[leebase]

Did something I hadn't in years....went to a book store. My brother-in-law was having a party for his 70th birthday and he's a reader, and I waited until the last minute to buy him a gift. So off to the book store I go.

I'm so glad the book store is still there (it's a Barnes and Noble). Poor thing wouldn't be in business at all if it were up to my patronage.

It was nice being able to browse for a book. Nicer than browsing Amazon. There is something about SEEING a book. You aren't supposed to judge a book by it's cover...but I certainly do respond to the physical-ness of a book...including the cover.

There was this AWESOME looking edition of Dune...very beautiful. I wanted to buy it for him but he doesn't like sci-fi...and I was tempted anyway because it's my all time favorite book.

I bought Hamilton, which I was specifically looking for. Had no idea how large that book was...as my copy is on my iPad. No wonder it's taken so long to read.

I bought another interesting history book (he likes histories) that I hadn't heard of, but saw it when browsing. Hope it's a good book. There were no "Amazon ratings" to read (and I didn't use my phone).

They even gift wrapped the books. It's much nicer to give a physical book that you picked out for someone than a gift card for them to buy the book themselves. Not saying HE might not have rather picked out his own books. But for me, having a physical gift to give that showed I thought about him...was important.

THEN....wouldn't you know it...I bought two more actual books the very next week. My daughter has decided to give "learning computers" a shot as a career path. I have video training tutorials...and she's using them, but she said "Dad, I like books". So I bought her a couple from Amazon and they showed up in 2 days.

And so I go to read one myself. Oh man. I do NOT like to READ physical books. Thick, heavy. My chair isn't situated to where there is good lighting. I can't change the font size. It's awkward when you are on the "thin side" of a think book and the pages bend over a curve. The basic annoyances of reading a physical book which I experienced but never thought much about when I only had physical books to read.

Still...in all...it was nice to remember that there is value in the physicality of a book. I see why some of you consider them "home decorations".

But for me....give me an ebook and an iPad.