I love reading. I have very fond memories of spending my Saturday mornings roaming around the children’s section of the public library in Modesto while my mom was at the Farmer’s Market out front (remember back in the day when you could leave your children unattended?) trying to find every single book featured on that week’s Reading Rainbow episode and a random day wandering around Barnes & Noble while my dad wandered around Barnes & Noble (we’re a book loving family).

It’s rare when I go to the bookstore with a specific book in mind to pick up; my usual MO is to wander through the store, pick up books that have interesting covers, read the synopsis, and if I’m interested, read a few pages. If I’m still interested in the book, then I’d buy it. If not, then I’d move on and repeat the process with a new book. The thing is, I love the feel of a well-worn book, there’s nothing like running your fingers over the creases in the spine and being able to easily fold it open while reading. I also love the smell of books, especially old ones (well, so long as they’re not musty or moldy). I really just love getting lost in a good book so when the kindle and all those reading apps came out, I will admit that I was one of those “I’m never getting a Kindle! Kindle’s kill books! I want my books! BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS!”

So guess who got a Kindle for Christmas.

And guess who’s reading has skyrocketed because of it. Actually, I’m not sure if it’s solely because I have a Kindle, though not having to put on pants to go get a book is a fantastic plus, or if it’s because I now have dedicated time to read since I’m commuting again and spend an hour on BART every day. Well, maybe it could be the Kindle, I did start reading a crate of books once I got it and even finished a few books I owned physical copies of after downloading them onto my Kindle. Anywho, I’m reading again. That’s the point.

I do enjoy being able to carry a small library in my purse without the extra weight of a book but I do miss having an actual book. I like being able to pick it up and feel the pages. I’ve been thinking about supplementing my personal library by purchasing hard copies of the books I read on the Kindle that I really loved. That way I get the best of both worlds. Or does that seem redundant?

I thought about this because, while I was reading the Count of Monte Cristo (yes, again) I really couldn’t help but miss my book. I guess there are just some books you just have to read in book form and the Count is one of those books for me. I wanted to feel the waxiness of the cover and the creases in the spine, turn the pages and see the slightly yellowed edges. You just don’t get that sensation when you’re holding a tablet and swiping your finger across the screen or pressing a button to turn the page. I guess I just don’t want to completely lose what I grew up with.

Honestly, I love looking at my bookcase and seeing all the books I read. It could be that simple reason why I’d want to repurchase books in hard copy just so I can add to my library. I’m sure the mister won’t be too excited but I envision having a room in our house like this:

Source: Ikea

Le sigh. You just can’t have that with Kindle! That is what dreams are made out of.