Since I got a Kindle Fire back in May, my reading life has really started to change. I’ve been able to read A LOT more (I also contribute this largely to giving up Facebook), and in a variety of ways. Yes, I am still a physical book lover first and foremost, but adding a Kindle Fire to the mix has only served to enhance my reading life.
I’ve always been a physical book reader, nearly exclusively. I got a Kindle Keyboard many years ago, but have only ever read a handful of books on it. In May, I opted to get a Kindle Fire. One of the big motivations for that was so that I could stream shows at the gym. I’ve never been a big fan of streaming or reading on the phone because the screen is just too small for my liking, so I decided a Kindle was the way to go. The price was right and Caleb had broken my (very expensive) iPad so it seemed like a good enough alternative. I opted for the Kindle Fire HD 8, and got it on sale for $60.00. It’s a step up from the basic Kindle Fire (which Caleb has), with a slightly bigger screen and better for streaming, and I’m thrilled with my purchase.
As you may have guessed, I ended up falling in love with the thing and using it more than I ever anticipated! I bring it everywhere and have downloaded a lot of my favorite apps. My primary uses for it so far though have been streaming shows (usually in bed at night since we have cable and a large TV in the living room), and reading eBooks (primarily via NetGalley) while at work. I also have my Google Calendar and Docs on there which keep track of my schedule, budget, and various other lists. It’s helped me to cut back on my phone use, too. Honestly though? Even though I got it for streaming, I use it most for reading these days!
Now let’s talk about eBooks. I still read primarily physical books, but I have to admit that having books on my Kindle Fire has made life just a tad bit easier when it comes to reading on the go. It’s definitely lighter to toss in my bag, and easier to read on while eating… and that’s primarily when I’m reading at work now — during lunch. I prop it up on the table in its case and then virtually read hands free, save for “turning” the pages on the screen every so often. I jumped back on the NetGalley bandwagon too when I got my Fire and it’s been a lot of fun requesting books and offering advanced reviews again.
I’ve also started using my Kindle at night now, too. Jerry gets up at 4:30 for work, so it’s lights out pretty early for us. What’s great is that the Fire lights up enough so that I can read in the dark, but not so much that it disturbs his sleep. It’s been a LIFESAVER and I use it nearly every night now in bed.
Now, it’s worked out that I always have a physical book going at home, and an eBook going at work or for when I need to turn the lights off early at bedtime. It’s helping me get through more books quicker and I’m really enjoying it. Instead of spending my breaks and lunches mindlessly scrolling through my phone, I’m reading and being productive like I used to before the Smartphone boom happened. Reading makes me happy… scrolling for no reason does not. It was mind numbing and now I’m using my time so much more effectively.
I’ve always been a one book kinda woman, but now I’m a two book woman and I surprisingly don’t hate it! I try to ensure that my physical book and eBook are different enough that I can read them simultaneously without getting confused. I’ll often read a nonfiction eBook and a fiction physical book, for example, or maybe a YA book physically and a chick lit on the Kindle. I’m still primarily a physical book reader, but with adding the eBooks and on the go reading, in addition to getting rid of Facebook, I’m getting through an additional 2-3 books a month. Hey, I’ll take it!
So far, the benefits of eReading for me have been:
- Additional reading time and getting through more books
- Ability to read in the dark
- The fact that it’s lightweight and I can toss it in my purse and take an entire library worth of books with me everywhere
- Ability to use NetGalley
Despite these benefits, I will never switch to full time eReading. I love physical books too much. I’m surrounded by them all day at work and also at home since I have a huge home library. Not only do I love the act of reading, I love actual books, too. Being near them gives me comfort and peace, and there’s just something about the feeling of an actual book in your hands instead of just another device. I’m on devices and computers all day for work, so it’s nice to be able to go device-free with a book at the end of the day. I also frequently flip back and forth while I’m reading, and I find that much harder to with an eBook.
All in all though, I’m loving that I added an additional reading method to my repertoire! I’m seeing an increase in my book count, and that’s reason enough for me to keep up with my new routine!
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