READING PREFERENCE - Which is best - paperback or Kindle / ebooks?

This blog post is being written at the request of Melanie on my Facebook author page
But it is a question so often asked across all social media I'm surprised I've not actually written about it here before.

So, do you prefer ebooks or hard copies (paperback or hardback)?
Each has pros and cons...

Let us begin with ebooks:

Pros

Very portable - can take hundreds of books anywhere in one light device
Ebooks tend to be cheaper as there's lower production costs
Perhaps a greater variety - most indie authors tend to try out books in this format first
Can be read in most light conditions - Many have adjustable backlights & anti-glare screens
Discretion - nobody can tell what you're reading
Easily downloads - no waiting, download and read

Cons
The initial device can be costly
Battery which needs to be recharged sometimes
You don't get to see the pretty book cover after purchase
Doesn't have the classic smell and feel of a book

Paperbacks:

Pros

That smell! Is there anything quite like it?
The feel - you pick it up and leaf through the pages, a physical connection
Can be displayed proudly on your bookshelf
Secondhand bookshops can be a treasure trove, you excitedly search through

Cons

Usually more expensive
Widely available paperbacks tend to be offered by mainstream authors; limiting your choice
People can see what you're reading
Weighty - if you want to take some on holiday, they take up space and weight in your luggage

Hardbacks:

Pros
Prestige - let's face it, they are good for showing off with
Look even better on your bookshelf

Cons
Very expensive
Quite cumbersome to read

Now, it could be argued that paper degrades over time. You may lose your precious book to mites and dust, particularly if you have an old hardback.

However, although ebooks have an online store, where they may be deemed safer, what happens in the event of an EMP type thing? If all our electronics are suddenly wiped out, what happens to these precious tomes?

But paper can be burned. Civilisations have almost been lost to history in hostile times. House fires have claimed libraries and books.

So, is it better not to put all your eggs in one basket?
Perhaps a little of both is really for the best?

And at the end of the day, is the most important thing not just that you read?
All books have the magick ability of transporting you away from modern life and into a whole new world.
Let us not quibble over one way or another. Let's just pick up whichever type of book we most cherish, and read.

Do feel free to state your preference and reasons in the comments. It's always good to have friendly discussion.

Always in love and light,

TL

By the way, my latest book will be available in both paperback and ebook.
*Available for now from Amazon , all good online stores , Waterstones and Barnes&Noble

REVIEW - Fat Girl - faces future with sass

Date read: 12th June 2018

My rating: 4.5*

Genre I reckon: Self-discovery whilst dieting, humour

Buy link: Amazon





Now, to you, my lovely blog readers, I will make a little confession...
I read this book as I recently discovered this author online. She's a fabulous person, supporting her fellow authors.

When I learned she'd also written about a girl with weight issues I was worried.
Will it look like I copied her, when my WIP gets released?
I'm happy to report it won't.
I'd already started writing when I discovered her, for a start.
And although we cover the same topic, it's from different perspectives. Plus, y'know, US vs UK thought processes and spellings, oh, and culture.

So, my review of Fat Girl...

A very open and honest book about the struggles of Fat Girl.

Bless her, her self-loathing really has climaxed. And she's faced with having to deal with her issues.

But her therapy sessions go deeper and further than she expected.

I really liked Claire; a very flawed MC.

I'm British, so self-deprecation kinda goes with the territory, and I respected that aspect of her character.

It is not an easy read. As Claire punishes herself with her strict starvation and harsh exercise regime I was screaming, and almost throwing my Kindle across the room! "What are you doing?" I asked her. Strangely, the character didn't respond ;-)

Dating fiascos and family troubles run riot in this sombre yet funny novel.

And it is funny. There's a wry humour running throughout.

This is a great journey through self-discovery, taking the scenic road, bumpy hills included.

Any book reviewed on my blog comes with a genuine "recommend to a friend" status.
And this is no exception.

Review - I Hate That You Bloody Left Me - a delightful farce

Date read: 23 May 2017

My rating: 5*

Genre I reckon: Farce, humour

Buy Link: Amazon




Firstly, sorry I've been quiet on here. I've been busy writing and not had much time for reading. But I managed to find the time for this little gem. And I'm very glad I did.

I was intrigued by this book when I saw it advertised.

I can only describe it as a farce (in the nice, theatrical sense).
Three widows in their later years join a group on fb. Little did they know they were all connected by one photograph.

The characters are well developed, and Fleur in particular is wonderfully whacky.
There's a wonderful adventure of misadventures as they seek answers to help them with their bereavement through a psychic medium.


We are taken to Islay in Scotland to enjoy some beautiful scenery (and tasty whisky) as well.

A very sad topic given a wonderful sense of humour which I found refreshing.

There's whimsy and frolics galore.

Definite recommend to a friend.

Review - Calico Jack in Your Garden - ooh arr

Calico Jack in your Garden
by Karl Wiggins 

Rating: 5*

Read: January 2015

Realistic catgeory: lol

And now for something completely different.

Well, what can I say?
I read the first half of this book thinking, ""Wow; this must be very therapeutic for the author! I do hope he's vented enough so that he now feels better!"

Then I read the chapter on the agony uncle comments from genuine questions off the internet.

I actually cried with laughter (this takes a lot!). Properly funny. I was laughing like a wild woman (sitting in my car in my lunch break), looking around in case my colleagues passed by and finally called the 'men in white coats' for me! :-0

From then on, there seemed to be more humour (or maybe something in me had let go of my own tension?)
Love the bit on chavs and Argos jewellery!

And erego, my husband doesn't have to pretend not to "look at tits".

In fact, just this weekend he pointed out a young lady in a service station as she had "a really round arse!"

Indeed she did, and I too marvelled at how it was one large round orb (not two butt cheeks); just one!? ;-P

Also, for the record, I am an adult romance novelist, so hopefully fit into your category, but I'm writing a yummy review so surely that counts? :-)

This book rants and raves about so many of life's injustices, and dares to say what many would not. Most of us think it, but are too afraid to say it.

Again, this is not me. I tend to have verbal diarrhoea, and probably am too blunt. But call a spade a spade (this, in spite of my middle class upbringing!).

So yes, by all means read this book. Share some angst and have a good laugh at it.

The world doesn't laugh enough and it jolly well should!

Nice one Karl; you're clearly a diamond geezer! :-)

Goodreads Book Link

Review - Dead Medium is dead funny

Dead Medium
by Peter John 

Read: September 2014
Rating: 4*

Category: Paranormal/Ghostly/Funny

A very pleasant read.

It is refreshing to have elderly characters at the centre of a book. It felt a little like Miss Marple's friends. An eclectic crowd of ladies that don't fail to entertain.

75 year old, curmudgeonly May becomes a dead medium trying to contact a living medium, with humorous consequences.

There’s some very good twists entwined in this tale, along with some great characters.

A very easy read, and a nice tale well told.

God bless Mr Kibbles! Xx

Goodreads book link