Which one, ebooks or hard copy books?

Use this forum for book and reading discussion that doesn't fall into another category. Talk about books, genres, reading issues, general literature, and any other topic of particular interest to readers. If you want to start a thread about a specific book or a specific series, please do that in the section below this one.
Post Reply
User avatar
Christine Johanna Miszuk
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 56
Joined: 30 Mar 2023, 08:24
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 21
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-christine-johanna-miszuk.html
Latest Review: Destiny’s Boot by FJ Mitchell

Icon Which one, ebooks or hard copy books?

Post by Christine Johanna Miszuk »

Lately I have been mostly purchasing ebooks for many reasons such as simplicity, price etc.

I recently added some shelves to my living room for all my hard copy books and felt as though I had created my own little library. And I felt so proud of it.

But after creating my own little library and being able to look upon and see all of my books that I cherish so much it made me start thinking twice about mostly purchasing ebooks. It made me sad. Yes I have loved the books I've recently purchased in my kindle library. And some were just as good or even better than some of the hard copy books I have.

But there's just something about being able to hold, feel, smell or see those hard copy books.

I figured there may be people out there that feel the same and wanted to share my feelings of sadness and troubles between the options of buying an ebook or a hard copy book.

I'd love to hear others opinions and feelings as well!
User avatar
Lizzie Mustard
Posts: 181
Joined: 30 Dec 2022, 15:14
Favorite Book: The Moonstone
Currently Reading: Lessons in Chemistry
Bookshelf Size: 20
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-lizzie-mustard.html
Latest Review: Bitcoin Answered by Jon Law

Post by Lizzie Mustard »

I read both eBooks and hardcopy books. I prefer hard copies (paperback) because they are more versatile; I can read the in the garden, on the beach etc. Also I find that spending too long reading from a screen causes eyestrain, so I try to limit the number of books I read that way.
User avatar
EnclosedReviewer
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 170
Joined: 25 Oct 2023, 15:02
Currently Reading: Artwords
Bookshelf Size: 18
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-enclosedreviewer.html
Latest Review: Cynthia and Dan by Dorothy May Mercer

Post by EnclosedReviewer »

Right now engaged in ebooks. I love hard copies but I don't have space anymore.
User avatar
ZCReviews
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 414
Joined: 08 Nov 2023, 19:50
Favorite Book: Rules of Redemption (The Firebird Chronicles Book 1)
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 92
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-zanne-crystle.html
Latest Review: Indian curry - The way the restaurants make it by Carl Williams

Post by ZCReviews »

Ebooks for most books and hard copies for the books that I love and want to include in my physical library.
Ihotu
Posts: 44
Joined: 09 Apr 2023, 04:24
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 11

Post by Ihotu »

Christine, your dilemma is shared by many readers. Ebooks offer convenience, but there's a unique joy in holding a hard copy book. Each format has its merits – the digital simplicity of ebooks and the tangible connection with hard copies. It's a personal choice that varies among readers.
User avatar
Runan
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 879
Joined: 14 Aug 2023, 12:21
Currently Reading: Thoroughly Modern Money
Bookshelf Size: 71
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-runan.html
Latest Review: Immortal Spirit by Janet Neville and Steve Bridger

Post by Runan »

Hard copy and paperback books are always superior over E-books for me. The feel and smell of physical copy of books taps on my sensory perception of my brain. I feel calm and relaxed. E-books feel monotonous to read. Plus, I definitely have to take 10 minute breaks in between when I read an E-book because I need to relax my eyes.
Runan
George Okello 2
Posts: 319
Joined: 30 Sep 2023, 01:58
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 19
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-george-okello-2.html
Latest Review: Because He Loved Us by Sharon Williams

Post by George Okello 2 »

I prefer reading ebooks So long as you have a smartphone.You can make one huge library
User avatar
Dishita T
Posts: 13
Joined: 20 Aug 2021, 08:29
Currently Reading: Crime and Punishment
Bookshelf Size: 5
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-dishita-t.html
Latest Review: The Wanting Hearts by Nicole Jordan

Post by Dishita T »

Hard-copies always. My eyes tire out on screens really quickly and there's just something different about holding the actual thing in your hands. For me, the screen ruins the immersion so I don't read e-books unless I really have to.
User avatar
Linnea Doumas
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 13
Joined: 02 Sep 2024, 22:57
Currently Reading: Rise Of The Dragons
Bookshelf Size: 9
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-linnea-doumas.html
Latest Review: The Requium Report by Alison Demzon

Post by Linnea Doumas »

One thing I don't see talked about much is accessibility of e-readers over hard copy books. I'm legally blind and I read almost exclusively e-books because they have so many more features to make reading more comfortable. I can change it to dark mode, make the text bigger, change the font, etc. I read a lot through childhood before e-readers existed, and I don't really have issues with hard copy books, e-readers just work better for me. I use the Kindle app now but I do really like e-ink readers.
Arlene O Brown
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 10
Joined: 29 Mar 2022, 00:21
Currently Reading: 2044 Surviving The Aftermath
Bookshelf Size: 12

Post by Arlene O Brown »

I love both e-books and hard copy books. E-books are convenient and easily accessible, allowing me to store and select any number of books on one device. However, a drawback is the potential for eye strain from prolonged use of the e-reader.
Egbeolowo Olamide
Posts: 34
Joined: 30 May 2022, 12:55
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 18

Post by Egbeolowo Olamide »

I can't decide. I love both because ebooks are easily accessible but hard copies just hit different.
User avatar
Patience Reign
Minimum Wage Millionaire Reader
Posts: 111
Joined: 14 Mar 2025, 15:39
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 0
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-patience-reign.html
Latest Review: The Maple Seed Helicopter by Marco Collina

Post by Patience Reign »

I go by ebooks because I can access them from comfort of my smartphone and nobody even knows I'm reading compared to hardcopy books which are bulky and people will just know you are reading and can start calling you names
User avatar
FelinaAlpuertoPittman2859+
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 335
Joined: 22 Jan 2019, 20:47
Favorite Book: Angels and Demons
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 126
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-felinaalpuertopittman2859.html
Latest Review: Bless Your Heart by Susann Camus
Reading Device: B00JG8GOWU

Post by FelinaAlpuertoPittman2859+ »

If you review books as a side hobby, then ebooks are the way to go. They are easy to transmit through the internet and are cheaper to buy. However, for leisure and enjoyment and if you are not pressed for time, then a hard-copy book is good enough for me.
London Baum
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 281
Joined: 31 Jan 2024, 20:24
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 21
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-london-baum.html
Latest Review: The Little Garage Girl's Puzzle by Katherine Memoli

Post by London Baum »

Totally depends on the situation, I love a hardcover book because nothing beats that, but they’re heavy and easy to bring on the go, a kindle has made reading so much more accessible for me I can always have it with me and have endless books! I read a lot and quickly so the cheapness of ebooks is great
Post Reply

Return to “General Book & Reading Discussion”