Novel set in Overijssel 1961
eBooks or physical books – join the great debate!
27th September 2019
A few years ago it looked as though eBooks were going to take the world by storm, and that the days of the physical version of books were numbered.
But that was then… just look where we are now. eBooks peaked in 2015 with 27% of all books sales. That fell to 23% in 2016 – and they continue to fall. In January 2019 alone they fell by 4.9% compared with the same period in 2018.
At the same time there has been a rise in the number of independent book stores – and their sales are booming. People like to go to a shop, then browse and select a book to buy. It is both a tactile and a visual experience. When they have read a book, they pass on the copy to friends and relatives. You can’t do that with an eBook.
But, that said, I am quite sure that eBooks are here to stay… even if their success is not what it was once forecast to be. For people going on holiday they are an absolute godsend – getting rid of the weight (and airline charges for weight) in your baggage. And no doubt that some people would prefer to read a book in digital version rather than pick up a hard copy. You can customise the font size and style of an eBook, they have in-built dictionaries and an eBook is arguably more environmentally friendly than a physical one.
So where do you stand in the great debate? Use the Comments section below to tell us which you prefer and why… and we shall report back on the results in our November newsletter. As an incentive in this TripFiction members only survey, we are offering a free eBook or physical book (to the value of £15) to the first name out of the hat when we draw the prize at midnight UK time on Saturday 13th October.
We look forward to your entries!
The TripFiction team
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Given that we are a community of travellers as well as readers, the vote may be skewed in favour of e-books. I always use an e-book when travelling. But having said that, I never read an e-book if it is possible for me to read a print book instead. And when I do read e-books, I don’t seem to be able to lose myself in them the way I do with print books.
So, if I have to choose only one, it’s print books for sure. But I would badly miss the convenience of e-books when it comes to my travels.
Do we have to make a choice? If forced into a decision I will choose the print version as bookshops are a necessary part of my life. I love browsing, finding that unexpected gem, spending hours rifling through the pages of books I really covet. For relaxing and reading at home, a hard-back or paper-back is perfect, for reading in bed the same, and for holiday reading whether on beach or balcony, you can’t beat a paperback. But on the ‘plane, when weight is essential, I’ll take the ebook, then but only then. One thing I hate is the Audible Book. Why not just listen to the radio to a play? There are plenty around.
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Interesting comment! Ebooks are definitely better when weight restrictions apply. I personally love an audio book, I find it really nice to be able to listen to something whilst I do something else!
As a lifetime lover of books, played libraries as a young child and went on to become a librarian, how could an ebook ever replace that wonderful feeling of holding a book in ones hand.
Having said that I love My Kindle as it means I can take so many books on my travels and not worry about space in my suitcase.
Physical books – you can just pick them up whenever and start reading or flip through and look up something. My iPod ends up being dead half the time I want to listen to audio books – an ereader would probably be the same. Plus, trees are a renewable resource – electricity not so much.
I read both physical books and ebooks roughly in equal measure. Although ebooks are more convenient (especially for travel!) nothing beats a real book in my opinion. Having said that, I certainly won’t be getting rid of my ereader any time soon!
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Convenience is definitely a huge reason, but nothing beats a real book!
I enjoy reading physical books. They don’t need batteries or re-charging !!
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Very true Nicolette! I’m always surprised how long my kindle lasts though.
I read both but went to the kindle kicking and screaming! Still getting used to it! I do love regular books.
electronic….easier for travel…
I love actual books but I read exclusively on the e-reader these days because I can read longer and more comfortably. I don’t know if it is the backlighting or exactly why that is. I also love the portability because I am a “mood reader” and now I have hundreds at my fingertips! No more carrying 10 books on every trip in my carryon! But I will never stop loving the books that I have on my shelves, each represents a favorite moment, author and story. When I find a book I love on the e-reader, I still purchase the hardback for just that reason!
I really love an actual book, especially a paper back. I like to read in bed and a hardback is a usually a bit too heavy. I run a bookstall once a month and can nab the best books as they come in! (Don’t tell any one please!!} I love the feel and the smell of books and can’t imagine life without one.
I do see the sense in taking a Kindle on holiday abroad but I have found that most hotels have a library or at least a shelf where books can be swapped. I have found several new authors that way.
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Completely agree Sara! I’ve found so many new books in hotels and hostels. And I love leaving books for others to read too!
I only read physical books – I love looking at the covers and reading the synopsis, etc. I can see the advantage of a kindle if I was going to be away on holiday for a couple of weeks – instead of trying to pack away half a dozen books or else rely on being able to find something I want to read wherever I happen to be.
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Very true! There’s something so nice about being able to turn over a book and read the synopsis!
Physical books always! I love going into a bookshop (new or secondhand) and seeing all the covers, all the doors opening to so many adventures. I love holding a book in my hands, turning the pages as I get further and further into the drama. I spend enough time on computers without wanting to read onscreen as well. Having books on your shelf decorates the room, something a kindle can’t do!
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Being able to collect books on a bookshelf is definitely a plus for books! I love going back to the ones I’ve already read on the shelf!
I love real books, the sensation of turning a page to uncover the next paragraph is irreplaceable!
Always physical books for me. I love browsing bookshops, libraries & charity shops, the smell & feel of the paper, the covers, & shelves full of my favourites at home.
I just can’t imagine taking getting any pleasure in reading from a screen.
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Smell is such an important point!
I prefer a ‘proper’ book but do use my kindle on holiday, only because it saves space in my luggage x
I read both as ebooks are convenient, but much prefer to read a physical book if I can. One of the main reasons is that it is so easy to forget the name of the book/author when reading an ebook 🙂
I read ebooks and physical ones in roughly equal numbers. Nothing will ever compare to the look, feel and smell of a real book and yet the convenience of being able to carry hundreds of books around on one small device can be a real godsend. My kindle is a lifesaver on sleepless nights too, as I can read without having to turn on the light and disturb my husband.