When I was 14, my Dad used to give a monthly allowance to spend on books. The money he gave me used to last like a couple of days, because I used to spend it on all books and once I finished them, I had to wait for the next allowance to buy my best book. The best decision my Dad ever made was to buy me a kindle on my 16th birthday. Ebooks were cheaper, almost half the prices of physical books and this allowed me to read a lot more books. Five years later, I am seeing black spots on my kindle and I think its time I update to a newer one. Gonna be sad to see this one go
When i was a kid in the early 90s my family had a habit of going to Swiss Chalet for dinner Friday nights. My mom or dad would slip me some cash so i could pick up a book at the mall the restaurant was attached to. I read a lot of Hardy Boys and Christopher Pike books that way.
Aww, I'm still using the first Kindle I ever owned. I'm sad to think I have to partway with it someday. Thanks for sharing your story, Mohit! I agree with you on Kindle's cheaper price and practicality. I don't think I would read this many books without a Kindle in my posession! :)
I'm old school, so physical books all the way for me. I love the feel of holding an actual book in my hand, the smell of paper (not weird btw), ability to easily flip through it (especially helpful with maps/appendix) and how it sits neatly on the shelf with other, hundreds of books (i.e. physical library). Ebooks feel synthetic to me (I stare at the screen enough during my work hours) and with audiobooks, I get easily distracted/or, if I miss something, I have to rewind recording, which is quite annoying.
Agree so much on the benefits of physical books you mentioned! I do like reading from my ereader too but for audiobook... well I'm too easily distracted. 😂
I was a physical book purist until some time in my teens when my dad switched over to kindle, and then I finally did, as well. Then I read exclusively e-books for about ten years. Now, as someone who is approaching 30, I am fairly certain that I have ADHD, and I find my attention span for reading with my eyes has gone down a lot. I get antsy just sitting there trying to read silently. Audiobooks have saved my reading life because they allow me to do other things like play mindless games on my computer while listening. I never do anything that distracts me from the book, only games like solitaire or other simple things like that. But just being able to look away from the "book" and do something else with my hands has helped to bolster my concentration so much. Now I can sit and "read" and audiobook for several hours at a time with no lapses in concentration.
That's great to hear! Hearing your transition from one medium to another is interesting. But more importantly, I'm glad you can find the medium that fits what you need most! ☺️
I was so moved by how you talked about your love of books in physical form Petrik. I am also a tactile reader who is unable to do audio books. All my life I've loved opening a book and getting lost in it's pages!❤️
Not sure if l missed it, but there are a few advantages for ebooks (or for Kindle specifically) l don't think you mentioned: 1) ability to change font size and line spacing - no more yellowing pages with teeny print! I'm now so used to having nice clear font to read 2) ability to have a lit screen to read in a dark area. Being front lit with soft lighting, the Kindle is so easy on the eyes and l can read in a dark room with no problems (l know some people read on their phones, but l can't do that - too small and glaring) 3) you did mention the lightweight - an advantage of that is that it's much easier to read lying down than trying to hold a physical book to do so 😃 It's funny but l think l have the opposite reaction to you in terms of thick books. I always wanted to read Vanity Fair but was intimidated by the size of the physical book. Once l got a Kindle, l started reading it with no problem, because l couldn't see how big it was, and l finished it easily 😁Reading on a Kindle also cured me the habit of flipping ahead - l used to do that all that time with paper books and spoil the story for myself... Now l do it only rarely. I started using a Kindle out of necessity, as l live in a remote area where books are inaccessible otherwise. But now that I've gotten so used to it, l do find physical books quite heavy (not used to them anymore lol). The major downside of ebooks are the illustrations, but it's a small price to pay for having access to a whole library of books everywhere l go, a passport to so many worlds at my fingertips. (I'm the kind of person who inhales the smell of paper in new books, but can't beat the Kindle for practicality). I can't do audiobooks either! 😅 No patience to listen. I'd rather read the written word myself and at my own pace. That said, l have enjoyed listening to Graphic Audio of books that I've already read. It's like a movie but better as it's basically a version of the book.
You didn't miss it. I actually forgot to mention those BIG benefits of ebooks and ereaders. 😂😂 I tend to not be intimidated by big books so that's most likely why seeing them in person makes me happy. Hopefully ebooks and ereaders can display illustrations better someday!
