Behind The Butter

the gift that changed it all

Previously, I’ve said some not-so-nice things...

I was an English Literature major for goodness sake! For me, there’s always been nothing better than holding a book in my hands, to feel the pages turn beneath my fingers and to stick a bookmark in at chapter endings.

I stuck my nose up at people on airplanes, their eyes glued to a little gray screen, while I proudly read a big, fat novel. Somehow, I felt like I was a better reader than them—a more dedicated reader—because I chose a book.

And then….despite my stubborn ways, santa still brought me a new kindle 3 this year. A sleek little contraption that could hold my entire library, fit in my purse and give me instant access to the largest bookstore in the world.

I wanted to hate it.

It was, after all, the antithesis of everything I stood for.Β  But still, for santa’s sake, I decided I had to give it a fair chance.

Still a little hesitant to actually contribute to the cause, I downloaded the first free thing I thought of—the bible. It appeared on my home screen about fifteen seconds after I hit “buy” and I was shocked to find that the kindle screen actually resembled a page of a book. The ink seemed real and the pages turned fast with a single click.

And then…something happened…and within three minutes, I had downloaded six more books instantly.Β  And I’ve already read two of them.

It’s been almost forty eight hours now and that little thing might as well have been super glued to my hand. I still love hardcover books, of course, but can’t seem to tear myself away from this thing. I almost feel like it’s making me a better reader, with the instant dictionary available, highlighting action and ability to keep all your notes organized and in one place.

If it’s wrong, I’m not sure I want to be right. I was going to keep this as my dirty little secret, but I just couldn’t hold it in any longer.

Forgive me. I’ve gone over to the dark side.

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  • duffy
    December 27, 2010 at 11:16 am

    Oh come on, Jenna! Don’t encourage the luddites!

  • Heather @ Get Healthy with Heather
    December 27, 2010 at 11:28 am

    I can only imagine having the entire reading world at the tip of your fingers.

  • Vanessa
    December 27, 2010 at 11:30 am

    This post made me laugh out loud!! I also majored in English Literature and despite my husband’s urging, I absolutely refused to buy a Kindle. “I like the smell of books!!!”, I would loudly exclaim. I finally gave in because I finished a book right before a Thanksgiving road trip, and I haven’t looked back since…well, that isn’t true, but you catch my drift : )

  • Katie (Sweet Tater)
    December 27, 2010 at 11:33 am

    ohhhh i’m so glad/miserable to hear this. i hate them too for all the same reasons but i know that i would love it. now i want one.

  • Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun
    December 27, 2010 at 11:33 am

    I have yet to give in to one because I still feel I like holding books better, but oh can I see the benefits of those little babies! Readily available books? Easy to carry around? That does all sound so appealing!

  • Kaitlin
    December 27, 2010 at 11:36 am

    I was an English major with master’s degree against the e-reader, too! Then my husband brought home an iPad for me. It’s sort of amazing.

  • Megan (The Runner's Kitchen)
    December 27, 2010 at 11:37 am

    After schlepping home 3 (heavy) books to my parents house for the holidays, I think I may soon be a convert to the e-reader. Plus I’m running out of room for my cookbooks!

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin
    December 27, 2010 at 11:37 am

    I have the e-reader and I don’t really like it to be honest! I hate that you have to turn it off while flying since its an electronic for the first 10 minutes and then when you’re getting ready to land. I’m glad you like it though!

  • Melomeals: Vegan for $3.33 a Day
    December 27, 2010 at 11:37 am

    hahaha.. I got a Kindle too… and in the past have pretty much talked shit about it.. but I love it too. I’m becoming obsessed with downloading free books. woohoo!

  • Natalia - a side of simple
    December 27, 2010 at 11:37 am

    Oh my goodness. If its made you a believer, maybe there’s hope for me? This could be very good..or very bad for my wallet… Oh santa, where are you now?

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman
    December 27, 2010 at 11:38 am

    I’m a writer, so like you I’ve held out. Well, like you were three days ago. My husband wants to buy me one but I keep telling him that I like the smell of books. He thinks I’m nuts.

  • Shayne
    December 27, 2010 at 11:39 am

    You are too funny. As a fellow English major, English teacher, and kindle lover, I have got to say: welcome to the dark side, Jenna!

  • Amy
    December 27, 2010 at 11:42 am

    Welcome to the dark side, Jenna! I’m glad you decided to give your new Kindle a chance–and don’t worry, I am the same way as you about books and I still read “real” ones and visit my library regularly!

  • Lu
    December 27, 2010 at 11:44 am

    I resisted for the longest time. I felt that I shouldn’t enjoy the ebooks as much as the classic format. That lasted until I actually had to lug around 3 books in my purse to make sure I had enough to read on vacation. I don’t have an eReader just yet, but I’ve downloaded, and consistently use, the Nook for iPhone. I don’t want to go back.

  • Sana
    December 27, 2010 at 11:45 am

    I was going to get that for my friend but he said that he would never pay to read a book. Sigh.

