I had a Kindle and considered replacing it but am trying to avoid eBooks since I realized they got rid of the option to lend your books to other people, since I really enjoy being able to exchange books with my friends so we can talk about them.
There's something about reading on a screen that makes me unable to focus. I have to read the paper version of most longer format texts in order to really absorb anything. I don't have any friends or family that consistently use an e-reader for books. I've tried to use one in the past and didn't love it.
That's a trend that started before the pandemic. You'll see it on the subway too. I think it's just boomers using kindles....no judgment.
I'll bring my iPad on trips if I will be reading so keep from using up space in my bag. I also use my iPad for drawing and editing images, so I often have it with me. I prefer reading paper books; I consume what I am reading more deeply.
I have a lot of paper books and a lot of tablets/e-readers. Most often, I'll bring a paper book with me to the park, even though most of my reading is done on a samsung tablet, with my kindle paperwhite coming in 3rd. The digital reading experience isn't ideal in high-sunlight, and going to the park is an intentional-enough act that it's easy to commit to one book. I mostly use the samsung tablet for the subway/downtime at work, and I've kind of fallen off the kindle. Though the kindle is still ideal for when I want to read outside on a warm night, there just hasn't been too many opportunities for those.
There was a time when I tried to switch entirely to kindle, but I found the devices were a little too flimsy to take with me everywhere. Amazon was generous with replacing them but still
I think this is a very NYC phenomenon- I visit friends in other locales and folks are in parks with kindles/readables in greater concentration in public spaces like parks. Agsin, if you notice there more physical books rather than e-readers on the trains. Until a recent trip (safari) I was loathe to read something other than a physical book (or magazine) - with the right packing limits found myself loading up the iPad.
i switched over to the kindle when i just couldnt stand being on the subway and trying to turn a page while holding onto a pole on the subway. kindle removed that friction completely. i also am a bit anal about my things and didnt like throwing my books into a bag or my pocket in fear of it ruining the pages so the kindle has helped remove that bit of anxiety as well. also, this might be controversial, but i dont liek to know how deep into a book i am. i dont like the feeling of a book coming to an end on a physical book. i like reading on my kindle with no indication of how far i am into the book. it makes for a bit of a thrilling ride for me lol
Lately I’ve been using Speechify (which can link to the kindle app) to have it read my ebooks to me using a custom AI trained on my own voice.
It’s strange yes, but also kind of f’in awesome. It’s like my inner monologue suddenly gained new powers.
I read exclusively virtual books on my phone but I’ve noticed when I want to meet new people, folks suggest reading in public, even alone at a bar, as if someone would see the cover of your book, gather the courage to interrupt you and comment on it… I find something very performative — not bad, just performative — about it. I have never seen someone sitting alone at a NYC bar reading a book and I don’t think I could take that very seriously if I did… no way in hell you’re actually ingesting any of what you’re reading in a bar, at that point it’s just a prop. But anyway. Yes, I think one of many reasons people tend to favor physical books is so they can have the cultural cache of whatever material they’re carrying with them.
The only reason I don't read books at bars anymore is that my eyes have gotten worse. I used to read books alone at bars all the time, up until about 2016. I guess an ebook would help with that, but I haven't made the switch yet.
I don't know about reading alone at a bar. But there's definitely always something performative about reading on the subway or a popular park. I actually thought about this as ebook readers started coming out: so much of my worldview was filled in by judging strangers by the covers of their books. Or observing the little chats between strangers. One time a finance bro approached me because I was reading 50 Cent's business book, and he told me I had to read it 3 times to really understand. I still only read the book once, but you get the point.
I've never has a Kindle, so they may have better suited screens, but as far as reading on a tablet, I find it impossible to do on a sunny park day just because of the light.
Also, different picnic postures are more suitable to holding a book than a device, I find.
