The Best Reader:
nook

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.

Yes, you heard right. I am expecting... an eReader! I've debated long and hard and am finally ready to make the move (after discovering Net Galley). I don't think I'll purchase many books with it, but I am looking forward to having it for eGalleys and traveling.

After I made the decision of "to buy" or "not to buy" I had to decide which brand of eReader I wanted. This was an easy choice for me: I often refer to Barnes and Noble as the Motherland so there's really no way I could go anywhere else with this important decision.

Then, after deciding on the Nook brand, I had another decision: Nook or NookColor. This was the most difficult decision in this process. I tweeted all last nigh about this dilemma. I love the NookColor because it's new, it's completely touch screen, I could subscribe to magazines, I could tweet status updates, I could surf the web, etc. But I have an iPod Touch that does all of that and eventually I'll have an iPad. It wasn't until very late last night that I realized why I can't get a NookColor. I'm only 23 but my eyes hurt. I look at a computer all day then I blog for a few hours each night. And when I'm not looking at my computer I'm looking at my cell phone or Touch — it's exhausting. Last night all I wanted to do was curl up with a book and let my eyes relax; that is why I decided on a regular ole Nook. I want a device that won't take away from my reading, a device that won't allow me to get side tracked by Twitter, Facebook, Google Reader, and blogging. When I sit down to read I want to be swept away into a great adventure, not into another social networking medium.

Notice my struggle? Remember, read from the bottom up! Thanks Mitalia, Amy, and Pam for being so helpful!

After that long debacle (thanks Twitter for your patience), I had one last small detail to consider: Nook WiFi or Nook WiFi + 3G. This decision came down to the fact that I don't plan on purchasing loads of books with the Nook and really, where are you going to go that doesn't have WiFi somewhere? Michelle (@michelleball) put it perfectly last night:

So, I decided on just the regular Nook WiFi.

This is a pretty big decision for me — I was going to wait a few more months. But this week I was able to "pay off" my student loans (I found a private investor who volunteered to give me a check to pay off the bank and then I can start making payments to him AFTER the wedding at 3% interest — what a deal) and after all was said and paid for I had enough money left over to pay for the honeymoon and some change. This "change" is where my Nook will be coming from.

I, unfortunately, made this decision about 8pm last night and am leaving with my students tomorrow at 8am for an out of town Oral Interp meet. I'm judging — which basically means that I can read and hang out the entire day except for the hour or two when I'm actually listening to kids speak. Plus, I am not a chaperone — no attitude for me! So, I will not be bringing home this mysterious bundle of joy until tomorrow evening when I return (before 8pm). I've done my homework and I am so excited and ready for this next step in my life!

*If you're curious, I wrote this post at 10:38pm on Friday night (after making said big decision) and scheduled it for Saturday since I won't have "real" computer access while with the Oral Interp Team.
**If you counted the bolded words that was four decisions made in regards to my eReading adventure.
***Super SUPER huge thank you to Michelle at Hooked to Books for all her advice and help with this huge decision! Thanks for being so patient! I know I was a hot mess last night... er, tonight? Whatever.