On Saturday, January 8th, 2011 I made the big decision to purchase a Nook. I struggled with this decision for many months but ultimately decided to jump on the band wagon. It has since been six months and I'd like to do a quick "Six Months" after post that I prefer to entitle: Why I Love My Nook.
Like many others, before choosing to invest in an eReader I questioned my "reading" habits. Would I be able to read on an electronic device? Wouldn't I miss terribly the feel of turning pages and shutting covers? Would I even use an eReader — I have loads of books on my shelves waiting to be read? Could I afford the "after cost" of an eReader? After the initial price of the device, would I go broke buying eBooks with the WiFi function? Would I be able to budget? Would I be able to resist the click to buy? After buying an eBook and loving it, wouldn't I just have to purchase a hard copy for my shelves?
Well, folks, let me answer those questions.
Would I be able to read on an electronic device?
Absolutely. But I am very glad that I got the "regular" Nook and not a Nook Color because of the screen. I'm only 24 but I can tell my eyes get tired after looking at computer screens at work, blogging, ipods, and cellphones so when I want to sit and read for a few hours I'm very thankful that my Nook is "easy on the eyes" — that and the battery life is super long.
Wouldn't I miss terribly the feel of turning pages and shutting covers?
You know, not really. Don't get me wrong, digital books will never take the place of hard copy books in my life. I still love the musky smell of an old book and I still have loads of books in my house. But when it comes to reading ARCS, I actually prefer them on my Nook because then I don't have to worry about getting rid of them afterward. I just don't have room, even in my new house, for all the ARCs, I don't have a library that accepts donations, not all the books are acceptable for my classroom, I am not a huge fan of tons of contests etc (shipping costs and all that) and the list goes on — bottom line: ARCs become a handful to get rid of.
Besides the eBooks ability to simply be deleted after reading, I also find that I don't feel that "obligation" (what an ugly word) to finish an ARC if I'm not liking it. Reading has become more fun and less stressful.
Would I even use an eReader — I have loads of books on my shelves waiting to be read?
Ah, those books are definitely still there.:) I use my Nook on a weekly basis but I also obviously still read hard copy books. If I was being honest, however, I would have to say that lately I've been using my Nook more than a physical book because of all the advance copy books that are available.
Could I afford the "after cost" of an eReader? After the initial price of the device, would I go broke buying eBooks with the WiFi function? Would I be able to budget? Would I be able to resist the click to buy?
I have yet to actually purchase an eBook. I can proudly say that I have resisted every urge that presents itself while browsing Barnes and Noble (online or in-store). I have kept my Nook stocked with books offered from NetGalley and the Galley Grab (thank you Publishers!).
After buying an eBook and loving it, wouldn't I just have to purchase a hard copy for my shelves?
This has only happened twice. I felt the need to purchase "Wither" and "The Goddess Test" after reading them online via NetGalley or the Galley Grab.
Overall, I am so happy with my eReader. This post isn't a "Why the Nook is better" post, it is simply an attempt to relieve some similar fears of anyone else considering an eReader in general! Not only has my eReader become part of my daily reading life, but it has made my life as a book blogger so much better. As a blogger who doesn't get pitched loads of book offers each day, the Nook has given me the ability to read online galley ARCS through programs like NetGalley and the Galley Grab. Just this week I showcased the 10+ galleys I've recently downloaded (Caught in the Net post). Now, as a relatively "smaller" blogger, I am given the same reviewing opportunities as many of the "big" bloggers simply because I have the necessary capabilities (ie The Nook). I feel like more of a "professional" because of my eReader and, while with or without my Nook I will always be a reader, I can't imagine book blogging without it.