I've been longing for a Kindle book reader since they first came out, but the recent release of the second version has 'kindled' (ha!) a fever in me. I wouldn't even consider the $400 price tag of the Kindle 2s, but the new release has spawned a lovely eBay market for used original Kindles with a more reasonable price tag in the under $250 range.
Okay, fine. It's still not all that reasonable. But it's at least something I could put on my Christmas list and have a chance of getting.
I adore reading and, thanks to our local library and a Barnes & Noble discount card, I go through books like a house on fire. I love the idea of hearing about a book, downloading it, and reading it seconds later. I love the portability of having several books right at my fingertips anytime, anyplace I want them. I love the entire concept. And I want one.
Heck, I've considered running a half marathon in October, just so I could reward myself with a Kindle! (That's how I'm actually doing this running thing - it's all bribery. If I run a 5k in a few weeks, I'm buying myself an iPod nano.)
I do wonder if I'll miss the feel of the pages beneath my fingers. If the joy of simply browsing the shelves to see what I find would be lost. But owning a Kindle wouldn't preclude purchases at the bookstore or loans from the library - an all or nothing approach isn't required. And I want one. In case I haven't mentioned that before. My birthday, however, is months away and Christmas - well, I'd better start dropping hints now.
In book-related news, I'm reading Big Russ & Me by Tim Russert. Or, I'm trying to. First, I greatly admired Tim Russert and it's hard for me to read this book without hearing his voice and missing his presence on the television. Second, Big Russ reminds me of my grandfathers and it makes me wonder what wonderful stories I missed because Gramps passed away when I was in 7th grade. Grandpa Bob served in WWII and this book reminds me that I really should call and make him tell me all sorts of stories before the stories are gone forever. I find myself on the verge of tears too often, and I'm only 60 pages in. This is going to be a tough read.
In other book-related news, I called my Grandma today (she's in a care facility after a short stay in the hospital, but should be home next week). My grandparents on my Dad's side always crack me up. The weather wasn't great where my grandparents live and Grandma said she'd sent Grandpa home, rather than have him sitting at the care facility with her. She told Grandpa it was because she didn't want him driving in bad weather, but confessed to me that it was actually because she had a couple of good books to dive into and didn't need him around bugging her. I hope I'm that spunky when I'm in my mid-80s! The husband is not as enthuasiastic about my intentions.
3 comments:
I'm wondering about the kindle, too. A gadget-getting friend has one. Perhaps I might try hers.
I signed up for a free trial of amazon prime, but then forgot to cancel. So now I am "stuck" with prime. I'm actually loving the ability to order from home. I always feel overwhelmed at Borders. At home I can target my purchase.
BTW I'm Jill Berry from Type A. Hi!
I lust after a kindle, but have some many other wants (24-70mm, 85mm, Lightroom2) ahead of it on my list. Besides, it would become an addiction (like Facebook) and then I'd never get anything else done.
You absolutely should go for the 1/2 marathon!! Run Girl, run!
I, too, am coveting a Kindle. But? I do like to write and underline in my books, so that would make it difficult. But for reading on the treadmill (I walk, no running here) it would make reading those bulky books soooo much easier.
Post a Comment