Why I Don’t Do eBooks …

No, I don’t do eBooks 😔

I know, for someone who loves to read and review books, eBooks should be a part of that. And, sadly they’re not. It’s just not something I can do or get into.

I have two very solid reasons and one strong preference:

REASON #1.) I don’t own an eReader

This is the main reason. And, as we have limited funds, I don’t plan to get one anytime soon. I have to account for how well my money is spent. I can’t justify the cost of one.

Then again, I really can’t have one …

REASON #2.) I cannot use an eReader

I spend a lot of time on my computer as it is – budgets, my writing, photography, social media, posting book reviews … the last thing I want to do at night is read from an electronic device.

That’s why I prefer physical books – hardback or paperback.

It’s easier on my eyes with the lighting in my room. Yes, there are some devices out there that have different lighting options – but again, it’s still an electronic device.

Many of the ones that have better options are in the $200+ range, so I can’t justify the cost of the device. There’s also the warranty, accessories (case, miscellaneous) that I really don’t have money for.

STRONG PREFERENCE #3.) There’s nothing like the value, feel, and smell of a book.

Unless it is absolutely free (and even when it is) – there’s no value in an eBook for me. I know – I’m definitely in a minority here. There’s nothing to touch or point to on a shelf though.  That’s why I don’t make “in game” purchases for virtual items.

Paying anywhere from $1-$15 per eBook is not a good value – not when I can pay that much for a hardback and/or paperback (new or used).

I can spend $2 at my library and walk away with as many as eight (8) paperbacks (they’re usually 25¢ to $1 depending on size). Even $1 will get me a hardback book at the library. Hardbacks average $1-$3 each.

[I snagged three (3) hardback books and three (3) paperbacks. One was my mothers so it wasn't included - Henderson Library (Paseo Verde Branch). Incidentally at another library I snagged the first Twilight novel and the Second Life of Bree Tanner for a $1 each]

I even got an OLD classic – “War & Peace” (abridged) from the library in 2018. I paid … 25¢. Yes, just 25¢ for a book from the 1960’s. And, I even have several OLD (yes, 40-50 year old) Ian Fleming books that I got from the library.

[Original Price was 60¢; paid 25¢ at my local library. It's from the 1960's. Not too bad of shape- Henderson Library (Paseo Verde Branch)]

[As you can see, I got these in 2012. They were originally 60¢ in the 1960's; got them for 25¢ each - Henderson Library (Paseo Verde Branch)]

[This was a $5 book sale - The Bourne Book was for my mom. As you can see, another Ian Fleming Book is included. I got five (5) hardbacks and nine (9) paperbacks - Henderson Library (Paseo Verde Branch)]

Can’t do that with an eBook and/or eReader.

I’ve even gotten free books from neighbors.  

[A neighbor had some books on her porch. So, I snagged these. This was about the second batch I got from her. She hasn't done this in a while though.]

 So, that’s it right there – why I don’t read (or review) eBooks.

I know I’m missing out on certain promotions and freebies.

And, I’m okay with that.


P.S: I want to add a “post script” to this blog – I am not knocking eReaders or similar devices. That was not the impression I wanted to give. This was just my personal experience and something I wanted to explain about me.

While I have the Kindle App on my phone, it is much smaller than an eReader, and still an “electronic device” (see reason #2). I’ve tried it – doesn’t work for me. I’m just not an eReader type of person.

I do wear both distance and “computer/intermediate” glasses. My computer/intermediate glasses work for using my laptop. My distance – well, for distance stuff (driving, walking around – those things).

There are conflicting studies as eReaders are fairly new and there hasn’t been enough long term studies done to compare them and how they affect the eyes. However, most of the people writing about the comparison come to the same conclusion about which is best …

Whatever works best for the person – so it’s really a personal choice.