  • Madeleine @ Stepping to the Bright Side
    December 27, 2010 at 11:46 am

    I saw a WHOLE bunch of these in the airport/planes yesterday- crazy how much the screen looks like an actual page. On the bright side: at least you’re saving some trees πŸ˜‰

  • Jennifer (take the day off)
    December 27, 2010 at 11:46 am

    I used to be firmly anti e-reader but I am thinking about ordering one for my husband for his birthday in January–he is also an avid reader/english major so I think he will love it. which one did you get? how big is the screen?

    thanks!!

    • jenna
      December 27, 2010 at 11:52 am

      I got the new Kindle 3 with 3G and wifi….it’s small and looks almost like a book–I think it’s just the regular sized one on Amazon? I think the thing I like best is that pages actually really look like a book because of the ink technology that they use. It doesn’t hurt your eyes at all (like staring at a computer or ipad) and it’s easy to get hooked on for hours.

  • Katherine
    December 27, 2010 at 11:48 am

    I really enjoy my Kindle. It was hard to let go of buying books though. The turning point came when I moved and had huge boxes filled of books that I needed to get rid of. I had enough to move and only took my most favorite books with me. Nobody wanted them at my garage sale, and shlepping them to Half Price Books to sell was not fun.

  • grocery goddess jen
    December 27, 2010 at 11:50 am

    I think that’s great, Jenna! I mean, I don’t have a Kindle, but if someone gave me one I think I’d go to the dark side, too. I’ll never give up the library, or loving books in their purest form, but man, a Kindle sure makes it easy to get whatever you want whenever you want.

  • Alexia @ Dimple Snatcher
    December 27, 2010 at 11:52 am

    You’re like me then.
    Reading anything beautifully written in anything BUT A BOOK IS EVIL.
    I want to cry when a friend of men whips out his blackberry to read from the bible and follow along in church.

    But, Jenna, when it’s free? A gift?
    Well then.

  • Keri
    December 27, 2010 at 11:56 am

    I agree with you. I love books too much. I still mostly buy books, but I have the sony reader that I also received as a gift and use it as well. It is definitely convenient and practical and I do love it. But it isn’t the same.

  • Hallie
    December 27, 2010 at 11:57 am

    Aaaand now I want one. Never did before. Thanks πŸ™‚

    Actually I won’t get to do much reading for pleasure until after grad school, so maybe I’ll get that as an “OMG I survived” graduation present to myself. I wonder what Kindles will look like in 2.5 years…

    • Anna S.
      December 28, 2010 at 9:08 am

      I got one as a graduation present for undergrad! It was an awesome gift. So worth it.

  • Michelle
    December 27, 2010 at 12:00 pm

    Wow! That thing looks awesome. I’m considering buying one, if only to be able to bring several books on long trips instead of just one or two. I love to read, and would like to think that I would read so much more with more books available to me!

  • molly l.
    December 27, 2010 at 12:01 pm

    haha this sounds EXACTLY like my past 48 hours! santa brought me one for x-mas after my husband was frustrated how books from amazon were showing up weekly at our apartment.

    i’m half way through american wife right now and i’m SO hooked on my kindle, it’s hardly left my hands since x-mas morning. i was SUCH a kindle hater (“i like to feel the books!!!”) but now i doubt i’ll go back. i think it will make me read MORE instead of fiddling around on my iPhone on facebook or something less educational when riding public transportation or waiting in line or something.

  • Brittney
    December 27, 2010 at 12:02 pm

    I’ve felt THE SAME WAY about Kindles, but my Dad LOVES his and my parents got my sister-in-law one for Christmas. I have to admit, I do kind of want one now… I feel like I’m changing my mind about them more and more. In the meantime, I’ll go back to my hardcover book, which is admittedly awkward in my hands and not very portable. πŸ™

  • Tina
    December 27, 2010 at 12:04 pm

    I got the Kindle 3 for Christmas too! I had also resisted, but I did see the benefits. I wanted the 3G to be able to check my email & go online while out, almost like a tablet, but much cheaper. I also love the ink technology! I haven’t read a book on it yet, though. I received (the real book) Eating Animals and started reading that instead of downloading any books. I’m excited to start using it & I have a case with an ‘easel’ stand on its way to me now!

  • Amy K @ Healthy Peanut
    December 27, 2010 at 12:04 pm

    I dont know if I am ready yet…but your enthusiasm is helping! I love vacations where you have the time to read!

  • Emma
    December 27, 2010 at 12:05 pm

    I gave in as well and fell in love with the Kindle that Santa brought me! I still think it’s weird to turn the page every 2 seconds, but it’s going to be great for the next 4 months- I’ll be living out of a backpack and was worried my books would take up half the space!

  • Jackie
    December 27, 2010 at 12:07 pm

    I am in the same boat. Well, the beginning part about wanting to read from a real book, with real paper pages. I still haven’t been convinced to get a kindle/nook/e-reader of any sort. I am still too enchanted by reading a paper book. Maybe in the near future…maybe not.

  • Erika @ FoodFitnessFun
    December 27, 2010 at 12:07 pm

    Enjoy the Kindle! πŸ˜€

  • Nicole
    December 27, 2010 at 12:08 pm

    Please tell me more about the kindle! I’m not sure if I should get one or just spend more money and get an iPad? It’s a tough choice.

  • Rachel @ The Avid Appetite
    December 27, 2010 at 12:12 pm

    I used to be the same way, but came over to the dark side a few Christmases ago. I never looked back! Kindle rocks!

