If I read books, I prefer doing it on paper. I cannot focus enough if I read a digital book on my computer/mobile phone. Especially, if I read books to learn something.
For example, I need every IT-related book (patterns, clean code, etc) as hardcopy in my cupboard. If I read them I take a marker and highlight important parts, write comments and so on. I know I can do that with a digital copy but I think learning is different with that approach.
Thanks for the comment Paul! You're right about the learning aspect of reading. If you're reading some dense non-fiction it's great to jot down notes in the margins and highlight passages to remember later. I've had marginal success replicating this on a Kindle or Tablet, but it's not as intuitive. Reading on my phone or computer is really tough for me as well. It's a last resort for sure but helpful in a pinch if it's the only device I have on me at the moment.
I’ve gotten to a place where paper books are more of a headache. Like you I thought reading them at bed would be awesome but my bifocals make it a challenge to find a comfy position.
I love the search and note-taking of digital and I primarily use my iPad. I do just after a paperwhite however, I just can’t justify the added expense. Maybe for my 75th birthday in a couple of years. 😊
Thanks for reading Nancy! I recently bought two brand new paper books and it feels like such a. strange extravagant luxury, haha. It's certainly nice to hold the actual book and see my progress as the pages flip, but it's also not as convenient as a Kindle. Am I the only one who instinctively tries to tap a word in a paper book in order to get a definition like on the Kindle? haha
I'm glad the iPad works for you. I much prefer reading books on the Kindle's e-ink display but my tablet is great for reading magazines. If you're a serious reader, I think a new Kindle may be worth the splurge for you, birthday or not!
I listen to so many audiobooks now. It's definitely helped me consume more information, but I find it much harder to share that information since I don't take notes. Recently I started moving back towards kindle instead so I can take notes, but it's a struggle. I love paperback novels for fiction, though I've actually found Audiobooks amazing for fiction as well recently (I highly recommend the audio versions of the Mistborn series)
I think we all go through different phases in our reading journey. Audio books certainly do allow for faster consumption but I've had the same issue of missing out on notes and highlights. Life is too short to dwell on it too much. I think it's worth identifying a few books each year where you'll get the most value out of a lot of note-taking and highlighting. Then the rest of the books can be more casually consumed via listening or without too many notes.
Once I got to the professional world, I have pivoted strongly to audiobooks. It's just super convenient to consume a book while driving on a long commute, when out for a walk, or while performing some chores like cooking or folding clothes.
I made an attempt to read on a Kindle back in 2018 and went strong for a couple of months, but was unable to recreate that habit of reading. Now, reading is only limited to reports, articles, and emails.
My favorite audiobook experiences have been - The Hitchhiker's Guide trilogy of five, and The Martian. Some other notable ones include Red Notice by Bill Browder, and The Spider Network by David Enrich - both very financially oriented but super entertaining.
Thanks for the recommendation Punit, I'll add it to my list! Sci-fi can be perfect for audio books, especially if there is a famous narrator involved.
I hear you, it can be really hard to keep up with your reading. I make my best effort to cast my net wide with paper books, Kindle, and audio books. I'm not as dialed-in as I used to be, but I always want to have something on-hand to consume whenever the situation permits.
If I read books, I prefer doing it on paper. I cannot focus enough if I read a digital book on my computer/mobile phone. Especially, if I read books to learn something.
For example, I need every IT-related book (patterns, clean code, etc) as hardcopy in my cupboard. If I read them I take a marker and highlight important parts, write comments and so on. I know I can do that with a digital copy but I think learning is different with that approach.
Thanks for the comment Paul! You're right about the learning aspect of reading. If you're reading some dense non-fiction it's great to jot down notes in the margins and highlight passages to remember later. I've had marginal success replicating this on a Kindle or Tablet, but it's not as intuitive. Reading on my phone or computer is really tough for me as well. It's a last resort for sure but helpful in a pinch if it's the only device I have on me at the moment.
I’ve gotten to a place where paper books are more of a headache. Like you I thought reading them at bed would be awesome but my bifocals make it a challenge to find a comfy position.
I love the search and note-taking of digital and I primarily use my iPad. I do just after a paperwhite however, I just can’t justify the added expense. Maybe for my 75th birthday in a couple of years. 😊
Thanks for reading Nancy! I recently bought two brand new paper books and it feels like such a. strange extravagant luxury, haha. It's certainly nice to hold the actual book and see my progress as the pages flip, but it's also not as convenient as a Kindle. Am I the only one who instinctively tries to tap a word in a paper book in order to get a definition like on the Kindle? haha
I'm glad the iPad works for you. I much prefer reading books on the Kindle's e-ink display but my tablet is great for reading magazines. If you're a serious reader, I think a new Kindle may be worth the splurge for you, birthday or not!
I listen to so many audiobooks now. It's definitely helped me consume more information, but I find it much harder to share that information since I don't take notes. Recently I started moving back towards kindle instead so I can take notes, but it's a struggle. I love paperback novels for fiction, though I've actually found Audiobooks amazing for fiction as well recently (I highly recommend the audio versions of the Mistborn series)
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for reading Matthew!
I think we all go through different phases in our reading journey. Audio books certainly do allow for faster consumption but I've had the same issue of missing out on notes and highlights. Life is too short to dwell on it too much. I think it's worth identifying a few books each year where you'll get the most value out of a lot of note-taking and highlighting. Then the rest of the books can be more casually consumed via listening or without too many notes.
I used to be a voracious book reader as a child.
Once I got to the professional world, I have pivoted strongly to audiobooks. It's just super convenient to consume a book while driving on a long commute, when out for a walk, or while performing some chores like cooking or folding clothes.
I made an attempt to read on a Kindle back in 2018 and went strong for a couple of months, but was unable to recreate that habit of reading. Now, reading is only limited to reports, articles, and emails.
My favorite audiobook experiences have been - The Hitchhiker's Guide trilogy of five, and The Martian. Some other notable ones include Red Notice by Bill Browder, and The Spider Network by David Enrich - both very financially oriented but super entertaining.
The latest audiobook I consumed was a sci-fi story that blew my mind. It's called "The Tunnel Under The World" - the less I spoil about it the better. You must check it out, Chris! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/27lVtm518q82diWGgrL45J?si=6S-62r6pQ-6Meqa_JuiJtQ
Thanks for the recommendation Punit, I'll add it to my list! Sci-fi can be perfect for audio books, especially if there is a famous narrator involved.
I hear you, it can be really hard to keep up with your reading. I make my best effort to cast my net wide with paper books, Kindle, and audio books. I'm not as dialed-in as I used to be, but I always want to have something on-hand to consume whenever the situation permits.