Reading

I've always preferred having a hard copy of a book in my hands. I like the way books smell, the way the feel. My old soul has struggled with this new and ever-popular invention of eBooks. I finally gave in, though, mostly because eBooks are cheaper and more convenient. "I'll read the eBook," I told myself, "and if I really like it, I'll buy a hard copy." 
I love my eReader. I like that I can take it anywhere, I can highlight and make notes, and I just have to tap the little 'search' button instead of shuffling through a bunch of papers to find my notes. I can read outside and don't have to worry about the wind blowing my pages, and I never lose my place on my eReader. However, I do find a certain magic in reading an old text in an old book. I feel more connected to the author and the time period when the pages are yellowed and almost falling out. I feel like I've been transported back in time and maybe I'm sitting with the author in his/her studio listening to them tell the story the way they intended it. 

I haven't tried audiobooks yet. I'm afraid to, actually, because I can't pay attention just by listening. I like to have something in my hand. I like to imagine how the characters sound, instead of someone else interpreting their voices for me. For me, listening to a book would changed the entire meaning based on how the narrator reads the story. I like to find my own interpretation of the text. I like making my own connection with the characters and the author without a medium. I put inflections on certain words or phrases that make them more impactful to me. If someone else changes where I think those pauses or inflections should be, the entire meaning of the phrase can change. 

written texts > eBooks > audiobooks