  • Lauren at KeepItSweet
    December 27, 2010 at 12:17 pm

    lol i also got one this year as a channukah gift and i still haven’t activated it… to be honest i am afraid of falling asleep and dopping it on my or on the floor like i usually do when i read at night!

  • Kim
    December 27, 2010 at 12:17 pm

    You can take notes?! All this time I’ve been saying I’d never use a Kindle because I like taking notes in my books too much. Good to know!

    My university gave me an iPad when I went back to school. I wanted so bad to not like it. And I’m still not 100% sure what it’s good for other than looking up recipes. But I’m not going to lie… I love keeping it tucked under my pillows so I can look at recipes in bed, and the screen is so much prettier than my poor little bberry. πŸ˜‰

    Congrats on the great gift!!

  • Jil @ Big City, Lil Kitchen
    December 27, 2010 at 12:18 pm

    Love this post – though I have always been stubbornly against these readers…the more people I know who get them, the more I hear great things about them…and the more my stubbornness becomes wishy-washy-ness. πŸ™‚

  • Paige @ Running Around Normal
    December 27, 2010 at 12:20 pm

    I hear you!! I got a Kindle for Christmas this year too. And I feel like a hypocrite because I LOVE it!! πŸ™‚

  • Lacey @ Lake Life
    December 27, 2010 at 12:22 pm

    If Barnes and Noble closes it’s doors it’s all your fault.

    That being said, the instant dictionary does sound pretty appealing!

    • Alaina
      December 27, 2010 at 12:35 pm

      not to mention all of the publishing houses….as a wannabe editor, it’s just too sad for me to purchase one.

      • MaryK.
        December 27, 2010 at 2:54 pm

        I work for a publishing company, and we actually have a much higher profit margin on e-books than on regular books… I think its just a shift in how they do business not a destruction of the industry personally.

        • Kristina
          December 27, 2010 at 4:02 pm

          If Barnes and Nobles closes its doors and all the local bookstores can come back and thrive, I’ll jump up and down with joy.

          • Lacey @ Lake Life
            December 27, 2010 at 5:09 pm

            @Kristina, that sounds like something straight out of You’ve Got Mail. Local bookstores don’t have a chance after the invention of e-books.

          • Ellie
            December 28, 2010 at 12:52 am

            Actually, e-books aren’t really bad for independent bookstores at all (I work at one) because the profit margin is similar. This is not true of hardcover books which large chain bookstores are able to significantly mark down and still have a profit.

            On a slightly different note, it seems lately that Amazon is putting chain bookstores out of business a bit faster than it’s putting small independent bookstores out (Amazon offers a service more similar to chain bookstores than to independent bookstores) so that’s nice too.

        • Lacey @ Lake Life
          December 27, 2010 at 5:11 pm

          It seems like there would be a lot of job cuts due to the invention of the e-book.

  • Amy
    December 27, 2010 at 12:22 pm

    I may end up buying myself one soon. I love having a book with me all the time but sometimes it’s a pain to lug a larger one. A Kindle would be so nice for just that reason! I’m glad to hear you like yours so far. πŸ™‚

  • Felicia (a taste of health with balance)
    December 27, 2010 at 12:22 pm

    This is freakishly similar to what I did. Felt the same about kindle. Got it for Christmas. First thing I downloaded was the Bible for free. Now I’m so happy I have it. hahah enjoy!

  • Shannon @ Her Dog Blog
    December 27, 2010 at 12:23 pm

    I got a Nook this summer and read three books in about two weeks. They are so awesome – but be careful! Your bank account will dwindle…and that rhymes with Kindle. Nerd alert! πŸ™‚

  • Emily @ Perfection Isn't Happy
    December 27, 2010 at 12:27 pm

    My boyfriend surprised me with a Nook this summer, for my birthday, because he knows how much I like to read. When I opened the present my heart sank; “I like the smell of books,” I thought! I told him the truth about how I feel about electronic books. I know…am I an overly honest girlfriend, or what? Thankfully, after some time he understood my aversion to technology. I do use my nook; actually, I feel that I read faster on the nook. Maybe I’m actually an 80 year-old in a 20-something’s body, but I still really like the smell and feel of books ;)…it’s a bittersweet thing, technology.

  • Maureen @ A Healthy and Active Life
    December 27, 2010 at 12:29 pm

    I know EXACTLY what you are talking about! I love checking out books at the library…walking down the aisles and making my next selection is one of my favorite things. But- when I saw the Nook from Barnes and Noble, I was smitten! Santa brought me one for Christmas, and it just might be my new gym companion!

  • Alexa @ The Girl In Chucks
    December 27, 2010 at 12:38 pm

    Oh! No! Another one has jumped ship!

    I was an English major too…and I love books. I’ve just always felt that the electronic book was complete blasphemy…..fine for others, but not for me….

    ….but you’re making me doubt my resolve!!

    πŸ™

  • Camille
    December 27, 2010 at 12:44 pm

    I just can’t make the switch. I know it is cheaper and smaller and more convenient but I love everything about paper books! I love the smell, the feel, everything. I just can’t do it.