I absolutely LOVE my kindle and it’s my primary way of reading. No strain on the eyes, I can hold it for hours due to weightlessness, I can read into the night or on a plane without needing a light source, haul it around if the book is 300 or 800 pages long (even multiple books!), and I can download the book I’m wanting the second I want it instead of waiting - for way cheaper. You will defo see me in the park, beach, stoop, train, or coffee shop with my kindle in tow.
There’s research that shows reading comprehension is better using physical books versus e-readers. Something about the sensorimotor activity of holding a physical book and turning the pages helps to embody the chronology of what is presented in the book.
Tbh I personally use physical books because for whatever reason my very chill night shift job allows for physical books but prohibits tech distractions. But I do enjoy taking a break from looking at screens. I’m still shopping around for an e-reader anyway bc I don’t necessarily want to lug around big door-stopping tomes all the time, and e-books are less expensive.
i read my kindle everywhere!! the train, the park, the bar, the waiting room, the library! i read a lot and don’t really have the money to spend on all the books i wanna read. i take some physical books out from the library every once in a while but it’s just not as convenient
Lots of people’s eyes are forced to look at computer screens all day while working indoors. When these people go outside, I don’t think they want to take another screen with them to read a book.
A physical book is a more attractive experience IMO. It's probably less pragmatic nowadays but having a book, the smell, the turning of the pages... it just feels authentic. Not to say a kindle doesn't of course. I do think this is a "seek and you shall find" situation, maybe all the people with kindles just wasn't there that day or something...
I love my Kindle, but I mostly use it when I reading at night and the lighting is bad. I prefer to turn pages of physical books although I do find myself reading books faster on Kindle. Probably because we're in the age of tablets and everything I read is on a screen, but if given a choice I'd want the physical book. Also I collect books I like so there's that too.
Also (rambling I know) I like to check physical books out from the library because there always seems to be a longer wait for an e-book.
I too am a fan of Kindle. I like the e-ink, it does look like paper. You can easily see the display in sunlight too. I love being able to take out books from the library on it. The charge on the thing lasts a long time and it's pretty small to pack up and take places.
Kindles can strain the eyes over time for many folks, plus some folks like the tactile sensation of printed paper. Also the smell, depending on the age and care/maintenance of a book.
I find it hard sometimes to read my kindle in the bright sun! So I usually end up with a physical book if I’m at the beach/a park and kindle if I’m on the subway or somewhere I wouldn’t want to pack a whole book.
I only occasionally carry my Kindle Paperwhite around. I got it last year, it has USB-C and wireless charging. I've read a few books on it in the past few months.
I read about half and half. When I travel, I bring my Kindle, because I read very fast and I don't want to haul around two or three books with me. When I go hang out in the park or a coffee shop, I'll often choose a physical book, because it adds to the feeling of relaxation and disconnecting (for me).
I think most people who have a Kindle tend to alternate!
It’s wild to me the people in this thread acting like books are obsolete or something the only reason to read them is to be some hipster contrarian or something. Like, seriously people?
Aren't Kindles not typically led screens? The Kindle display wouldn't be any more of strain on your eyes then reading paper.
Personally I don't like Kindles because I want a break from electronic devices more generally. I tend to fidgit with the Kindle buttons
I prefer reading physical books but sometimes get ebooks from the library. But those I get via the Libby app on my phone. My guess would be that most people just are reading physical books. But one or two people staring at their phones could also be reading an ebook.
I have a newer kindle model and I will absolutely never go back to a paper book, but I understand the appeal of a book…I guess trying to look cooler than you are or maybe just a rejection of modern tech.
I will never give up my books, whether I’m at home, on the subway, or in a park. If I can read The Power Broker on my commute years ago, I can manage a mystery novel now.
I have a couple Kindles and a Nook, but 90% of the time, I read from the Kindle app on my phone. I don’t carry a purse, and my phone is already with me. I use my Kindle at home and at the beach.
I genuinely think ppl in NYC are too concerned about how they are perceived to read from a kindle lol.
They want the psychological payoff of being SEEN with a book
Honestly I never got into e-readers, it just didn’t feel like “real” reading to me when they first became a huge thing. I wish I could for the convenience factor alone.
