Dan Reads and Writes

The answer is yes! Maybe a little too much?

It all started in 2020 when the pandemic hit and I had all this extra time after work. I was into reading already but have, at that point, exclusively been reading physical books. I’ve heard about the pros of getting an e-reader but wasn’t open to the idea back then. Actually, that’s a lie – I did have a very basic Kindle before, which I ruined by taking it to the beach and allowing it to be submerged in seawater. Maybe it’s the trauma from that experience that kept me purchasing a new (and waterproof version obviously) one. I’ve had the Kindle app on my iPad for quite some time and I tried to read a few pages on it but the experience wasn’t that great. It wasn’t until we all couldn’t go out of our homes that I decided to get a new one. And I think for a reader this is a major turning point in one’s reading life.

The version that I have is the Kindle Paperwhite – it’s lightweight, waterproof (yes, I’ve learned my lesson) and can hold thousands and thousands of books. Now you probably have heard all of that from readers who gush about the wonders of this device, but for me there are functionalities of the Kindle that make the reading experience infinitely better. Don’t get me wrong, I still love me some physical books. The tactile experience of holding them while you turn the page, the smell of ink on paper, looking at their covers and, to a certain degree, carrying them around.

So that being said, here are my top five reasons why I love my Kindle:

• Vast Library Access: Kindle provides access to a vast library of eBooks, including bestsellers, classics, and niche titles, allowing readers to explore a wide range of genres and authors. There’s a bunch of events by Amazon called Stuff Your Kindle and during this you can download e-books for FREE! This is personally my best way to discover up and coming writers who may not necessarily have a huge marketing budget but have done great work. And you can download books from any genre, I am biased towards mysteries and thrillers of course. Speaking of libraries – you can download the Libby app on your phone, register with your public library card and borrow books that you can read on the Kindle. How cool is that?
• Portability: Kindle devices are lightweight and portable, allowing readers to carry thousands of books with them wherever they go, making it convenient for commuting, traveling, or reading on the go. It’s fits perfectly in my small cross-body bag that I use when I am running errands and exploring the city. This portability allows me to read during the in between moments of my life. When I am in line at the grocery store or while on public transport, I can just take out my Kindle and read. No time wasted!
• Adjustable Reading Experience: Kindle offers adjustable font sizes, customizable fonts, and adjustable backlighting, providing a comfortable reading experience for readers of all ages and preferences, including those with visual impairments. There’s also a feature in Kindle that allows you to listen to your e-books, essentially turning it into a audio-book. If you have a pair of wireless earbuds, you can turn this feature on and take your Kindle while walking outside! I am not explaining this very well, but here’s a video explaining it in a more detailed way.
• Long Battery Life: Kindle devices have long battery life, lasting weeks on a single charge, ensuring uninterrupted reading without the need for frequent recharging.I swear this was my favorite feature, one charge can last for weeks even if you constantly read on the device. I did find though that overtime, the battery life weakens and the charge doesn’t hold up as long.
• Integration with Amazon Ecosystem: Kindle seamlessly integrates with the Amazon ecosystem, allowing users to easily purchase, download, and sync eBooks across multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers, providing a seamless reading experience across devices. So if you’re super into Amazon, you’d find this very useful, you can even sync your e-books with your audio-books, so you can finish reading your current favorite faster!

I hope this list gives you more reasons to consider getting a Kindle, because it has definitely changed my reading life. With its accessibility and functionalities, I’ve been able to increase the number of books I read every year. If it happened to me, it can happen to you too! Have you tried reading on a Kindle before, how was it?