  • Rachel
    December 27, 2010 at 12:50 pm

    Nooooooooo! As an English teacher/major, I must remain firm in my anti-Kindle stance. Looking up words as you go treats books like pieces of data, not reflective, stable pieces of literature! Books are not data bits! We’re meant to indulge in and think about words, not immediately “compute” them. What about underlining, and folding pages???? Don’t give in!!!!!!!

    • J.
      December 27, 2010 at 12:58 pm

      I can kind of agree with this. If my distracted mind allows me to actually read…I just want to read..not analyze. But everyone is different, so who knows?

  • J.
    December 27, 2010 at 12:56 pm

    I a bit embarrassed to say I have no idea what all these fancy gadgets are…I don’t even know what an IPOD is…I have no idea what they do.
    All I know is their uber expensive πŸ™‚
    I try to tell my (poor) self, that for now life needs to be lived as a minimalist.
    But if I made actual money…well, I might succumb to a thing or two (like a nice baking pan!).

    Santa was good to you. I got socks πŸ™‚

    I look at that thing as 50-50 though. Sounds great…but sounds like one could also do without (I have too too much clutter and distraaction in my life, perhaps best at this time for me to avoid it). But who knows what it may be in 10 years time!

    • J.
      December 27, 2010 at 1:01 pm

      Oh, and I think I remember seeing a brief interview a long time ago with John Grishman. He was talking about how it dissapoints him that books are going electronic, e-book, viral, all internet based. He fears that in the near future, the “bookstore” and the paperback and the publishing industry will demise.
      Its kind of sad to think bookstores would disappear.
      Sometimes I really wish things could just go back to simple in life. But I guess times change…keeping up with it is the hard part!

    • Tracey
      December 27, 2010 at 2:16 pm

      Would it be wrong to ask for you to stop lamenting what your life with every comment? I mean – come on already! Enough is enough. This post isn’t about YOU. It’s about a kindle. Not what you have now or ten years from now.

      I really think comments like this should be solicited. It’s uneasy.

      • m
        December 27, 2010 at 2:59 pm

        Agree with you, Tracey.

      • Jessica
        December 27, 2010 at 4:36 pm

        I have to agree too. I know you choose to allow others to make you feel a certain way, but if I dread reading Jenna’s comment section because of this same commenter, i cannot even imagine how she feels.

        I just don’t understand why you use Jenna’s journal to vent? It’s honestly quite rude. You turn every one of her posts around to being about you… why don’t you make your own blog? I mean this in the kindest way possible. That way you can vent and get sympathy/feedback/encouragement without taking over someone’s own blog and making it so negative, and all about you. That’s not supporting Jenna at all.

        Good luck! xo

        • Lacey @ Lake LIfe
          December 27, 2010 at 5:21 pm

          Agreed. You’re poor. We get it. Move on.

  • em
    December 27, 2010 at 12:56 pm

    i felt the same until recently! only thing i still believe in hard backs for is cookbook though. i am contemplating how good it might be to have instant access to favourite recipes, but still not convinced that anything can beat an evening of flicking through real cookbooks πŸ™‚

  • Tracy
    December 27, 2010 at 12:59 pm

    I was exactly the same as you and then got one for a gift last Christmas, and turns out I love it too! Still buy books sometimes, I cannot be a 100% convert, but as an avid reader it sure is nice to have a lightweight Kindle to bring on trips. Also books are cheaper on it!

  • Brenda M.
    December 27, 2010 at 1:00 pm

    Jenna, so glad you shared, and you’ve obviously hit upon a “hot” topic that we all have thought about. I was also an English major and love to read. My husband often asks if I would like a Kindle/Nook. Like you and many above, I have been very resistant for the same reasons. I recognize the great things about the electronic readers (ER), but have one final thought that keeps me from buying one. I was in a public library the other evening – I lOVE libraries because I believe they represent so much for our society. Even if you can not afford an education, you can still learn and improve your life by the resources in a public library. As I walked through the stacks the other evening, I pictured a time in the futures where libraries no longer exist because everything is electronic. Which means that those who can’t afford the electronic readers no longer have access to literature and ways to improve themselves. I wonder about the impact the ER’s will have on our society??? But I am glad you are enjoying yours!

  • Cake Betch
    December 27, 2010 at 1:02 pm

    Oh nooooooooooessssss! Not another person!

    I will never buy one nor accept one on principle. I can’t imagine a world without bookstores, libraries, and home collections.

    • Ellie
      December 28, 2010 at 12:55 am

      Me either! I’d rather die than read a book on an e-reader. In addition to what you mentioned, I think that immediacy of access cheapens the experience of almost anything.

  • Charles
    December 27, 2010 at 1:05 pm

    Laura was the same was for a long time, until her English major friend got one and started raving about it.

    Until we started drowning in all the magazine subscriptions we picked up for baby stuff, then the talk began.

    We’re waiting on the 2nd gen iPad, for two reasons. 1) Color. Magazine subscriptions are just meant for color. 2) Certain magazine subscriptions are only available on the kindle (or kindle app for iPad), and not on the nook.

    And me? I get to play Angry Birds on a bigger screen. Ha!