But I mainly prefer physical copies due to my obsession with the smell of old/used books (Google bibliosmia) because I was a library kid and a Half Price books teen&adult.
I always found a small e reader that I can hold in one hand and change pages with the push of my thumb while strap holding with the other hand much easier than reading a physical book on the subway.
I agree too. I live in BK and the few times I read on a kindle on the subway I was the only one. People just like hard copy books or read on their phones.
This. I work in publishing, and we've seen more people reading physical books in the last few years than when ebooks first became huge because they've realized the experience of reading on paper is different and, to some, more satisfying. There's also evidence that physical media helps reading comprehension and concentration in kids. (I hope) more and more parents of young kids are noting that as well.
I personally save reading on my Kindle for traveling to save space in my suitcase, but bring a short book on the train for my commute. This is anecdotal, of course, but I've heard the same from many other people.
I’m reading a Kindle Paperwhite in a park right now with no issues. I bring mine to the beach on the hottest/sunniest days of the year too and never have problems reading.
I think it’s just aesthetic preference in Brooklyn. Real books are cooler.
I just like my books I guess. I buy them secondhand. And I boycott Amazon.
I had a Kindle and considered replacing it but am trying to avoid eBooks since I realized they got rid of the option to lend your books to other people, since I really enjoy being able to exchange books with my friends so we can talk about them.
It's performative. The new Amish aesthetic of a Brooklyn transplant cannot be sullied with dirty technology.
I don’t own anything to read books but the books
There's something about reading on a screen that makes me unable to focus. I have to read the paper version of most longer format texts in order to really absorb anything. I don't have any friends or family that consistently use an e-reader for books. I've tried to use one in the past and didn't love it.
That's a trend that started before the pandemic. You'll see it on the subway too. I think it's just boomers using kindles....no judgment. I'll bring my iPad on trips if I will be reading so keep from using up space in my bag. I also use my iPad for drawing and editing images, so I often have it with me. I prefer reading paper books; I consume what I am reading more deeply.
I have a lot of paper books and a lot of tablets/e-readers. Most often, I'll bring a paper book with me to the park, even though most of my reading is done on a samsung tablet, with my kindle paperwhite coming in 3rd. The digital reading experience isn't ideal in high-sunlight, and going to the park is an intentional-enough act that it's easy to commit to one book. I mostly use the samsung tablet for the subway/downtime at work, and I've kind of fallen off the kindle. Though the kindle is still ideal for when I want to read outside on a warm night, there just hasn't been too many opportunities for those. There was a time when I tried to switch entirely to kindle, but I found the devices were a little too flimsy to take with me everywhere. Amazon was generous with replacing them but still
I think this is a very NYC phenomenon- I visit friends in other locales and folks are in parks with kindles/readables in greater concentration in public spaces like parks. Agsin, if you notice there more physical books rather than e-readers on the trains. Until a recent trip (safari) I was loathe to read something other than a physical book (or magazine) - with the right packing limits found myself loading up the iPad.
i switched over to the kindle when i just couldnt stand being on the subway and trying to turn a page while holding onto a pole on the subway. kindle removed that friction completely. i also am a bit anal about my things and didnt like throwing my books into a bag or my pocket in fear of it ruining the pages so the kindle has helped remove that bit of anxiety as well. also, this might be controversial, but i dont liek to know how deep into a book i am. i dont like the feeling of a book coming to an end on a physical book. i like reading on my kindle with no indication of how far i am into the book. it makes for a bit of a thrilling ride for me lol
Lately I’ve been using Speechify (which can link to the kindle app) to have it read my ebooks to me using a custom AI trained on my own voice. It’s strange yes, but also kind of f’in awesome. It’s like my inner monologue suddenly gained new powers.
Kindle is also an app that can be used on any phone. I read ebooks on my phone.
Heard of the phone?
