Physical books vs e-books: PLEASE end the 'debate'

-- Voicemail caller asks about reading physical books versus digital and e-books
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Broadcast on March 21, 2024

#davidpakmanshow #books #ebooks

[fjmcmm]

Physical. It’s something about flipping pages and just holding a good book.

[josemolina]

I exclusively prefer E-books for these reasons:
* Portability: No need to carry physical books.
* Synced Progress: Continuity across all devices.
* Customization: Adjust font size and background color.
* Fast Search: Instant word or sentence lookup.
* Quick Vocabulary Lookup: Instant word meanings.
* Accessibility: Features for the visually impaired.
* Privacy: Keep reading choices discreet.
* Space-saving: Entire library fits in one device.
* Cost Savings: Often cheaper than printed books.
* Environmental Impact: Saves trees and reduces carbon footprint.
* Easy Sharing: Share electronically with friends.
* Instant Updates: Stay current with the latest editions.
* AI Summaries: Extract main points efficiently.
* Audiobook Option: Easily switch to listening mode.
* Interactivity: Multimedia elements enhance engagement.

[maryr]

Revisit the question when you’re 60, and your closeup vision is declining. I’m 60, and I love extra large print on my iPad, that I can easily read in a poorly lit room. But I do have a small physical collection of my very favorite books. And I get my ebooks free from my public library.

[King_Steffon_II]

As a newly published author and lover of books, I have to say physical 🤷🏾‍♂️

[SavageJunky]

Here is the CORRECT answer: Try both and keep the one you prefer 🤣

[jeanannd]

BOTH are good! Each as advantages and disadvantages. Ebooks - I can download it instantly and read it on my PC, tablet and or my phone. Disadvantage - no electricity means no book. Paper books - can hold them, smell them, use a flashlight to read when electricity is out. In daylight, don't even need a flashlight or candle - just the sunshine is fine. Disadvantage - takes days to weeks to receive by mail or have to purchase as a store. I'm disabled and homebound, so the store is out, and have to receive by mail. Not a single book in a year? Shssh, in a slow year I may read 12 to 13 books.

[michaelstusiak]

I always felt that I wanted a physical book, but carrying books on vacation and on a plane is easier with a kindle.

[MMG-qv]

I moved about 1000 audiobooks across the country 4 years ago. Then I fitted them all neatly into a 1-bedroom New York apartment.
They don’t smell moldy. They don’t gather dust. They don’t sit in piles around my apartment.
I can read them anywhere I want, not only in a dedicated reading corner. I can read them while I garden, or cook, or lie in bed with my eyes closed. I don’t have to hold an object in my hands. I can make notes without defacing my book.
Best of all is the voices of trained speakers. I have read “Huckleberry Finn” probably 10 times, starting in 4th grade. But the Elijah Wood narration was a new experience. It was the first time I had been able to grasp the dialogue of Jim.

[peterlund]

Physical. I simply love holding a book and reading. It’s a real joy of mine. Thanks dad, for pushing that into me.

[MrHammer]

For most of my life, I was an actual book-in-hand reader, but once I brought my first Kindle, it has been e-books for me. I love not having to carry that book with me to the park and read. I also love reading multiple books in one day and not having to worry about carrying that many books with me. I love my Kindle and won't go back!

[ErikSomething]

I'm glad this topic was covered! The physical books are important IF ONLY for the fact that it will pull us away from a digital screen for a short while. I think I retain the information much better with a real book.

[GilbertHorn]

I learned to read very young, parents taught me to respect the written word. They took me to a great library where all the books were.
I looked at all there was to read and asked mom and dad “What should I read?”
Mom said “Anything “.
Dad said “Everything “.
I’m 77 and have been doing my best to do just that. Real books without exception.
So much to read, so little time.

[charlenemack]

I’m ancient…72 years old.I’ll take a book any day… something I can hold in my hand, some thing I can smell… other than myself lol! 😊

[Insightfill]

There's been some decent research about reading that you use the same parts of your brain for reading that you do for navigation. That's why some people can recall where PHYSICALLY they read something on that page: "top right corner, about halfway through the book."

[charlesoberdorf]

Donna here, there are a few things that help me make up my mind about this. I live in a very small house with no room for a library. On top of that, I just got on social security, so not a lot of disposable income. I do love books, I used to work at BAM and loved it. I also like to go to the book store, it has a different feel than other stores. So I can (and do) have a large selection of books on my tablet and I buy books that you won't see at a book store for way cheaper than a physical book. If I were rich with unlimited space in my house I definitely would have a library full of traditional books, but it IS so much easier to have your library in your hand. Hope that clears it up for people that don't have a lot of money.

[leohickey]

A former English teacher of mine passed away recently, and his daughter (a former classmate) was delighted by my praise for him as being instrumental in my life long enthusiasm for reading. It helped that my parents were big readers and many of my friends have been too, regardless of their other interests in life. It horrifies me when I hear people saying they don't read for pleasure, or even that they have never read a book, and it's depressing when I hear young guys saying they consider it to be a girls' thing. I long ago lost hope that I could recall how many books I've read, I surround myself with shelves full of them, and will continue to buy and read physical books. But I also appreciate the portability of my Kindle when I'm travelling, and that it offers search features that are not available in paper books. So it's both for me.

[pammer]

Totally agree. Physical books are MAGICAL and a home without a library has no soul.

[ph]

I recently got a Kindle reader, and I prefer that. It's screen doesn't give me a headache like from phone or tablet (blue light). It's very handy and no distractions while reading, it's simple to use and can be linked to your library so you don't have to buy all the books.

[James-bvrs]

Well said, David. It was painful when I went homeless and lost my library.

[ceegee-]

I would never read an e-book. Physical books all the time for me. I love reading and always have to have a book on the go!