in keeping with my reading experience, as I'm the type of person who will move her lips to the words she reads. I can read silently, sure, but it's just no fun for me. Audiobooks will, sadly, only put me to sleep, I'm afraid.
Really love this video, though! Hope it'd inspire other booktubers to make one too, as it's rather intriguing ;)
The physical copies are amazing just turning the pages is amazing ,but since I don’t retain information for that long I read it with the audio book 📖.
One thing that makes me weary of e-readers is that, if you read a poetry book, some of the lines will be longer than the width of the Kindle (because most of them are smaller than a physical book). So the lines can wrap oddly, and it messes up my experience of the book.
I exclusively use physical books. Never bothered with kindle or other e-readers. I don't have the attention span for audio books. The 112 page tag proved that.
James Holder Yeah, I couldn’t do audiobooks often, as I listen to so many podcasts and I would be wondering why it hasn’t ended after an hour and start thinking about life.
I definitely think all three are great. You hit all the points spot on but lately, my ereader apps haven't been loading up right. So I've been finding myself getting frustrated.
Jean,
You mention in this book that you annotate books, could you make a video about this? I am currently in Uni and need to do this for projects, however, I am hoping to start with pleasure reading books though I am scared to start.
Thank You!
It's really not that systematic or in fact proffesional aha. Sometimes I've written idiot next to bits of a book I think are ridiculous. Mostly if it reminds me of something else, in classical literature, I'll make a note of that in the margin. If what the author is saying sparks a thought and I'm not making in depth notes in a notebook or am out and about I'll write that in the margin. And if it's important/I want to return to it I'll either highlight, underline or sticky tab it so that I can find it again (sometimes both). :)
An avid reader usually consumes any type of book format and isn't shaming e-readers or audiobooks. Most people who start a rant against books in digital form ("I couldn't possibly read from a Kindle; I want to smell and annotate the book" or "Audiobooks are too damn distracting") raise some valid concerns but don't actually read at all. They may be spending 2 hours a day swiping left and right and liking boobs on instagram, reading nonsensical fake news on facebook but reading a book on their phone will strain their eyes...
I love all 3
I find it so hard to study from an e-reader or read books at a fast enough past on audiobook - I love both of those formats but physicals are the best in my opinion
I quite like the way that audiobooks slow down your reading pace slightly ^_^ it feels really immersive for me but I know other people who feel similarly to you. I've never studied from my e-reader, I don't think I'd like it either for some reason, although I do read articles on my computer.
Yes, if you like the audiobook it can be a really great reading experience, especially if it's non-fiction and read by the author!
Isn't there a more fundamental question of whether modifying classical literary works to make them audio presentations (and audio books do "modify" the work) is even dignified or proper?
I don’t see how. Ancient epics like the odyssey were original transmitted through performance not reading so surely in that case the audiobook is truer to the original. Not to mention some people literally can’t read because of site problems so why would you deny them access to these stories.
I'm talking about classic literature originally written, not performed. I would deny everyone audio access to those works, not just people who cannpot read. And visually impaired or blind people can still read.
I do use all 3 types but more ebooks than the others. Once I was very much an "only traditional paper" would do!
Now with age and failing eyesight, I prefer ebooks. The ability to change "font size" and background is handy.
Audios are nice, soaking in a steaming bath with an audiobook is the hight of luxury.
The comparative prices aren't really important, but recently I have noticed ebooks being priced the same or similar to paperbacks which strikes me as "publisher greed". A traditional store has staff, rates and so many overheads that ebooks particularly amazon doesn't. I do recognize the hypocrisy of owning a Kindle and having an audible subscription but sometimes (usually) convenience beats ethics, damn capitalism! :-)
I prefer physical books, but I might get into audiobooks in 2018
Come join us ;)
The only thing i cant do is audiobook due to my not being english!
There are often audiobooks at the library in your language (if you're in the country where your language is spoken). If not, there are sites that provide audio books in different languages - storytel is one for the Nordic countries.
HomeWithMyBookshelf yes, thank you! A lot are narrated by people who donate their time for the blinds association since its probs the only people here listening audiobooks.
Kindle is excellent when you read in foreign language because it has a dictionary.
Yes i love it, unfortunately i bought the fire years and years ago. its going strong tho!
I personally cant stand ebooks/ audiobooks. I get headaches when looking at screens and when I listen to audiobooks I don’t count it if I want to hear audio that what my tv is for. And why buy an ebooks when it not technically yours.
You are too much beautiful with unexplainable beauty.
I never see beauty like you :-)
Quit simping...
Nothing but physical books
Physical books only.
Audiobooks > kindle > physical books
First comment 😎
i always wondered, why the fuss about being first?do you win anything?
I also thinking the same... this is my first time, hahahahaha....