  • Tina
    December 27, 2010 at 1:09 pm

    I just posted about my new Kindle! I think we can have both-it doesn’t have to be all one or the other I think! If you’re interested: http://thewellnesswar.blogspot.com/2010/12/e-book-vs-real-book.html

  • Brenna
    December 27, 2010 at 1:10 pm

    I know – I got my mom the kindle for Mother’s Day. I was so afraid it would look like a computer screen and not an actual book. But it makes traveling with your favorites so much easier!

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down)
    December 27, 2010 at 1:13 pm

    I love this post! Mostly because I myself turn up my nose at the kindle and all those other reading gadgets. But deep down, I’m wondering if I would probably like one as well. It *would* be nice having books at my fingertip, wherever I go.

  • meg
    December 27, 2010 at 1:20 pm

    well…if someone who loves actually books as much as i do likes it, maybe i should look into getting one. it sure would be nice to be able to get any book, anywhere…

  • Stacy @ Every Little Thing
    December 27, 2010 at 1:22 pm

    I am so conflicted about getting a kindle/nook. I love books as they are. The smell, the feel. I don’t know how an electronic could replace them! I’m sure it could find a way…

  • Kristin @ Iowa Girl Eats
    December 27, 2010 at 1:23 pm

    Hooray for Kindles! My husband got me an ipod Nano for Christmas, but we exchanged it for a nice, shiny kindle with a hot pink cover instead. πŸ™‚ Should be here in the next couple of days – can’t wait!!

  • Leslie
    December 27, 2010 at 1:23 pm

    Welcome to the dark side! It’s fun over here!

    I, like you, wanted to hate the Kindle, but I absolutely adore mine. The ability to have thousands of books in your hand, and get more at the touch of a button….seductive.

    Enjoy!!

  • Fi
    December 27, 2010 at 1:23 pm

    I dont think there’s anything wrong with making your love if books a bit more practical and accessible! πŸ™‚

  • leslie
    December 27, 2010 at 1:26 pm

    this was really nicely written, jenna. i want to hate kindles too, and i don’t think anything can every replace the tangibility of a worn copy of a book you’ve read over and over or one that’s been passed down through the years. but i also can’t deny that we live in an era of technology, and i think it’s silly to try and hold that back just because of nostalgia. i mean, if people had made such a fuss about typewriters, we might not have computers. and if we didn’t have computers, we wouldn’t have the internet…or blogs. and that would be the real tragedy. πŸ™‚

  • Louise
    December 27, 2010 at 1:27 pm

    I bought my husband one for Christmas and he loves it. I am debating whether to buy one for myself or save my pennies and buy an iPad. Decision, decisions.

  • Shannon
    December 27, 2010 at 1:28 pm

    What a fun present! I have a 2nd gen. Kindle and love it. It’s so perfect for traveling. When I’m at home and have access to the library I still read paper books, but I agree with the things you like about the Kindle: Dictionary mostly!

  • Lynne
    December 27, 2010 at 1:33 pm

    Hey, I’m reading Rescue right now! I don’t feel like it’s one of her best books, but maybe I’ll change my mind as it goes. I got a nook for Christmas last year, but I really only use it when I travel or when I can’t get something I want to read from the library quickly enough. What I like about the nook over the kindle is checking out ebooks for free from the library!
    Happy Reading!

  • Dawn
    December 27, 2010 at 1:38 pm

    The exact same thing happened to me. I was prepared to be totally unimpressed by it, but I can’t believe how much I love it.

  • Hannah (Running In Freedom)
    December 27, 2010 at 1:58 pm

    I was the same way, and then my mom got me a Nook and I can’t put it down! I think its more addicting than the good ole books. πŸ˜‰

  • Jamie @ A Healthy J.D.
    December 27, 2010 at 1:59 pm

    Yay, welcome to the dark side! I struggled with owning an e-reader but in the end the environmentalist in me screamed “do it!”. I owned the Sony Touch for a while but was underwhelmed. My loving husband bought me the Kindle 3 for my birthday not even 2 months ago and I’ve fallen in love (and read 6 books). I hope you enjoy your Kindle! You should follow http://www.thefrugalereader.com/, it’s a great blog focused on finding bargain deals for the Kindle. Also http://http://www.ereaderiq.com/ will keep track of the price of a book and inform you when it drops.

  • Liz
    December 27, 2010 at 2:06 pm

    I got one too and I love it! I loved that I could download a whole library of classics completely for free, and I have already bought a bunch of other books. I’d used the Kindle2, so I already knew that the screen was more like the page of a book. The latest generation kindle is even better.

    I am in love with it and I am a LIBRARIAN.

  • Heather
    December 27, 2010 at 2:10 pm

    Oh my goodness, I thought I was just reading my own thoughts there! I have given those same looks as I gripped my hardcover, but I’ve secretly wanted to give in too!! Now, maybe I will πŸ™‚

  • Baking 'n' Books
    December 27, 2010 at 2:18 pm

    Meh, whatever, it’s no different than anything else in life. There’s always something else. If you like it, then who cares!

    Merry Christmas πŸ™‚

  • Averie (LoveVeggiesandYoga)
    December 27, 2010 at 2:26 pm

    Im commenting from the friendly skies courtesy of airplane wifi! And they have an article in the onflight magazine about kindles, nooks, etc and I dont have one…heck i just finally got a DSLR πŸ™‚ but that may be on my to-buy list. I just need to stop reading blogs and start reading books tho…haha!

