Another post I relate to greatly. I will admit however that these days I use my Kindle more often for one simple reason: in middle age my eyes are getting bad and therefore I sometimes prefer a book in the e-book format where I can control the font size and avoid straining my eyes so much. I take heart from the fact that my son will not even consider reading on a Kindle though; it is physical or nothing for him. That gives me a curious kind of comfort.
Oh Darren, I didn't want to admit it but I liked the Kindle for the exact same reason. I finally bought cheap reading glasses at the drugstore. Great to hear about your son reading on paper – not all hope is lost!
This is something I can related to a lot. I'm in my early 20s and I don't think I ever even considered reading eBooks. While books may be one of the best tools we have to keep learning things in life - even past school and university, they also help us deal with things like screen apnea and dry eyes. They help us keep our health in check in some way. That alone I think doesn't make eBooks as 'handy' as physical ones, there are intrinsic benefits that just don't transfer from one to the other.
Thanks for your take, Lorenzo! Of course you're right!
I have noticed recently that it's actually the older generations that have trouble with restricting their screen time. One example is their behaviour in concert halls. My anecdotal experience is that it's mostly older people (55+) that distract everyone else by their constant use of mobile phones during concerts.
(Though I have to say I've been at a couple of pop and hip-hop shows over the last years as well and I always found it strange to see the whole crowd filming the entire set – and then forgetting to applaud between songs.)
We’re kindred spirits here. I’ve never denied the benefits of a kindle or disparaged those who use them, but I’ve never been able to use them myself. I even found the whole idea of them kind of abhorrent when they first came on the market. Thought they’d be a flop haha. Books have always been a refuge for me and an expression of autonomy, and all the more so as tech’s dominance has increased.
Good to hear Zach. I needed a few years for that realization. I think I might still use my Kindle on thru-hikes though! If it still works by the time I dig it out of that shoebox...
I fell behind on reading your posts, Stephan! It was great to catch up again and read this one, especially after writing today about the importance of more rest and less consumption on my own Substack 😅 Great timing!
I'm not ready to give up my Kindle entirely, though. I love the convenience of placing it next to my pillow without holding it—these little comforts in life 🙃 However, when it comes to art books, I always buy second-hand printed copies, mainly on WOB. Have you heard of that website? I love it. If I enjoy a book on my Kindle, I usually get a printed copy, too, so I can flip through it whenever I feel like it.
Yeah read your piece earlier today and loved it. No worries about falling behind, I think that's what we all should do more often.
Never heard of WOB, will check it out. I do buy a lot of second hand books though, and the city's many libraries are some of my favorite places in Berlin.
I recently got a library card, but since I only read in English, I haven't figured out which library has more English books. As a result, I've been purchasing second-hand books or ebooks for my Kindle. Today, I visited a great bookstore called Hopscotch and would recommend it. The owner recommended some books, and I bought four new ones.
Another post I relate to greatly. I will admit however that these days I use my Kindle more often for one simple reason: in middle age my eyes are getting bad and therefore I sometimes prefer a book in the e-book format where I can control the font size and avoid straining my eyes so much. I take heart from the fact that my son will not even consider reading on a Kindle though; it is physical or nothing for him. That gives me a curious kind of comfort.
Oh Darren, I didn't want to admit it but I liked the Kindle for the exact same reason. I finally bought cheap reading glasses at the drugstore. Great to hear about your son reading on paper – not all hope is lost!
This is something I can related to a lot. I'm in my early 20s and I don't think I ever even considered reading eBooks. While books may be one of the best tools we have to keep learning things in life - even past school and university, they also help us deal with things like screen apnea and dry eyes. They help us keep our health in check in some way. That alone I think doesn't make eBooks as 'handy' as physical ones, there are intrinsic benefits that just don't transfer from one to the other.
Thanks for your take, Lorenzo! Of course you're right!
I have noticed recently that it's actually the older generations that have trouble with restricting their screen time. One example is their behaviour in concert halls. My anecdotal experience is that it's mostly older people (55+) that distract everyone else by their constant use of mobile phones during concerts.
(Though I have to say I've been at a couple of pop and hip-hop shows over the last years as well and I always found it strange to see the whole crowd filming the entire set – and then forgetting to applaud between songs.)
Yesss, totally agree. My parents are out of control 🥲 They are so much on their phones. Crazy!
We’re kindred spirits here. I’ve never denied the benefits of a kindle or disparaged those who use them, but I’ve never been able to use them myself. I even found the whole idea of them kind of abhorrent when they first came on the market. Thought they’d be a flop haha. Books have always been a refuge for me and an expression of autonomy, and all the more so as tech’s dominance has increased.
Good to hear Zach. I needed a few years for that realization. I think I might still use my Kindle on thru-hikes though! If it still works by the time I dig it out of that shoebox...
Good idea 👍🏻
wonderfully put…
Thanks Will! Appreciate it.
I fell behind on reading your posts, Stephan! It was great to catch up again and read this one, especially after writing today about the importance of more rest and less consumption on my own Substack 😅 Great timing!
I'm not ready to give up my Kindle entirely, though. I love the convenience of placing it next to my pillow without holding it—these little comforts in life 🙃 However, when it comes to art books, I always buy second-hand printed copies, mainly on WOB. Have you heard of that website? I love it. If I enjoy a book on my Kindle, I usually get a printed copy, too, so I can flip through it whenever I feel like it.
Yeah read your piece earlier today and loved it. No worries about falling behind, I think that's what we all should do more often.
Never heard of WOB, will check it out. I do buy a lot of second hand books though, and the city's many libraries are some of my favorite places in Berlin.
I recently got a library card, but since I only read in English, I haven't figured out which library has more English books. As a result, I've been purchasing second-hand books or ebooks for my Kindle. Today, I visited a great bookstore called Hopscotch and would recommend it. The owner recommended some books, and I bought four new ones.
I can recommend the AGB at Hallesches Tor, they have loads of English titles.
Perfect! That is the closest to my flat. Thank you! Have a great start to the week, Stephan 🖤