I absolutely love my Kindle, it’s second only to my phone as my most used and appreciated device, but after reading 2 paperback books over Christmas, I’ve realised just how much I miss them.
The Kindle has made me read more books, and it’s made me buy better books. There’s no longer the “threat” of an unread book sat on my shelf if I buy one and don’t enjoy it, but I worry that by using my Kindle, I am helping kill off the thing I like so much.
Will I end up in 20 years the equivalent of today’s Vinyl music enthusiast, raving at anyone who’ll listen about the “warmth” and “depth” of the words on paper? Will all but a few publications be digital only, with only specialist productions being published in collectors edition paper books to be kept and treasured on shelves of book fans?
I don’t know what the future holds for books, but for now I think I will try to strike a balance. I will keep buying traditional books where I can, so that when the end does come, I have something to look back at on my shelves.