Opinion: Book vs. eBook vs. Audiobook

I wanted to talk a little about the different ways books are presented to us. Both as a published author and avid reader, there is always the choice between reading the paper edition of a book, the electronic version or the audiobook.

There are reasons why I have learned to enjoy all three of them.

PAPER.

This is, by far, my favorite. I love feeling the pages in my fingers. I love knowing I can just go back to reread if I need to. I love that I can flip a few pages to see how many more I have until the end of the chapter if I’m too tired and want to go to sleep. When I was younger I preferred the paperback to the hard cover, but not anymore. I used to think hardcovers were heavy, but now I think they are easier to read because they open fully. With a paperback, I almost have to force those pages to open.

As an author self-publishing, hard cover books are very expensive and since I am basically an unknown, no one would pay over $20 for one of my books. At least not yet. Yes, I am hopeful. Still, I have always felt readers should have the option of getting their hands on my physical book. Even if it’s just friends and family, having a paperback version of my book is a good idea. Also, I just love holding my book in my hand. My book. It’s a special feeling.

EBOOK.

Ebooks are very useful. I own a kindle paperwhite and I love it. I love that amazon’s kindle is not only available for the device, but also as an app in my phone. Because I carry my phone everywhere I go, I have my books everywhere I go. Not only that, most libraries have most titles available online and are, most of the time, available to download. Unlike the Kindle app, libraries require an internet connection all the time (at least my library logs me off every time). I know some libraries allow you to download the ebook to your kindle, but for some reason mine doesn’t really let me do it.

Ebook readers, like my kindle paperwhite, are great. Their batteries usually last for a very long time. They allow you to take many books on long trips without taking much space, or if you’re waiting at a doctor’s office or some other place, they can also come very handy. And if you forgot your ereader, then just open your phone’s app. It’s a nice feeling to know you have books everywhere, at all times, isn’t it?

Not only that, most ereaders, like my paperwhite, have light you can adjust, coming out of the device, which allows you to read even when there isn’t a light near. It’s a perk that I enjoy whenever I use my Kindle paperwhite at night, I confess.

AUDIOBOOKS.

I have never been too fond of audiobooks. Not really. Not until I heard one for the first time. It changed everything. As an author I had never seen the importance of having an audio version of my books, but now I will save to get someone to record them for me.

I started checking them out from my public library and listening to them on my way to and from work. Sure, I don’t always agree with the voice and I much rather read the story, but it’s still great to be able to be immersed in a book while you’re driving 30 minutes to work with not much else to do. I’ve been enjoying it. It has also allowed me to read more books since I started doing it. At home I read the book or ebook, and then every morning I continue to the next chapter in the car. It’s been amazing!

Books are great, no matter how you have access to them. I am grateful for public libraries. I am grateful for authors that put their thoughts and stories out there. I am grateful for readers who take chances with books no matter how popular they are. I am grateful to live in a world where books are available any time I need them.

Yes, I am grateful.

cheers!