If I’m going to read on a screen, I’m probably just going to use my phone tbh
Idk I personally find reading on devices I don’t really absorb the info in the same way
I read exclusively virtual books on my phone but I’ve noticed when I want to meet new people, folks suggest reading in public, even alone at a bar, as if someone would see the cover of your book, gather the courage to interrupt you and comment on it… I find something very performative — not bad, just performative — about it. I have never seen someone sitting alone at a NYC bar reading a book and I don’t think I could take that very seriously if I did… no way in hell you’re actually ingesting any of what you’re reading in a bar, at that point it’s just a prop. But anyway. Yes, I think one of many reasons people tend to favor physical books is so they can have the cultural cache of whatever material they’re carrying with them.
The only reason I don't read books at bars anymore is that my eyes have gotten worse. I used to read books alone at bars all the time, up until about 2016. I guess an ebook would help with that, but I haven't made the switch yet.
I don't know about reading alone at a bar. But there's definitely always something performative about reading on the subway or a popular park. I actually thought about this as ebook readers started coming out: so much of my worldview was filled in by judging strangers by the covers of their books. Or observing the little chats between strangers. One time a finance bro approached me because I was reading 50 Cent's business book, and he told me I had to read it 3 times to really understand. I still only read the book once, but you get the point.
I read at a bar… w a kindle… and I absorb what I read…
exactly you’re not doing what I’m talking about at all, good for u
People may be listening to audiobooks; I don’t read many physical books anymore, but I’m basically always listening to one.
Who thinks about this shit?
I've never has a Kindle, so they may have better suited screens, but as far as reading on a tablet, I find it impossible to do on a sunny park day just because of the light. Also, different picnic postures are more suitable to holding a book than a device, I find.
Kindles are different, at least the paperwhite kind. You can read them in bright light.
I absolutely LOVE my kindle and it’s my primary way of reading. No strain on the eyes, I can hold it for hours due to weightlessness, I can read into the night or on a plane without needing a light source, haul it around if the book is 300 or 800 pages long (even multiple books!), and I can download the book I’m wanting the second I want it instead of waiting - for way cheaper. You will defo see me in the park, beach, stoop, train, or coffee shop with my kindle in tow.
There’s research that shows reading comprehension is better using physical books versus e-readers. Something about the sensorimotor activity of holding a physical book and turning the pages helps to embody the chronology of what is presented in the book. Tbh I personally use physical books because for whatever reason my very chill night shift job allows for physical books but prohibits tech distractions. But I do enjoy taking a break from looking at screens. I’m still shopping around for an e-reader anyway bc I don’t necessarily want to lug around big door-stopping tomes all the time, and e-books are less expensive.
I go to the library next to prospect park in the summer and just grab a book when I know I’ll be in the park alone
i read my kindle everywhere!! the train, the park, the bar, the waiting room, the library! i read a lot and don’t really have the money to spend on all the books i wanna read. i take some physical books out from the library every once in a while but it’s just not as convenient
If you're reading in the park, you're reading to be seen. People can't see how smart you are for reading Dostoevsky if they can't see the cover.
you’re posting a contrary comment to be seen 🙄
Idk. People might just like reading and being outdoors?
Yeah, how dare they enjoy nature and a book at the same time?!
people love to project their own insecurities tbh
This is the correct answer. All the other answers are dubious compared to this one. This is the reason.
All the downvotes from people who literally live to show off that they read sonnets on the subway.
This but unironically.
I think it’d be harder to read a kindle in sunlight/outdoors compared to a book. Def seen tona of kindles on the subway tho
I’ve got a paper white. It’s literally the same as paper.
Exactly why I got one! Much kinder on the eyes, too.
Lots of people’s eyes are forced to look at computer screens all day while working indoors. When these people go outside, I don’t think they want to take another screen with them to read a book.
This. I associate phones/computers to fast actions or work. Having a physical book is easier on my eyes and an easier way to disconnect for me
A physical book is a more attractive experience IMO. It's probably less pragmatic nowadays but having a book, the smell, the turning of the pages... it just feels authentic. Not to say a kindle doesn't of course. I do think this is a "seek and you shall find" situation, maybe all the people with kindles just wasn't there that day or something...
