What kind of reading do you do? My wife has always been a voracious reader. She reads three books a week – and three at a time – going from one to the other and back again. As a writer, I also have been a constant reader since childhood, but I am slower. I am more impressed by the “skill” (or lack thereof) of the author. So I will often read the same paragraph over, and often read a favorite writer’s book for a second or third time. Really good authors keep me spellbound. Many times I am more impressed by the manner in which the writer uses words, than I am intrigued by the plot. A good book should be enjoyed as one might enjoy a vintage wine. They are rare, and should be slowly devoured to get the most out of them.
Of course now all our reading is on a Kindle. My wife’s Christmas wish is for the new “Paper White” Kindle, and she will give her old one to her sister, an act of kindness. (Don’t tell my wife, but Santa has one of those “Paper Whites” in his bag for her.) I do think that this is the year of the Kindle. I believe it will be the most “given” of gifts this year, to those who enjoy reading. That, of course, will mostly be “old timers” because young people, sadly it seems, rarely read anymore. And what a shame. They are so busy with their electronic gadgets texting each other – even when they are standing side by side – they are missing one of life’s most enjoyable pleasures. There is so much good literature out there, and the price of the smallest Kindle is now within the range of almost everyone.
As I have mentioned before, and this is good news for everybody, both the reader and the author benefit from the rapidly growing popularity of eBooks. There are thousands of fine books for $4.99 that would cost you up to $30 in a hardcover edition. A Kindle really is a whole bookshelf of books that you can hold in your hand. If you need a suggestion for a surprise gift at a reasonable price, consider giving that special person a Kindle. Every time he or she uses it, they will thank you for it.
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