E-reading is the future. Here's why

I’ve been an avid fan of books since I was a kid. At 12 years old, I already had a whole four-storey shelf dedicated to my book collection. First floor was for bedtime stories, second floor for novel series, third floor for academic books, and fourth floor for standalone classic novels.

I also used to carry around at least one book everywhere I go. Waiting for my next class? I read. Queuing up for the movies? I read. Whenever I had free time, I read—basically.

And then technology happened. E-reading became a thing.

I initially hated the prospect of not holding a book. It felt weird reading novels on mobile. I think I even judged my friends who admitted they prefer ebooks over physical ones (please forgive me, I bow down in apology).

Now that I’m older though, I finally realized the convenience e-reading can provide (emphasis on finally because I was foolish, WBK). And as much as I’m still addicted to the smell of newly opened books, I can’t deny the fact that my phone is easier—not to mention much lighter—to carry around. It doesn’t take up much space in my bag the way a bulky book would.

E-books come in handy when I’m currently reading an entire series. Well, I can’t possibly carry three books at the same time (a shocker) so I download them on my phone instead. Plus, there’s quite a lot of hidden gems in the e-reading world (mostly from new or underrated authors) which I can access for free.

Lastly, I don’t feel the need to be careful of turning the pages, afraid of accidentally crumpling them. There’s also no guilt over highlighting unfamiliar texts while reading.

Paper books will forever be my love but e-books… let’s just say they are my future.

Originally published in Shopmag Online

Header photo courtesy of Perfecto Capucine on Unsplash