So for me, the only advantage of physical books is the artwork. But for maps, they're almost always on the author website and can be seen more clearly than on either paper or ebooks, so I go to that in my browser and can easily switch between my ebook app and the browser to look at it. 2 other advantages of ebooks: you can change the fonts etc if you have any difficulties with reading, plus it's lit to you can read at night. And, you get instant access. I want a book and buy it, and I can start reading a minute later.
Yeah! I forgot to mention that BIG advantage of ebooks. 😂😂 I think it's because I haven't struggled with fonts in printed books so far. But yes, agree so much on the instant access!
I use all 3 mediums almost everyday and I listen to 10-15 audiobooks in a year. A couple of additional points: 1. Kindle - You can highlight phrases or sections without ruining the book and for self-help books, you can highlight the key actionable sections and create a shorter version for re-read. 2. Audiobooks - A narrator could ruin the book for you no matter how good it is. Also, not many people realize this, but it's difficult to remember characters when there are many, as you haven't seen those names with your own eyes, but only have to remember them from your hearing.
I mostly use a Kindle, phone or tab because books take forever to reach my area and I'm too impatient to wait. Plus, steal reading is something I do often and that's not possible with physical books. And I like rereading particular segments of books, so it's a lot easier to locate them by searching in a document. Audiobooks are great, but the trouble is finding time to listen to them.
Hi Petrik, I would like to recommend a technique that worked for me to enter into the world of audiobooks. I purchased the physical book and the audiobook for the same book and primarily started reading the physical copy. Except when I was in the gym or commuting, I switched to audiobook and completed a couple of chapters. It helped me finish the book much faster and gave me higher retention because of the 2 forms of information consumption. I also did not suffer from any context loss which used to be an issue with my audiobook listening. It works really well for fantasy in my opinion. I tried it with the Wandering Inn, whose audiobook narrator is just amazing. Also, worked really well with Children of Hurin, which is narrated by the legend Sir Christopher Lee himself.
Seconded! I do this often as well. You can also check your physical copy whenever you need to if you get distracted while listening, or if there’s a challenging or confusing chapter.
I have tried to do that but just can’t skip the pages in the book that I’ve already listened to! I don’t know - maybe I don’t trust both versions are the same … 😂 But nevertheless I love listening to a book while also reading it. Sometimes I also read the physical book and the eBook at the same time for different situations- like reading on my sofa or in bed. But mostly I read digital version.
This is exactly how I do it too, and it makes me so happy to see others doing it as well! I usually buy all three (physical, ebook and audiobook) and switch depending where I am (at home I read the physical, if I have a break at work I take the kindle with me and in the car I listen to the audiobook) :)
As some of the additions suggested in comments implies, this video could have been twice as long! The number one feature of ebooks (at least Kindle) I'd like to add is highlighting and annotation. Where most of us would never mark up our physical books, Kindles offer unlimited (I think) highlighting and marginalia opportunities. The drawback, of course, being the notes aren't immediately accessible as in the margins of a physical book. But they are only a click away. You can also export your highlights and notes to a format easily read and printed from a computer.
I totally agree with this. I can't believe I didn't mention this and font as one of the advantages here. As a book reviewer, the highlight feature of my Kindle Paperwhite makes it so much easier to highlight quotes and memorable passages!! 😃
Purely as a matter of space, I will do eBook when I first read a book or series. If I like it enough, I will double dip and get physical copies for my shelf. Case in point, I was eBook on Malazan until I finished Book 5 and then bought the whole series in physical.
Audiobooks have really grown on me and my Kindle is on me every day. It is the number one benefit for me. The portability. I can't fit most books in my back pocket, but my Kindle fits just fine.
Good video! I think I agree with pretty much all your points and I'd add a few others: - Physical books, being physical objects, can be lent out, sold, or given away much more easily than digital books - Ebooks are more accessible for people with various disabilities - you can change the font style and size, and read without having to hold the book open with your hands. Same with audiobooks - they make reading an accessible hobby for visually impaired people for example - A quality of audiobooks that is both an advantage and a disadvantage (depending on the book and the reader) is that they are being interpreted by a narrator. Some narrators enhance the experience of reading the book - like Andy Serkis reading The Hobbit and LOTR, or Stephen Lacey reading First Law - and some are borderline unlistenable, like the Liveship Traders audiobooks. Sometimes they pronounce names differently to the way you would if you were reading with your eyes, or they might read something in a tone of voice that doesn't match what you have in your head. Alternatively they might have perfect comedic timing that makes jokes funnier than you read them in your head! The point is that the narrator can make an audiobook a vastly different experience to reading with your eyes, for better or worse. Physical reading (preferably a nice paperback) will always be my favourite way to read, but I think every format has something to bring to the table and I'm glad we have so many options available to us!
