Would You Trade Your Books for Digital Versions?

It's a brave new world, but convenient would be a better adjective. Who needs books when you can find their digital versions. As a matter of fact, this should make it easier for you. No need to go to the library (when you don't feel like it). No need to visit the bookstore (when you must read more for your assignments). No need to get up and take a breather after reading several chapters or more. (You can switch to social media and fro.) Technology would make your daily routine in the university less complicated than what your parents have experienced during their younger years, but all doesn't seem promising as it seemed to be.

Readers who have a romantic view of reading wouldn't like the idea of reading their favorite novels from iPad. Turning the book cover could be a thrilling moment especially if it's the title that you've been anticipating for months. There's nothing like turning the pages of the book, and how it would turn brown after some time. (Some readers would point out that the characters seemed to jump off the page after a turn in their story. It must be their wild imagination.) And a hardbound copy could turn gold. (You must be interested in collector's items, as some would be more than junk.) Alas, students are rather keen on passing the requirements. The titles would be forgotten after they're done with the course.

You could be generous and loan (or give) your paperback copies of your books to coursemates. You rather be sensible and borrow those hard-to-find titles. (The classics can be read on iPad, if not most of it.) Let's weigh the pros and the cons.

To Have a Book or Not: That Is the Question

3 Good Reasons to Have a Book (and Read It):

It wouldn't pose a threat to your health. Ultraviolet (UV) light coming from the computer screen could be harmful in the long run. Moreover, you might end up using eyeglasses sooner if you don't turn on the light. The same thing could apply to a book, but UV won't emanate from the pages. (Dust might be the likely substitute if you pick a book that is found in the corner of your room. And you haven't clean it for months.) Think about your wrists as well. (The weight of the gadget would put a strain on it.) Let's not discount the possibility of your slouching during reading. The list goes on.

The old-fashioned way could work your way while you procrastinate on your assignment. You need to recall a particular quote, but you don't have the time to write it down. (Then again, you might be lazy to do it.) A bookmark would come in handy. If you're tired of sitting on the couch, then you might try the outdoors. A book wouldn't be too heavy to read it. Some editions have illustrations, which should help you imagine the characters and story. You don't need to think too long and hard about it.

You could make new friends. You can lend your books when you don't need it anymore. You can also donate it to the local library, where bound texts have a higher chance of a long shelf life. (Sunlight could post the biggest damage to books.) If you can't commit to looking into your bookshelf every few months, then consider lending or giving it. A waste of your money if the book would end up dusted, torn or folded. Don't discount the termites.

3 Good Reasons to Read the Digital Version:

Cost. Stretching your (school) budget is the norm, so it would be necessary to lessen your expenses. Your reading list should be affected, such that you must resort to borrowing. (It should be a pain especially if you have little time.) It wouldn't be sensible to have books on the side (unless you're a bibliophile).

Convenience. Imagine three tabs on your computer screen: A book (that you must write about), Google (for research), and a notepad (for your draft). If your fingers are fast enough, then you can finish your assignment in two hours or less. Research may not be included in it if you're a freshman. Imagine if it's the final week of the term. The gadget can be similar to the Swiss knife.

You'll handle your computer with care. There's a good chance that you'll be careless with the book (especially if you're not a book lover). It's not the case with the Apple (or any brand of laptop for that matter).

Don't Judge a Book by Its Cover

Whether it's hardbound (or paperback) or digital, a book is judged by its content. Your (essay) assignments would prompt you to showcase your scholarly abilities, so you have to read it. Authors spend a lifetime for recognition, and many of them aren't lucky enough to witness it.

Whether or not you're pursuing authorship, you must not look at a book as a requirement (and another book as another one). Some covers have eye-catching illustrations, which should engage you in the story sooner than you expect. It's not the case with a digital version but try patience instead.

It's a matter of taste, but there are old-fashioned readers out there.