"My mind sees that I am nothing, my heart sees that I am everything, between these two poles my life unfolds."

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

No Matter the Medium


I recently remembered it's almost a year now since Santa brought me a Kindle. At the time, I wondered how much I'd actually use it. Turns out, I read 6 books on it... not bad for a start - and I find myself using it more and more as time goes on. It's so light and portable, I even bring it in the tub with me - all safely enclosed in a zip-loc baggie :)

In fact, I just downloaded 'Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell' (which I am currently in the midst of re-reading) last night. 'Jonathan Strange' is a huge monstrosity and my arms simply refuse to take the weight of it again! - so in this instance, a reader is the perfect solution. I don't think I'll ever stop buying and reading actual books, I love the feel and smell of them too much, but once again, new technology has earned it's place in my life.

Haha! Ever feel like this guy?

Why do old books smell?

32 comments:

  1. I do find the Kindle really handy for holiday reading, it saves carrying lots of books, and mine has come in handy a couple of times when the kids needed a text for school, and tell me at 9pm on a Sunday evening!
    My reaction to the vanilla smell was the same as the presenters, I would not have used that to describe musty books. I also found the 'foxing' interesting. I will sound very knowledgeable when I 'casually' mention that at some point!

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    1. I was also surprised by the vanilla reference... not something that ever sprung to mind. I will be keeping that in mind next time I enter a used book store.

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  2. Stumbled across your blog through A Lady's Life blog.

    Laughed at your video about how to wrap a cat - heh! Very good.

    As for a reader, I have been considering getting one but am not sure .... old habits are hard to break and not sure if I would like the idea of reading a book on a digital screen. I know some people who have gotten these and they seem to like them so I may need to reconsider.

    Take care.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Russell. I truly felt the same way prior to receiving my reader, but I've found the lightness, portability and instant gratification of being able to download that book now as opposed to having to run out to a shop, has changed my mind. Don't think I'll ever stop buying or reading actual books though.

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  3. Hahahahahahaha...yes, I do sometimes feel like Julian Smith when I'm reading a book! And my family has, unfortunately, had to find out this side of me the hard way! Hahahahaha...

    That was a very cool video on why old books smell. I am one of the people that really likes that scent. This is one reason I can never give up having and reading actual books. Although, I am starting to crave having a Kindle. I think it'll come in handy at times. I'll have to think about that.

    And that 'Puppies for Christmas' video sure did bring a tear to my eye. The part that got to me the most was the elderly woman receiving a puppy. Her joyful reaction was so sweet to watch! I don't know what it is with the elderly and pets, but I find it so touching. Perhaps it's because some old folks are alone and having a dog or cat to care for gives them a purpose, and a companion.

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    1. Lol! Yes, he's pretty intimidating - but he's probably a pussy-cat in real life :)

      I think you'd find pleasant ways to incorporate a reader into your life, without necessarily giving up on actual books.

      Glad to hear you enjoyed the puppy video! I've watched it quite a few times now and I agree with you - the older people's reactions are so touching.

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  4. Jane, I love my Kindle obviously I read it and let it read to me, it's good when sitting outside I can listen or read. Take it when I am driving to my dads every week, and listen of course....wouldn't be without it.

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    1. I try to take remember to tuck mine into my purse whenever I head out the door - you never know when you might be delayed or find yourself waiting in line (the car wash is one example).

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  5. we do not really have Kindle still in my country, and as a professional translator of books this development in electronic gadget kinda scares me because it might mean that one of these days they will find an electronic translator like the one in STAR TREK and poor little me will be left without job :(((

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    1. In your instance Dezmond, I can completely understand your resistance to this new medium. I don't foresee the demise of the book anytime soon, so I think you're safe for now :)

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  6. Yeah, readers are so badass! Don't mess with 'em, bro.

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    1. Hehe!! I think he's probably a marshmallow underneath that tough exterior. He makes videos with his grandmother - she's such a good sport :)

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  7. that's what my mom got last year

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  8. Hi Jane,
    I have two Kindles, the large size is 3G and doesn't need wifi conection, so I can download books anywhere. I don't have wifi at home (too far out in the country!). As a librarian, my patrons are always surprised to see me reading a Kindle, but it has that instant gratification bonus! I don't have to wait for the mail to deliver my book. That said, I will ALWAYS love to hold a book in my hands and read, open that new book up and smell that new book smell! :-)
    Dorothy

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    1. Look at you Dorothy :) If a librarian can embrace readers - anyone can! And I agree about the instant gratification part.

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  9. My husband and I share a Nook. I don't use it very often, but when I do, I like it. I should download Sandra Brown's newest book. I happened to be reading the large print edition now and it's a big, heavy book. That's a smart idea to read it on the Nook.

    Thanks for hopping on board my blog. I'm glad you agree that my in-laws visited me! :)

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    1. Hi Pat, Thanks for stopping by and becoming a new follower :) I look forward to visiting you at 'your place' on a regular basis. I agree, that's one of the great things about readers - they are so light.

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  10. I forgot to add that I loved the videos!

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  11. I love the viedeos!! Vanilla? No, all I ever smell is mustiness, which makes me sneeze and be stuffed up!! I'm starting to warm to the idea of a Kindle--certainly the ease of travel is a winning point. And no musty smell either!! :)

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    1. Lol!! I frequent old book stores just for that musty smell, hehe :)

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  12. Hahahha. Love the videos. But now I am somewhat saddened to know that my books will eventually deteriorate. Wonder how long it takes for books to fall apart?

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    1. I'm not sure - likely depends on their use - I'd expect most of our modern books will last a hundred years anyways...

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  13. Old books have their own flavor and I like him. Yours.

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    1. Nice work, you have worked pretty hard to get this domain where it is today, good luck and hopefully you get the right price for.
      Estetik

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    2. Not for profit - merely a labour of love :)

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    3. Hi Giga, I've heard that different genres have their own scent - I need to start paying closer attention to see if that's true.

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  14. Loved the videos, Jane!! Great song and the explanation about book smells was fascinating although it didn't explain why different genres have different odours. Anyway, I am very thankful that I have an e-reader because I've had several major eye surgeries and my vision is very poor. Being able to enlarge the font is a Godsend for me!

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    1. Thanks Francie. I've heard before that different genres each have their own distinct smell... weird! Larger font (& not ending up with a larger book as a result) would definitely be a blessing for sure.

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  15. I gave a kindle to my husband 2 years ago... I was able to finish only 2 books on it. I still like the pages, the smell of a book...

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    1. I understand your reluctance Ana. It was kind of a slow start for me as well. The vast majority of my reading is with 'books' and I don't foresee that changing anytime soon.

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