My parents both have Kindles. So does my fiancee.
Me … I’m a traditionalist.
I love the feel of paper between my fingers as I’m turning the pages, fully engrossed in the words. The idea of pressing a button to turn a page just doesn’t sit too well with me.
People often tell me to move into the digital age. Print is dead! It’s so much easier to carry! Soon you won’t be able to buy books!
Truth is, print isn’t dead. It’s just people tend to ignore it a little bit.
I often see people walk into bookshops, have a little read around and then wonder whether they’re actually in the store to buy a book or whether they’re in there to do reconnaissance.
To me, there’s nothing better than sticking my nose in a book, blocking the world out and immersing myself in the stories of the lively characters. I’m not sure I would be able to conjure the same vivid images reading off a screen.
Recently, I saw this photo.
It was accompanied by the caption ‘Smartphones make the world antisocial’.
Honestly though, it’s not smartphones that make the world antisocial. It’s the wonderful stories and the intricate details. To me, there’s nothing worse than having nothing to read on public transport. It’s just I prefer a book or a newspaper to my smartphone.
The world was always antisocial.
Who wants to get onto a train at 7am and strike up a conversation with a complete stranger? The only difference today is rather than ink imprints on your hands when you hop off the train, you’re left with wonky thumbs and sore eyes.
jessica abelsohn 