  • Lori Lynn
    December 27, 2010 at 2:29 pm

    I haven’t wanted to like them either, but they are actually sounding rather intriguing!

  • kate
    December 27, 2010 at 2:35 pm

    Jenna, I have to say I felt the same way until I received my Kindle for Christmas this year, too. My library has had The Help out since this summer, so that was first on my list. I finished it fast and went searching for your Book Nerd Club list from this summer so I could get moving on it again. I found it and am now totally engrossed in Those Who Save Us. Poisonwood Bible is already downloaded and ready to go next! Thanks for some amazing recommendations.

  • jamie
    December 27, 2010 at 2:35 pm

    you said it! i wanted to hate them, but then i got one for christmas last year and it changed everything. now i don’t mind commuting with a big, fat book because that big fat book now weighs less than a pound. i moved to chile last year, where books cost a small fortune (30 bucks for a paperback!) and this little (formerly hateful) device has been the best gift ever. thanks for posting its wonderfulness for doubters everywhere.

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin
    December 27, 2010 at 2:47 pm

    I’ve never seen the point in those things either… but the idea of being able to download any book instantly actually sounds pretty glorious!

  • Lora
    December 27, 2010 at 2:53 pm

    As a former English major/attorney, I was very hesitant to succumb to the e-book trend as well. But, the Kindle ROCKS!!!! I’ve had mine for a few years, and have continually researched all of the e-books on the market. Kindle has the best technology out there in terms of its e-ink (zero eyestrain/just like a real page).

    But, I still use the public library and I still buy hardcover books when there’s something out there I want to add to my home library. Plus, I have children so we have tons of regular books for them.

    The publishing companies are still getting rich off of e-books, don’t worry!

    • Taysa
      December 27, 2010 at 3:55 pm

      “The publishing companies are still getting rich off of e-books, don’t worry!”

      Not really. And with less and less people buying physical books, more and more brick-and-mortar independent stores are suffering, which makes a double-whammy for publishers.

      • Liz
        December 27, 2010 at 5:57 pm

        Independent bookstores are suffering, yes. Publishers, no. Trust me, as a librarian in charge of selecting/buying books for an academic library, and as someone married to someone in upper management at a book distribution company, I have researched all sides of this extensively. It’s not yet the boon to publishers that everyone imagines, because there are still fixed overhead costs, despite lack of printing costs. And the pricing model hasn’t been completely worked out, and the ebook/ebook reader market is still fragmented. But the publishers will do fine. Distributors of print media will suffer in the long-run. Authors may or may not make out well… we’re still really in the early days. But, you know, “the book” as we know it was once a new technology, too. Everything evolves.

  • Susan
    December 27, 2010 at 2:58 pm

    I’d like one, but I have soooooo many unread books that I really can’t justify buying one. Now, if there was some way to turn in physical books and get credit to buy them in e-form, I might consider it. And I really like browsing bookstores and the library. Right now, the only thing I’d like it for is traveling. Even if I’m only gone for a week, I like to take a few books so I have options.

  • Kelly
    December 27, 2010 at 3:09 pm

    Not you too!!! I love books and I have readily agreed with your not nice comments about the Kindle…what is the world coming to? haha…enjoy! πŸ™‚

  • laura (Starloz)
    December 27, 2010 at 3:23 pm

    oh i want

  • Jordana
    December 27, 2010 at 3:30 pm

    I felt the same way, until I got one for Christmas too. I am hooked. You are saving the earth, right???

  • Dana
    December 27, 2010 at 3:51 pm

    I felt the same way until I began reading ‘The Fountainhead” and had a hard time carrying it along with my textbooks, notebook, and laptop. Santa also surprised me with this lovely little gift. I’ve fallen for it, though I miss the smell of my book. It has reduced quite a bit of clutter, too.

  • Cynthia (It All Changes)
    December 27, 2010 at 4:01 pm

    The portability and ease of purchase when I finish a book sold me. I still love real books but I don’t always have time to get to the library or book store. This saves me time when I can’t.

  • Kylie @ A Hungry Spoon
    December 27, 2010 at 4:04 pm

    Welcome to the dark side! I wanted to hate it, too…but there’s just too much to love πŸ™‚

  • Kristina
    December 27, 2010 at 4:08 pm

    I will probably “cave” one of these days and get a kindle (or request one as a present), but I love sharing a good book and while that CAN be done with a Kindle, it doesn’t have the same feel as giving a book to another person.
    One hitch about the Kindle is that you can’t find EVERYTHING that is out there in print (or out of print).

  • Mellissa
    December 27, 2010 at 4:20 pm

    I have a kindle and am very much in love with it, best thing ever!

  • Katie
    December 27, 2010 at 4:26 pm

    Oh dear. I’ve been using the “it’s not the same as a real book” logic for quite some time as the reason I don’t want a Kindle. I know you’re an avid reader and passionate about books. To hear you say that you love it makes me believe that I’d actually enjoy one.

  • Ceciboop
    December 27, 2010 at 4:54 pm

    I totally understand you, I recieved a Kindle for my birthday present and I hate it, just because I Love BOOKS, but I have to accept that this little gadget itΒ΄s kind of marvelous.

