I have almost completely lost my enthusiasm for buying
books. I know of few people who have bought more books over the course of their
lives than I have. I’ve filled apartments with them, given them away, and
started over again in a new area code, state, or country. I’ve already acquired
a respectable library here in Spain but in the past year I’ve made few
additions to my collection. Have I also given up on reading? Quite the contrary
as I have never read more in my life, and I think that’s saying a lot. What has
changed is the technology. My eBook reader has usurped my kingdom of paper
books. I can’t remember the last time I even read a paper book.
I now have one of the best libraries that I have ever
had and it fits in my hand…plus it has a light for reading at night! I have
something more monumental than the library of Alexandria and I carry it with me
wherever I go. I am never without a book to read. I’m able to read almost any
book that I want to read exactly when I want to read it. Upon getting a
recommendation from a friend or reading about it somewhere I can find it almost
immediately and begin reading. It’s better than even the best public library to
which I have had access. Sorry Seattle Public Library, my eBook reader kicks
your butt.
I will no longer have to anguish over leaving books
behind when and if I move from where I live now. My entire library can come
along for the ride. My library used to be a crushing weight but is now as light
as a feather. I don’t usually become giddy when discussing technology but
eBooks are like a miracle for me. I have no patience for people who say that
this new technology is ruining books or literature or history or whatever.
Small-minded people said the same about printed books when that technology
first usurped the role of the scribes. What
is important are the words.