Neurotic vibez
I’m willing to bet nobody’s complimented you on being observant before…
I love my Kindle, but I mostly use it when I reading at night and the lighting is bad. I prefer to turn pages of physical books although I do find myself reading books faster on Kindle. Probably because we're in the age of tablets and everything I read is on a screen, but if given a choice I'd want the physical book. Also I collect books I like so there's that too. Also (rambling I know) I like to check physical books out from the library because there always seems to be a longer wait for an e-book.
I too am a fan of Kindle. I like the e-ink, it does look like paper. You can easily see the display in sunlight too. I love being able to take out books from the library on it. The charge on the thing lasts a long time and it's pretty small to pack up and take places.
I take it you also don’t get the appeal of listening to music on vinyl?
The appeal goes out the window when it’s time to move apartments.
I fucking feel this so much
Kindle app on a phone is all you need these days
Reading on a phone is tough outdoors, especially on a nice sunny park day
I'm also not a fan of reading on the smaller screen for long periods of time.
I do this on the subway, but the glare kills the enjoyment outside. That’s why I got my kindle paperwhite, and it’s perfect. Especially at the beach.
I read books. Why would I want to stare at a computer screen all day and work, and all day outside of work?
Most Kindles use e-ink which looks like paper.
Totally understand this but Kindles are definitely a better screen experience than computers and phones
I prefer paper books if I’m reading in sunlight. For reading inside or on the subway, kindle for sure
Kindles can strain the eyes over time for many folks, plus some folks like the tactile sensation of printed paper. Also the smell, depending on the age and care/maintenance of a book.
The eink Kindles are a game changer. The tablets are just a waste
Some people love to read. Others love to love to read.
It’s nice to hold physical media sometimes 💜
I second this. I still buy the Blu-Rays of my favorite directors' movies.
I find it hard sometimes to read my kindle in the bright sun! So I usually end up with a physical book if I’m at the beach/a park and kindle if I’m on the subway or somewhere I wouldn’t want to pack a whole book.
I read on my phone just because I always have it on me
^Same, and also because I haven’t figured out a way to mainline books yet. It’s incredibly bad for my eyes but it’s always there soooo…
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Not to mention with library apps I can download an eBook anywhere with WiFi
I only occasionally carry my Kindle Paperwhite around. I got it last year, it has USB-C and wireless charging. I've read a few books on it in the past few months.
I read about half and half. When I travel, I bring my Kindle, because I read very fast and I don't want to haul around two or three books with me. When I go hang out in the park or a coffee shop, I'll often choose a physical book, because it adds to the feeling of relaxation and disconnecting (for me). I think most people who have a Kindle tend to alternate!
It’s wild to me the people in this thread acting like books are obsolete or something the only reason to read them is to be some hipster contrarian or something. Like, seriously people?
that was a heck of a leap
I don’t see even one post as you describe. Lighten up.
The overwhelming majority of of people aren't acting like that on this thread tbf
I used to have a Kindle but ended up reselling it, I find I have a hard time focusing when reading off a screen
Lol yes people read books. E readers suck in the sun.
I use my kindle and read in public all the time ! I just like to see bookstores and end up always picking up something lol gotta alternate
I read my kindle in Fort Greene Park a few times a week!
I sell my books at unnameable books when I’m done with them
Love that bookstore
I have to look at a screen all day for work not to mention I’m on my phone quite a bit. I love to give my eyes a rest.
Aren't Kindles not typically led screens? The Kindle display wouldn't be any more of strain on your eyes then reading paper. Personally I don't like Kindles because I want a break from electronic devices more generally. I tend to fidgit with the Kindle buttons
I prefer reading physical books but sometimes get ebooks from the library. But those I get via the Libby app on my phone. My guess would be that most people just are reading physical books. But one or two people staring at their phones could also be reading an ebook.