  • Ali
    December 27, 2010 at 5:01 pm

    I wanted a Kindle for the last 2 years. I keep getting talked out of it because I love reading books and holding books in my hand. This post has *almost* convinced me to get myself one. Maybe for my birthday πŸ˜‰

  • Lacey @ Lake Life
    December 27, 2010 at 5:26 pm

    I’ve already commented but afterwards I got to thinking…what if your battery dies right during a really suspenseful part of the book? That sounds like just the kind of luck I would have lol.

    • Liz
      December 27, 2010 at 6:05 pm

      The battery can last up to a month! πŸ˜‰ You’d have ample time to see that it was running down.

  • Mackenzie @ Whatever, Gatsby
    December 27, 2010 at 5:28 pm

    is it creepy or evident that i read way too many wedding blogs, that i totally thought that you got a special sort of ring as a present from a certain almanzo for christmas?

    …please tell me i wasn’t the only one!

    • Stephanie @ Jobless in TX
      December 27, 2010 at 6:07 pm

      I definitely thought she was going to announce something special with Adam! I suppose a Kindle will have to do for now.

  • Jess
    December 27, 2010 at 6:06 pm

    I got one for Christmas, too – I don’t think it’s a 3, but it’s still a Kindle. I had to try to act super excited when I opened it, because my parents were so excited. But secretly I didn’t want any part of it. Until I spent yesterday playing with it. So I know EXACTLY how you feel!

  • Sarah S.
    December 27, 2010 at 7:11 pm

    I used to say the same thing, and Santa brought me a Kindle as well. I can’t put it down! Not even for a minute.

    Any good book recommendations, Jenna?

  • Sarah
    December 27, 2010 at 7:21 pm

    Welcome to the dark side! I can’t get enough of my Kindle (which I have had for almost two years now) and I do think it makes me read more. I am now that girl standing in line at the grocery store that pulls her Kindle out of her purse and starts to read!

  • Jen
    December 27, 2010 at 8:49 pm

    I *almost* asked for a Kindle for Xmas, but instead asked hubby, er, Santa, for a netbook. Got it and love it…but a Kindle is still on my radar. I typically bring at least 6 books with me on vacation and that takes up a lot of room – room that could be much better used for shoes πŸ™‚ I’ll probably crack and get myself one in the next few months. Nothing will ever replace the feel and smell of a book, but when we’re talking shoe space, that’s a whole different story πŸ˜‰ Happy reading!

  • ashley
    December 27, 2010 at 9:57 pm

    BLEH! And one more vote for the death of book stores. Coffee shops with conversation between strangers are gone with the advent of the laptop. Record stores are gone as MP3s came to be. Book stores shall follow. Pretty soon we won’t need to leave our houses. Also, you should get your eyesight checked before you really begin with that thing and then in a year. Don’t say you weren’t warned.

  • Liana @ femme fraiche
    December 28, 2010 at 3:49 am

    I was kind of against the Kobo too but after thinking it over, and reading your post, I may just turn into a believer! But book pages give me that same high as you described too! Ahhh…tough choice…

  • Erika
    December 28, 2010 at 6:26 am

    I agree with you! I am an English major married to a man who does not read books! He is a tech guy and thought this would be the perfect gift even though I really didn’t want one. I love books and bookstores and have three bookshelves full of books and more piled on the floor. Even though I resisted-I kind of love it. I will still buy books and read mainly off of my Nook, but for traveling it’s perfect. Another plus is that when I finish the Hunger Games on Christmas Eve and can’t go anywhere to buy the sequel on Christmas day, I can download it! This also works well when I push off buying the book for book club until two days before and I can’t find it at any of the stores. I truly believe me, my Nook and my 300 books can all live in peace together.

  • Erin
    December 28, 2010 at 6:41 am

    I thought the exact same thing. And then I got a Nook for Christmas. I’m in love.

  • Alina @ Duty Free Foodie
    December 28, 2010 at 6:55 am

    I kind of want one. I mean, I am emotionally very conflicted about my desire to buy an e-book reader, but … the ability to carry multiple books at a time (and it is so easy to read) … I don’t think I’ll be able to resist too much longer!

  • Anna @ History Running Girl
    December 28, 2010 at 9:15 am

    I love mine!! I am a really quick reader, and it is so nice to only have to bring my e-reader and maybe one book for the airplane on trips! When my parents went to france in seventh grade, I remember taking 7 books just in my carry on!

  • Amber K
    December 28, 2010 at 9:26 am

    I forgive you completely! πŸ˜‰ I have tried to read on one of those and I just can’t. I read curled up in bed and it’s just not comfortable to hold a e-reader!

  • Allison K
    December 28, 2010 at 10:09 am

    I could have written this post! I felt the same way as you, made the same arguments, felt the same book superiority. and yet my husband still bought me a nook, even though I said I didn’t want one.
    And now i feel the same way you do…bonus? on the nook you can check out library books. It sealed the deal for me!

  • Jen
    December 28, 2010 at 2:57 pm

    I commented earlier about how I was going to ask hubby for a Kindle for Xmas but instead asked for a netbook. I discovered today that my netbook came with Kindle for PC on it! I can’t wait to head over to Amazon to buy something to read; just this afternoon I was complaining that the library is closed and I didn’t have time to get to the bookstore at the mall! SUPER EXCITED!!!

