In recent weeks, I’ve noticed several articles about reading habits. I was surprised to learn that print books continue to dominate the market with a sixty-five percent share. That said, the percentage of e-books is twenty-two percent and is steadily rising.
There are more books on my Kindle than I’ll probably ever be able to read in my lifetime. Even the number of print books piled up in the bookcases beside the bed seems to be steadily increasing – fifty-seven at the last count and there are at least another ten in the bookcases in the spare bedroom.
If the pundits are to be believed, the last few years have seen a growing interest in the sale of print books. I confess it is my preference, especially when reading in bed last thing at night. There is a particular thrill in opening up a brand new print book. The smell of it, the feel of it is all part of the experience. There is something very special for an author about handling a hard back copy of one of their own books.
I also find it much easier in a print book if I need to check on who’s who at the start of a story or establish what happened in a previous chapter. Being technically inept, I don’t bother to even try in an ebook, although I know it can be done.
That’s not to say that e-books don’t have their uses. They are wonderful to take on holiday when the sheer weight of print books is a deterrent, especially if the holiday involves air travel. But e-books are also useful when travelling relatively short journeys. It’s a twenty-minute bus ride into town for me, and e-books fit the bill perfectly. Like a lot of people these days, I hate wasting time. I’m not good at sitting still, doing nothing. I have a Kindle app on my phone, which is perfect for that odd ten minutes waiting for an appointment at the hairdressers, doctors, dentists and the like.
E books, especially by indie authors, tend to be considerably cheaper than print books, and they are often on special offer. That said, ebooks by big-name authors are rarely much cheaper than their print equivalents.
According to recent figures, approximately a third of adults are hybrid readers, happy to switch between print and digital formats. Just under a third remain loyal to print books, reading exclusively in the traditional format. But only a small fraction, less than 10%, read only ebooks.
With Christmas in the offing, what better present could there be than a print book? Print books, of course, make excellent presents.
Apart from listening to recorded tapes and CDs in the past, I haven’t yet delved into the new generation of audiobooks, either as a reader or a writer. However, with audio books already taking a twelve and a half percent share in the book market, perhaps that is an area for me to consider in the very near future. Audiobooks are costly both to buy and to produce. Are they worth the expense?
I’d love to hear your comments. What is your preference?
Happy reading, everyone.
At present I prefer audiobooks. If I am tired I can just shut my eyes and listen.
I have been an avid reader since childhood. Having so many books and giving boxes of them away to charities.
I seem over the years I have moved away from print books to kindle and now to audible.
I read both print and e-books. I like the convenience of e-books when traveling as I use my iPad with the Kindle app. I prefer print books at home., especially when it’s warm enough to read outside.
I was adamant I didn’t want an e-reader but my husband bought me one anyway. Now, I’m not sure how I lived without it. Being able to look up word meanings or translate foreign language phrases just by touching the screen is a.m.a.z.i.n.g! I also love that I can read in bed while my husband sleeps without having to use a light. The adjustable font means I can read without digging out reading glasses especially in low light. I still read print books but it is no longer my preference. I use audiobooks while cleaning or doing other chores as well as driving. They are a fantastic way to make tedious, mundane tasks a lot more enjoyable.