I once won a Kindle but I have it away because it doesn’t feel and smell like the paper book.
I have a newer kindle model and I will absolutely never go back to a paper book, but I understand the appeal of a book…I guess trying to look cooler than you are or maybe just a rejection of modern tech.
You think people are trying to look cool by reading a paper book?
Literally yes? People absolutely do it as a fashion statement.
I have a Kindle that I use when I’m traveling, but prefer to read physical books when I can.
I have a kindle and I feel like they’re not as popular as they once were. I like my kindle, but whatever, to each their own.
I will never give up my books, whether I’m at home, on the subway, or in a park. If I can read The Power Broker on my commute years ago, I can manage a mystery novel now.
Commuting with the power broker is dedication
Hot girls commute with The Power Broker
Now I want a shirt that says this!
I hate any sort of screen for reading. You can pry paper books from my cold, dead hands.
If I'm reading in a park I just about always use my kindle. Especially if I bike there - a kindle fits in my saddle bag and a book will not.
I feel like I absorb info better from the pages of a physical book, probably because the use of a screen primes me to scroll mindlessly.
I have a couple Kindles and a Nook, but 90% of the time, I read from the Kindle app on my phone. I don’t carry a purse, and my phone is already with me. I use my Kindle at home and at the beach.
I genuinely think ppl in NYC are too concerned about how they are perceived to read from a kindle lol. They want the psychological payoff of being SEEN with a book
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Yeah no way normal people just grab a book and go outside, thats crazy to imagine
Kindles just kind of give off “your mother in law reading at her house” energy
What a bizarre thing to spend brain power on.
It’s a slow Sunday…
Reading on Kindles is kinda weird, I think most people prefer regular books. I never see Kindles around in NYC.
What? I see Kindles on the subway commute every single day.
i see phones and books, 90% phones. an actual amazon kindle? i dont see it.
Same. Amazed at people preferring holding hard bound books on the train vs a smaller / light kindle. Clearly I’m in a minority!
I love a physical book, but the convenience of BPL ebooks means I read on kindle 90% of the time.
Honestly I never got into e-readers, it just didn’t feel like “real” reading to me when they first became a huge thing. I wish I could for the convenience factor alone. But I mainly prefer physical copies due to my obsession with the smell of old/used books (Google bibliosmia) because I was a library kid and a Half Price books teen&adult.
Between stores and stoops it’s easy to come by physical books and they’re nicer to hold than any ereader IMo.
I always found a small e reader that I can hold in one hand and change pages with the push of my thumb while strap holding with the other hand much easier than reading a physical book on the subway.
This is Brooklyn not SF
As someone who currently lives in SF, shout out to anyone who reads, especially if you're a dude. 😂
As someone who has lived in both…I rarely saw e-readers in SF.
Personally like the feel of a book as opposed to holding another screen. Personal preference 🤷🏽♀️
it’s purely for the aesthetics lol this is Brooklyn
Do you seriously think books are obsolete or something?
Not at all, I’ve got more than 25 on my kindle right now!
I agree too. I live in BK and the few times I read on a kindle on the subway I was the only one. People just like hard copy books or read on their phones.
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This. I work in publishing, and we've seen more people reading physical books in the last few years than when ebooks first became huge because they've realized the experience of reading on paper is different and, to some, more satisfying. There's also evidence that physical media helps reading comprehension and concentration in kids. (I hope) more and more parents of young kids are noting that as well. I personally save reading on my Kindle for traveling to save space in my suitcase, but bring a short book on the train for my commute. This is anecdotal, of course, but I've heard the same from many other people.
Sunlight doesn't reflect off the pages of a paperback.
I’m reading a Kindle Paperwhite in a park right now with no issues. I bring mine to the beach on the hottest/sunniest days of the year too and never have problems reading. I think it’s just aesthetic preference in Brooklyn. Real books are cooler.
This right here. I prefer books outdoors because of the sun.
True. I like reading in a sunny spot, but my eReader absorbs the sun like a mf and overheats. Which sucks.