all about my kindle | is it worth it?

more of my experience than a cut-and-dry review.

I’ve only recently jumped back on the reading train. I used to read a ton when I was younger, but like many of us weighed down by school and studies, other workload, mandatory reading, and adult responsibilities, I tumbled off that “reading for funsies” train around the College Age, and within this past year I dusted myself off and hopped back on.

I can’t pinpoint why I suddenly got the urge to start reading again—a much slower-paced activity than watching my favorite TV shows or playing a video game (not bashing those things at all, I go bonkers for any immersive thing with a good story and characters). Also, I never considered buying a whole e-reader before. I’m a paper girlie and enjoy getting my grubby little hands on physical books.

I have a feeling that ever since I started writing books more seriously, I got the itch to read more of what I was trying to create. I especially wanted to read again after I was finished with a draft, be sick of writing, and then, do what? Read someone else’s writing instead.

I don’t want to go on too much of a “social media is bad” rant. It’s not all bad. It’s a good tool and good way to connect with other artists, small businesses, friends and community. But with the Evil Ads taking over my screens and the overwhelming amount of content related to reading and collecting physical books and “being a reader” and setting goals for an astronomical amount of books per year, per month…

I got so lost in the sauce that after stepping away I remembered, oh wait, I think I just like reading. At my pace. Just for fun. Sometimes it takes me months to finish reading a book (how dare it!), and sometimes I read something in three days. It’s not rocket science (she said to herself), it’s for you. It’s fun, and it should just be fun no matter what your pace is.

And so, following that line of logic I…bought a Kindle?

But, like with any kind of technology, it comes with pros and cons. After a month of using it almost every day, here’s my experience so far:

PROS:
-I like the E-ink screen. It’s like reading on paper and is oh so soft on my eyeballs. I wish all screens looked like this, maybe my eyes wouldn’t be so bad :’)
-It’s so easy to read in bed/lying down, and so easy to hold.
-Portability +100.
-It holds thousands of books.
-Somehow, some way, it makes reading faster.
-Kindle Unlimited is very cool and even has audiobooks. I also have an app called “Libby” where you can download library books for free with your library card for a period of time!
*BONUS: It’s another surface to put stickers onto, okay?

CONS:
-There is sooooo much choice in the kindle store (I stay away from browsing/scrolling there).
-A little pricey for what it does, imo.

So, was this a necessary purchase? No.

Was it a welcome purchase? Yessss.

I bought a kindle because I had recently rekindled my love for reading again (please clap) and wanted to try something new and streamlined to compliment my hobby. I like being able to take all my books on the go.

And, I love this little thing. I love holding it. I like the screen a lot. I like reading it in bed, I like reading fast, I like taking it around. I just. Think. It’s. Cute. And sometimes, that’s all it has to be.

The book recommendation this month is a guide for writers who want to get published:

“There are countless books on the market about how to write better but very few books on how to break into the marketplace with your first book. Cutting through the noise (and very mixed advice) online, while both dispelling rumors and remaining positive, Courtney Maum's Before and After the Book Deal is a one–of–a–kind resource that can help you get your book published.”

I’m halfway through reading this and truly haven’t found a more comprehensive guide than this one here. It’s both compassionate and firm and offers great hands-on advice for newbies to this world. If you need help with next steps or are curious to learn, 10/10, this is the book to grab.

What are you reading this month? Kindle yay, or Kindle nay?

Whether you’re reading or not, I’m happy you’re here. Shalom~*