Paper Books Or No?
The other day I went to one of my favourite cafés to do some work. It was the first time I had ever been there on on a Saturday. I ordered my coffee and found a very nice spot to sit with a very comfortable chair and a table of just the perfect height for a good typing posture.
I thought I'd set up my computer and connect to the free WiFi while waiting for my coffee, but as I glanced at the board to read the password, I noticed the sign "Screen Free Saturdays". Crap! I had already paid for the coffee, and now I can't work?
There were no "devices" allowed either, so no iPads, iPhones, Blackberries or whatever. Not even Kindles were allowed. Apparently the only activities encouraged were reading (paper books), chit chatting with someone, and daydreaming.
As I had already bought my coffee, I went along with it, but you know, I quickly warmed to the idea. I wasn't there with anyone, and I didn't have any books with me, so I opted for daydreaming and people-watching. I did quite a bit of introspection actually, and I must say, I really enjoyed it.
It also made me consider the idea of going back to reading. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm no avid reader, but I have struggled through a few books in my time. The ones I managed to finish, I remember really enjoying. It's amazing what the mind's eye can conjure up while reading. I don't think any CGI or cinematography in existence today can match the stuff that goes on in my head when reading a SciFi novel. The mind has no limits in that respect.
Apart from exercising one's mind, reading also grows the mind. It depends very much on what one reads of course, but avid readers on average have a larger vocabulary and can spell better. They also exhibit better comprehension skills than those that don't read. This is so clear when I compare myself to my sister. When we were young, she would read two to three books a week!
I know I can read off a computer or phone screen, but somehow it isn't the same. I am, however, concerned about the dead tree issue when it comes to paper books. Perhaps I should get a Kindle. Also, if the book has already been made, the harm is already done right? There are plenty of old books out there that I could chose from.
There are several cafés, libraries and book shops where I can go to find books. I think some of these places even allow you to swap out books - you bring a book and take a book. There even was a place that gave away free books. You could pick up to 6 books for free per week.
Anyhow, I have decided to give it a go - reading. Just some time to be quiet in my mind and read however slowly as needed. I'm an extremely slow reader.
What are you reading currently? Any recommendations?
Adé
Peace and Love ✌🏿
Adé
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Go get a Kindle like right today! While there is nothing that can replace reading a paperback and I still continue purchasing paperbacks, purchasing Kindle a few months ago was the best purchasing decision that I ever made. I could blabber about the pros but the simple fact is "many books & any book."
I have a habit of reading multiple books at the same time so I am currently down between Anna Karenina, The Cellar and The quick. All of them equally lovely.
Ah, reading many books at the same time, that's got to be a gift :) . I wouldn't be able to do that haha.
Trust me, that's a curse! The worst possible kind :P
Actually the message is deeper really. Just imagine, if you will, a world devoid of books. In fact devoid of any printed material. What would it look like?
Would it be a world where only with power and batteries you can learn, so we cannot learn away from it very long, or would it be we offload learning onto the nebulous internet of the future. Expecting it to be there always. If that happens what will we lose?
For, in the great scheme of things, something written on stone, paper or parchment can last 1000's of years. But the virtual bits and bytes that go into all of the creative output on the internet can disappear at the flick of a switch.
What does that mean for society ? If parts of our culture can just be erased on a political whim or social fad, how will the historians look back from the future when it is possible to fake pictures, audio, videos or documents that are all stored virtually in the digital realm?
Yes I read books. I cherish books. I love books. And throwing away a book is like abandoning a child. It guts me.
Yes I do have ebooks too specifically copies of real books if I can, but that is no substitute to the written page and the immediacy of being able pick up and put down a book with no accessories needed.
Thank you for this amazing comment. I didn't even consider the ephemeral nature of digital media. You are right, that's much deeper than I thought. Also, there's a social aspect - those that can afford technology and those that can't. The digital divide.
One good book makes as all feel good. I be honest... I have been very lazy lately reading. So I need very to get new Book .... one or two :(
Do you read paper books or read on a screen?
I like paper and its smell, in internet they can fast delete your valuable books. 😋😐
:) . I know what you mean about the smell :)
😂 but what you can say, what I need to go read next ?
I was trying to see the title of the Don Delillo book - you could do worse than start with him. That book isn't thick enough to be Underworld, but that's what I would recommend 😎
Meanwhile, I'm reading Gertrude Stein, The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas, very second-hand.
There's a very good secondhand bookshop at Putney Bridge, literally towers of books heh heh, and a good caff nearby to read them in. Also the book barge on Regents Canal, near Kings Cross, is fun. Its usually surrounded by a haze with a lot of very relaxed folks.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Nice. Never heard of either suggested places. Seem like great places to take my camera and a friend for a photoshoot :)
I used to read a lot but now I’m almost completely turned to audiobooks! I have trouble staying still so having an audiobook on the background when doing basically anything and everything is fantastic. I’m currently listening through a crime novel series by a Finnish writer called Leena Lehtolainen.
Oh nice. I'm an audiobook person too. There's constantly something in my ear. I wonder if my concentration isn't shared though.. you know, when reading, you have to kind of pay attention haha.
Oh yes definitely you gonna miss some parts or might not remember everything so well. But my eyes get tired easily so I can get a lot more information by listening than by taking the time to read. I still wanna read all the Game of Thrones books though.
Good luck with that hahah. So many complex stories all happening all at the same time.
I’m at least a halfway through the second book, I looooves it.
I still have a liking for good old books and have lots of them to work through. The problem is finding the time, especially as I end up spending so much time online just trying to catch up with what is happening. I brought a book to Cambridge to read on the train instead of staring at my screen or listening to podcasts. I think we all need a little less screen time.
I agree. The glare of the screens are probably not doing our eyes much good.
Papers are like memories for me it forms a sort of endearment and makes me virtually remember what it feels to be young, growing up and studying really nevertheless seems as if this awkward opinion might only be held by me
Nice one, and interesting perspective.
I hardly see your posts buddy, it's been flagged my! I mean the contents hardly show, it's crazy Mehn this Flag guys are still doing this? Damm
I'm not a fan of electronics, mostly due to the way I travel.. keeping the cellphone recharged is hard enough. That said I generally carry a paper book, it's always nice to leave them behind at some hostel and grab another one to continue the journey.
This last time I carried my book for more than 3.000km inside my bike pannier, I found myself without time to touch it not even once =/
Amazing :)
How are you doing anyway? Do you still have the Tesla footage? :)
I'm pretty good, recovering from the post adventure thing that really put me down as soon as I got home.
I do have some photos! Would you like me to send them?