There’s a never-ending debate among readers: eBooks or physical books? I’ve experienced both, and honestly, I don’t think I could ever choose just one.
My Reading Journey
Growing up, I was all about physical books. There was nothing like the weight of a story in my hands and the satisfaction of flipping through the pages. But somewhere along the way, I shifted. At some point I made the switch from physical books to reading on my phone. I started with apps like Wattpad, then eventually moved on to Kindle Unlimited, and I’ve pretty much been hooked on digital reading ever since.
That being said, I recently had the pleasure of picking up a physical copy again: Lights Out by Naveesa Allen (review coming soon!). And wow, it honestly felt like I was holding a book for the very first time in my life.
Why I Prefer Ebooks (Most of the Time)
Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with physical books. But for me, ebooks just make life easier. On my phone or tablet, I can flop into any position I want without worrying about the page flipping shut or finding the right lighting. It’s freedom in book form.
With physical books, I have to think about where the light is, how I’m holding the spine, and making sure my fingers don’t cramp up from trying to keep it open. Not exactly relaxing.
Perks of Ebooks:
- Easy to carry everywhere
- Adjustable font sizes and lighting
- Perfect for late-night reading without disturbing anyone
- Highlighting and note-taking made simple
The Magic of Physical Copies
But here’s the twist: even though ebooks are my everyday choice, holding a physical book gave me a whole different feeling, like I was complete again. It brought back that urge to actually collect the stories I love most.
There’s something special about seeing your favorite books sitting proudly on a shelf, ready to be opened whenever you want to revisit a favorite scene. (Looking at you, Made Men, Zade, and Kade/Tobias.)
And let’s be honest, scrolling through TikTok has shown me so many fun accessories for physical books such as book stands, portable lights, and page holders. I never thought I’d need them until someone gifted me a few, and now I totally get it. There’s something cozy about rolling around in bed with a book stand propping up your novel while you giggle through your favorite chapters.
Check out a few of the items I use:
Perks of Physical Books:
- No screen fatigue or battery life to worry about
- Unlimited re-reads with no return dates or restrictions
- Aesthetic, collectible shelves to show off
- The simple joy of turning real pages
When I Reach for Each
These days, I find ebooks perfect for travel, commutes, or reading at night when I don’t want to keep the light on. Physical books feel best when I want to unplug, relax, and savor the story..
Ebooks vs. Bookshelves
Kindle Unlimited is amazing, but it does have limits. You can only keep a certain number of books in your library before you’re forced to return some. If you want to reread a scene, you’ve got to hope you have space to add it back.
Physical books, on the other hand, don’t come with restrictions. You can line your shelves with as many as you want, highlight or tag them however you like, and never worry about them “expiring.” Plus, let’s be real, bookshelves themselves can be a whole aesthetic.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, I’m an ebook reader through and through. They’re convenient, flexible, and fit perfectly into my daily life. But every once in a while, cracking open a physical book feels like coming home.
So maybe the answer isn’t ebooks versus physical books. Maybe it’s ebooks and physical books, because sometimes, you really can have the best of both worlds.