Paper Books vs E-Readers

This post isn’t meant to talk you into reading more for pleasure, even though you almost certainly should. If you’re reading this, my assumption is that you already do read for pleasure, and that you either have an opinion or want to have one about this common debate.

When reading, which is superior? The classic bound paper book, or the modern e-reader?

My opinion is that the question is a trap. If you are reading and enjoying yourself, you are reading the correct way. I think that we, all of us, are very good at finding reasons to believe we are superior in some way to others. If we spent more time reading and less time judging each other for how, why, where, when or what we read, we’d probably all be happier.

So, there it is. A superior method of reading books doesn’t exist. Generally speaking, anyway. Of course, that’s not the case for individuals. I am a very enthusiastic reader since childhood, and have read hundreds of books on both bound paper and e-readers. I certainly do have a preference, but that preference has nothing to do with the inherent superiority of one format over the other. My preference is based on my own individual wants and needs.

If you are someone who has a strong preference for either paper books or e-readers, that’s great! If your preferred method is satisfying to you, you have made the right choice. I’m going to be posting in the future about both, and I formally invite anyone and everyone to contact me in 2025 with a list of reasons you prefer e-books, paper books, or audiobooks. Tell me every single reason you love, want, or need to use your preferred method or methods.

For anyone who isn’t sure which to go for, here are things to consider:

Paper Books

Richer sensory experience:
- Real paper texture.
- Page-turning.
- Books typically have a smell.

Durability:
- Can survive drops, stains, & many years in storage.
- Many hardcover books include dust jacket to prevent scratches.

Lighting & eye strain:
- No screen fatigue with paper books.
- No blue light or backlighting to tire the eyes.
- No screen glare or reflected light.

Low or no cost reading options:
- Read for free & save space by borrowing from libraries.
- Easily share books with others.

Ownership & Privacy:
- No digital tracking or data collection while you read.
- Ownership: You actually own a paper book. Your paper book cannot be altered or removed without your consent.
- No restrictions on sharing or doing whatever else you like with your own property.

Other considerations:
- No technology:
  - Used without batteries or charging.
  - No reliance on software updates, formatting.
- Collectability:
  - Paper books can easily be heirlooms.
  - More likely to have sentimental value
  - Limited editions more widely available.
- Can easily be used as decorations when not being read.
- More easily support local book stores and libraries.

E-Reader

Cleaner sensory Experience
- Smooth texture.
- Quiet, no rustling pages.
- No smell.

Durability:
- Some models are waterproof or dustproof.
- Can use protective cases and screens to avoid scratches or other damage.

Lighting & eye strain:
- Read in low or no light.
- Front-lighting in some e-readers.
- Adjustable blue light & brightness.
- Customizable fonts & text sizes.

Low or no cost reading options:
- Borrow from libraries.
- Frequent discounts, free e-book sections in some online stores.

Ownership & Privacy:
- Nobody can see what you are reading.
- Offline use prevents data tracking.
- Your digital library isn’t sitting on shelves for everyone to see.
- Easy to move large collections. No heavy boxes or storage concerns.

Other considerations:
- Compact & lightweight. Good for travel.
- Can buy or borrow books any time, without being near a bookstore or library.
- Built-in dictionary can be used any time.
- Some models support audio functions, audiobooks.
- Storage: able to store thousands of books on a single, book-sized device.
- Can buy or borrow books without being near a bookstore or library.
- E-books typically cost less to buy than paper books.

I think there are many excellent reasons to choose either or even both, and there are many that aren’t included here. I’ll talk more about it another day.

Thank you for reading!

~Bea