  • debi
    December 28, 2010 at 7:18 pm

    so glad you love the kindle now! (i SO remember that post when you said you didn’t like them and i wanted to tell you then not to judge us so harshly!) ha ha i have the first one that came out. i love it, but i also love books and have piles of them all over the house. i don’t feel my kindle replaces paper books, but it is just a great addition to them. so good for travel, etc. do you have an iphone? if so, are you aware there is a kindle app and you can read back and forth between the 2 devices? that is one of the best parts to me, even if i don’t have my kindle with me, my iphone always is, so any spare moment i have i can get back to my book!

  • Coco
    December 28, 2010 at 8:59 pm

    My mom, dad, AND brother all received nooks and/or kindles this year…and alas, I did not. I was a Creative Writing major. My mom works for the government, my dad is an engineer, and my brother flies jets….what is wrong with this picture?!

  • Lisa
    December 29, 2010 at 11:46 am

    I love technology. I drool over it. Heck, I’m a graphic designer and cannot get enough of my little gadgets, but I have absolutely no use for a Kindle until you can borrow books from the library on it. I just cannot spend for something I can borrow for free especially since I almost never read a book twice. I’m sure I would love the Kindle, but right now I’m just too darn poor/cheap to fill one up.

  • Danielle @ Indeeskitchen
    December 29, 2010 at 2:39 pm

    Oh, goodness. I love my nook and cannot imagine life without it!

  • Amanda
    December 30, 2010 at 10:09 pm

    Welcome to the dark side. Without my kindle I’m like Linus without his blanket.

  • Kelly @ Kelly Be Well
    December 31, 2010 at 5:40 pm

    I joined the dark side along with you for Christmas! I had the same attitude as you, and I am the world’s fastest convert. I’m such a geek.
    I am, however, a frugal geek, and when I come across books cheaper in paperback than kindle edition, I buy the paperback. Some publishing companies haven’t taken too kindly to e-readers and the prices on some of their books are astronomical. Just an FYI!
    I haven’t decided on a case yet. I can’t decide if I want the style you got (book style) or a “kindle condom” (just a pouch the kindle slips into. Do you like your book style cover?

  • Kelsey
    January 1, 2011 at 9:28 am

    I’m still holding out!

  • Liz
    January 2, 2011 at 6:49 am

    I love to read and feel the EXACT same way as you about real books…so I was very surprised to receive a Kindle from my in-laws this Christmas! I’m glad to see that you’re enjoying it so far. I’ve downloaded a bunch of books and am finally getting around to reading one. I hope you continue enjoying yours!

  • Dee
    January 2, 2011 at 1:28 pm

    This was the exact same gift I was going to buy myself 2 days before Christmas. I already have the nook, but I much, much prefer the kindle. Welcome to dark side! πŸ˜‰

  • Juani
    January 4, 2011 at 5:26 am

    I personally feel like this is the best thing since sliced bread (although I don’t own one,but would perform certain favors for one of my own πŸ˜‰

    It’s so much more environmentally friendly,since lots of paper is saved.I hate when people treat books with disrespect,and they end up looking like hobos,all dirty and torn.The Kindle keeps things nice and tidy.

  • Ffion
    January 4, 2011 at 4:04 pm

    When I go on holiday I take a stack of books with me, which either take up all of my baggage allowance or I have to lug them about in my hand luggage, so I can definitely see the pros for this!

  • Shelley (Pink House)
    January 17, 2011 at 2:10 pm

    I too love my Kindle. Got one of the early ones. The things that I find MOST alluring about the Kindle are the “little” things that seem rather huge to me. Like the built-in dictionary? I hope you’ve discovered that. When you get to a word that you’ve seen before and think “Dog gone, what does that mean exactly?”, you can just use the little knob to scroll down to the word to highlight it (put the cursor right in front of the word) and instantly on the bottom of the screen pops up the definition. So cool and fast! It’s made me feel so smart!

  • Carina
    March 26, 2011 at 8:47 pm

    I avoided it for a while myself, but when I was moving to Hong Kong, I could not carry books with me and caved in. I hate to say it, but I am also converted….. but it’s so good!

  • Nakia
    May 31, 2011 at 4:17 pm

    I just received a Nook Color as a gift last week. I am so in love with it already. I know exactly what you mean about wanting to hate it. I have been saying for the last few years “I love BOOKS. I love the smell. The feel”. I am a complete convert only five days in.

    I’ve still got a library hold list about a mile long so it’ll be awhile before I’ve moved completely over to the e-reader, but I’ll be getting there eventually, I’m sure.

  • Download icon design for Metro
    September 24, 2012 at 11:55 am

    Excuse, that I can nbot participate now in discussion – it is very occupied. But I will be released – I will necessarily write that I think on this question.

  • Robyn Jane
    April 26, 2013 at 8:11 am

    Jenna, the day I bought my first Android tablet (replacing my Nook), I also became addicted to Pepperplate, a free recipe app (and YES, I just added your Oven-Baked Beignets recipe to it!). My android is now as indispensable part of my kitchen as are yeast and flour.

    And yes, I still use my Nook! I will gladly admit that its screen is much better for reading! Don’t you just love being able to carry 1,000+ novels in your purse?