DISCUSSION: Pros and Cons of Using An Ereader

I am a HUGE Kindle fan. There was a time when I was one of those pretentious people who looked down on others who used it. Yes, I called physical books "real books" and I told people there was no way I could ever make the switch to using an ereader. Then I got my first taste of the Kindle.

And now I can't imagine my life without it.

But I still read physical books. If the format makes using an ereader a bit more difficult (I'm looking at you, Illuminae) or if I win a giveaway or if the book catches my eye at a bookstore or if I want to have my favorite book as a physical book in case of apocalypse (yes, I do that) or if the book I want just doesn't come in Kindle form (makes me mad, but yes this happens). So basically, as much as I adore my Kindle, I will never fully give up physical books.

So what are the pros and cons of using an ereader?

Pros

1. Hundreds of books at my fingertips.

I am a speed reader. And I travel a lot. On a nine hour flight from Italy to the United States, it is not uncommon for me to get through at least two novels. Then there are the books I read while I am there. Then there are the books I read on the flight back. Can you imagine the weight of my suitcase if I had to pack physical books for my trips? I wouldn't have room for my clothes!

I also love that I can read on my phone. I pretty much have books loaded on my phone at all times. You never know when there may be a long wait time at the grocery store and I like to be prepared. 

2. Has a Light

I have to read before bed. Can I do that with a physical book? NO.

My husband typically goes to sleep before me and I would have to leave the light on if I read a physical book. The back light on my Kindle Fire rocks so hard.

3. Convenience 

I am so impatient.

I absolutely love the fact that I can have a book on my Kindle seconds after I hit that sweet, sweet "buy" button.

4. Cost 

More often than not, ebooks are just cheaper than physical books. And they go on sale way more often that physical books do. I keep an eye on Amazon price drops for that very reason. I love it when the cost of one of the books on my wish list goes from $10.99 to $1.99. And let's not forget about the many, many, many classics you can get for free through Amazon.

And the more money I save on books, the more money I have to spend on . . . more books.

Cons

1. No books to show off 

Reading makes me feel smarter. And when people come over to my house, do I have piles and piles of books to show off just how smart I am? No!

2. No Physical Outlet for Frustration 

There have been so many books that frustrate me to the point of wanting to throw the damn book across the room. But if I did that, how would I read all of my other books?

3. No pretty covers

I love looking at pretty covers and touching them and admiring them. That is so hard to do on a screen.

4. Can't loan out ebooks

If I absolutely adore a book, I can't share it with as many people as possible! I hate not being able to share my favorite books.

5. No electricity = no books

This is probably my least favorite aspect of the ereader. I was reading my Kindle once when the power went out. The power was out all day long. I kept watching the battery power get lower and lower and lower . . .

The power finally came on when my Kindle was at about 12%. Talk about anxious.

Even with the cons, I do still prefer my ebooks. Which do you prefer: ereader or physical books?