Are you like me, reading multiple books at once? I absolutely can’t wait to finish one to begin another. I excitedly bounce back and forth, anxious for the next scene and chapter in each. Both of my parents had two books going at once, so this is normal reading behavior for me. I’m currently reading out of a book as well as a Kindle. Books or e-books? I say, there’s a time and place for both! I found an interesting article written a few years ago titled “Books vs. e-books: The science behind the best way to read.” No doubt it still applies today.
An e-reader can carry an entire library wherever you go, but reading on paper has a number of benefits, too. According to the article, reading on paper may boost retention and suit readers with sleep problems and eye strain. The article claims that another benefit of e-books is helping people with dyslexia to read more effectively and with greater ease when using an e-reader compared with reading on paper.
I love my Kindle for traveling to have that library with me wherever I go. The ability to read in dim light is definitely a benefit, as well as choosing a title that includes added features such as illustrations. However, I delight in the smell, feel, and look of books. There’s also just something about turning a page and being able to see how much I’ve read and how far it is to reach the ending.
The two books I’m reading right now
The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James, the journey of Isabel Archer, and her voyage of self-discovery. I just started reading this classic on my Kindle, and have high expectations of my first book of his to experience. I already feel I’m under his spell. James ends his lengthy 15 page Preface with, “There is really too much to say,” which inspired a giggle. Those of you who’ve read this book know the opening lines of the first chapter which I absolutely adore, “Under certain circumstances there are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea. There are circumstances in which, whether you partake of the tea or not—some people of course never do,—the situation is in itself delightful.” I can appreciate the way he thinks! I seriously need to stop the world and indulge in this lovely custom.
The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George. I love holding this paperback in my hands; it’s the perfect size. The chapters are just the right length as well, in my opinion. It has been described as a love letter to books; it’s meant for anyone who believes in the power of stories to shape people’s lives and that books can take the human soul on a journey to heal itself. I believe that wholeheartedly. I’m enjoying following Monsieur Perdu as he journeys from Paris to the south of France in his floating bookshop in a barge on the Seine, which he named the Literary Apothecary. I wonder in awe when he prescribes just the right book. He knows without a doubt which one should or shouldn’t be read for mending broken hearts and souls. I can’t wait to reach the end of the story to know if Perdu prescribes the right book for himself. He seemingly is the only person he can’t heal through literature. No spoilers, please!
What are you reading? Are you #teambook, #teamkindle, #teamaudio, or all three? So many books, so little time. Let’s talk in the comments!
*I don’t know who to give credit to for this awesome photo, but that’s the library of my dreams!