Books vs Kindle

Most people these days are fine with reading an e-reader, or at least they’re fine if people choose to read a book on an e-reader. However, there are still those that believe that the only way to read a book is with an actual book. While people are welcome to their opinions, it doesn’t mean that you have to believe it. At the end of the day, whether reading a physical book or an e-reader is a win.

If you’ve never seen an actual e-reader (such as a Kindle), then you may not understand how an e-reader actually looks when looking at the screen. It’s nothing like your phone or a regular tablet. The screen is specifically designed to not strain your eyes, and to help you avoid many of the downsides to reading on a phone or tablet. It literally looks like a piece of paper when you’re reading off of it.

These days, most people have seen what an e-reader looks like in person, so they’re familiar with the screen and the size of the device. Most people aren’t arguing about eye strain or other such factors when it comes to an e-reader. The biggest complaint that people have is that they want to feel the actual pages and hold the physical book in their hands. They like how the reading experience feels.

Ultimately though, whatever gets you to read is the best way to read. If you’re going to read on an e-reader, then pick up an e-reader. If you’re only willing to read physical books, then pick up a physical book. Whatever way you choose to read is great as long as you do it. While most books these days are available in ebook format, you may have to read a physical book from time to time when an older book isn’t available.

For kids, it’s the same principle as well. There’s no downside to having them read on an e-reader. Since devices such as the Kindle are designed for kids to read, there’s not really other things they can easily do on them. If you have a child who likes to read, don’t be afraid to get them an e-reader. We like the Kids Kindle device, but ultimately it doesn’t really matter as long as they pick it up to read.

What you should not do is give them a tablet for reading. First off, tablets are not great for reading on your eyes. You’ll find that your eyes will grow tired quite quickly when staring at a tablet for prolonged periods of time. Second, a tablet has all kinds of distractions that are right on it. It’s all too easy to close out of a book and turn on a video or play a video game - they’re made as full entertainment devices.

If you or your child struggles with reading, you need to make sure you’re setting yourself up for success by finding places that are quiet enough to focus on reading, and where there is enough light that you can see the book. The Kindle Paperwhite makes it even easier to read in areas with not a lot of light as they are backlit. They’re a real joy to read on if you’ve never used one, and it’s hard to go back to a physical book after using one.

Whether you’re using an e-reader or a physical book, it doesn’t matter. Read as much as you can, and encourage your children to read too.