To Kindle or not to Kindle

Yes I have a kindle and use it. I also have a mini iPad and download books from our library using Borrowbox which is free and excellent along with a good selection of audio books. All in all I mix and match but do yearn for a proper paperback.

I wouldn't be without my Kindle. I read two to three books a week and it's great when you go on holiday - no books to pack in the case.
I do go back to reading a paperback now and again as I find that quite comforting being able to turn the pages.

I have used a Kindle since they first arrived and wouldn't be without it. I do still read physical books from time to time but prefer the Kindle. I'd recommend the Paperwhite. Very intuitive to use and much like reading on paper for the eyes, but also has a back light for reading in low light.

I go between my kindle paper white, BorrowBox on my iPad and I still enjoy physical books. Cannot imagine being without my kindle though.

I’ve had my Kindle Paperwhite for about 7 years. It means when I wake at some ungodly hour, I can read without disturbing my OH. The little lamps clipped to a book didn’t work for me.

Many thanks for all your advice. The problem is that I don't feel I would be able to concentrate on the plot if I wasn't holding an actual book in my hand........

I use my kindle a lot. Especially good for insomnia reading as doesn’t wake DH. I have loads of books on it available to re read

Do you have a tablet or smartphone? If so try downloading the kindle app and try it that way rather than shelling out for a kindle and finding you don’t like it. I have the kindle app on my iPhone and tbh since my last kindle broke I haven’t replaced it because the app does the same job.

I find the problem with a Kindle, or tablet, is that you can't lend or pass on books to family and friends, otherwise I like it.

I get through so many books I couldn't afford to buy the physical ones! The Kindle has been a boon and, as others have said, is ideal for reading when you don't want to put the light on. DH and I both use them in the motorcaravan, reading when we go to bed, so that we can put the lights off.

I still prefer a proper book in my hand, though.

I have the kindle app on phone and iPad and download books from my library. It means I have my book with me wherever I am. My old kindle is in a drawer somewhere.

I use The Libby ap from the library and the Kindle ap on my iPad mini and on the phone in the car for audiobooks.

As the Libby ap is free why not give it a go if you have a suitable device ? My kindle is gathering dust somewhere ...

I still buy paper books for the ones that I want to keep.

I prefer reading a real book to Kindle. If I want to have a quick cheating look at the end or flick forwards to remember who characters are I can. Dd bought me a kindle for our trip to NZ so I didn’t have to carry lots of books. Now in lockdown it is an absolute godsend. There are loads of cheap books on Amazon and some classics are free - I’ve just downloaded the complete works of Thomas Hardy. Kindle books are cheaper than hard copies of any book as well.

I love my kindle for all the advantages listed above. Definitely give it a try. I can pretty much guarantee you will love it.

If you have a tablet why not use your library to download books rather than paying for Kindle books?

My first Kindle packed up after a couple of years, but my Paperwhite has been going strong for eight years now. My main complaint about it is that it needs frequent re-charging. A good reason for having a Kindle is that I can change the font to a larger size. Some paper and hard-back books have print that challenges my eyesight. It has been a boon on many holidays and long-haul flights.

I do read ‘proper’ books too, but I love my Kindle. First had one when going away with a friend for a week - hand baggage only - so it was a godsend since I’d normally need at least 4 normal length books for a week’s holiday.,

2nd big bonus, you can read in bed without disturbing anyone else.

3rd bonus to me at first - so many classics to download for peanuts.

4th - could read all the really big fat books I’d shunned because they were too heavy to read in bed. Most recent was A Suitable Boy.

5th - you can adjust the font. Now and then I pick up a book in shop or library that looks promising - only to find that the font is too small for comfort.

I also read on my I pad using the Libby app, but prefer a proper book.

The Libby app was a godsend, (suggested via GN) in the first lockdown, but since then my library does click and collect, which works really well, reserving and picking up books.

I have a kindle, but the novelty has worn off. To begin with, I downloaded hundreds of books.
Upside: Great for travelling and books to hand on my phone at any time.
The print can be made larger which makes classics like Middlemarch easier to read (still not easy for that one!) and feel modern.
Extensive library without taking up space.
Downside: a physical book gives a more solid reading experience, particularly if you are a bookworm and love everything about a book. I’m fussy now about the cover.
I never remember the books I read on my kindle as they don’t tie in with associated things like the cover and the size.
I never know exactly where I am in the book, even though I am told?
I can’t pass on a ebook to a friend. (Maybe I can, but I wouldn’t)
An ebook isn’t the pal my physical books have been through lockdown. They are as comforting as a hot water bottle.
Ideally, it’s best to move between the two as the situation merits.

I’ve had a kindle for years now. I was very dubious at first but wouldn’t be without it now. It’s particularly great on holiday. I’ve bought 3 over the years, 2 of which now belong to mum and daughter. We can all share books as they are all in my name. I do spend much more on books though!!
If there’s a negative it’s that I can’t share books with friends any more. Get a paper white if you get one. So easy on the eyes.

No, call me old fashioned but you can’t beat a good old paper book! Same for magazines and newspapers.

I love my Kindle. Easy to use and easy to download onto. That said it doesn't have the lovely smell or feel of a real book. Sometimes I go into book shops just too get a fix of the book smell then back to my Kindle

Thank you all so much for your very helpful comments, which have made me decide to opt for buying a Kindle. It seems that a lot of you balance both that and actual books and I think that would be a good solution for me. I read so many that I just can't keep piling up the paperbacks!

I have been using a Kindle for several years now. I have rheumatoid arthritis and pre-Kindle had to use a bookstand to hold my book, as it was so painful to hold one for any length of time. It was cumbersome and I couldn't use it in bed, although I could with a hospital bed-table. I use a cheap little stand for my Kindle or, if reading in bed, I prop it on one of those beanbag neck supports that are so cheap. It means I can read lying down, all cosy and comfortable, and not disturb anyone else. It is perfect for "waiting" too as it fits easily into my handbag (pre-covid) and is very light. Only disadvantages are not having the variety of free books afforded by the library and not easily being able to share books (although I can with my partner, but he's not really into my kind of books). It has made such a difference to me! I can also pick up my book on my phone if I need to.