I pretty much COMPLETELY agree with you. Well said! Great additions to the benefits of each medium. For Kindle, I can't believe I forgot to mention highlighting, font style and size in this video. 😂😂
Hey Petrik! Just to add on: the main advantage for me about ereaders is that the smaller screen helps keep me focused on the text. If it is a larger physical hardback with smaller print I become lost in the text (especially if it has smaller text) and will lose my place and attention; especially if it has flowery prose (for a example Clark Ashton Smith or Lovecraft). I do enjoy all forms of story though!
Thank you, James! Oh, that is an intriguing benefit. I've never experienced that yet, as far as I know, but I guess it's true the smaller screen can help you focus more on the text! :)
My preddiction for this year is: 75% audiobooks / 20% physical books / 5% e-books (around 100 in total). About 10 years ago, I started to listen to audiobooks, even I didn't like them at all in the begining… (preferring phyiscal books for Petrik's reasons) and it got more and more and a barely read any physical books any more. Since last year my physical books are increasing again tho and more since I started a bookstagram account this year. The biggest pros for audiobook, as Petrik mentioned, is the multitasking (I can read while working too), otherwise I wouldn't be able to read/listen so many books each year. Also I can't read so much because working on a computer whole day makes my eyes tired. So audiobooks are the perfect solution, also for my bank account and bookshelf space :P
Nice! It's hard to deny the practicability of ebook and audiobook. I know so many readers can continue reading thanks to ebooks and audiobooks. I'm happy for you and them! 😁
Great video Petrik! If you had asked me this question 2 years ago, I would have said that physical would forever be my favourite format, but now I rarely pick up a physical book anymore. About 60% of my reads tend to be on audio and the rest is ebooks. Mostly because of prices (especially when it comes to selfpub books), but also for convenience. I like that I always have a book with me on my tablet/phone when I read in a digital format and it's so nice to not have to worry about lighting and (un)comfortable sitting positions haha. Also, I weirdly like the progress tracking (with percentages) in an ebook more than flipping the physical pages. Though I do have to agree that OWAR felt like it would never end, lmao. Didn't even mind though, that book could've gone on for thousands more pages and I would have been happy. I did decide to slow down my audiobook speed, because while I can comprehend a story when I listen at 2.5x speed, it doesn't leave the same impact as when I take it slower. So now I am back to 1.8-2x speed and that has been working out great, I can savour the stories more this way and that helps a ton with my overall reading enjoyment! Loved hearing your thoughts!
Thank you so much, Esmay! Yeah, despite physical books being my preferred format, I certainly read more on Kindle. I think my love for physical books and Kindle is almost equal unless we're talking about special editions or books with interior artwork, then in that case I certainly prefer physical books. Glad to hear you slowing down audiobooks help you enjoy a story more. I think we need to remember to slow down sometimes rather than trying to read everything as fast as possible! :)
@@PetrikLeo Exactly, quality over quantity!! And I totally agree on the front of artworks/special editions, those will never be matched in kindle format.
Somewhat overlooked bit is that audiobooks can be full blown production the way GraphicAudio does them with music, sound effects and myriad of VAs portraying all the characters. It's certainly an experience.
I use all three in different circumstances. It's a great tactile feeling to read physical volume and when i was reading something like Forgetting moon it was good to switch back and forth between the part i was reading appendices. Ebooks are generally cheaper and easier to carry. Audiobooks are super comfy to me, i love being read to because of being read to as a kid. Also i got really sick last year and all i could was listen to audiobooks because my concentration was fucked so theres a disability factor that I appreciate. On the other hand the narrator performance is important with a bad one screwing up the experience.
Nothing beats physical copies imo. I don't have anything against audiobooks or people who listen to them, but my thoughts are like this: I didn't spend all that time as a kid learning how to comprehend these symbols only for it to be ignored. Audiobooks are fine, I know there are people who are visually impaired and that there are people who don't have the time to sit down and read, but I just think that if you have this wonderful gift and you have the time, why waste it? Again, this is just my personal feeling.
Nothing wrong with feeling that way! It is your preference after all. I, too, would love to read more from physical if given the option. Too bad my spaces are limited... 😂😂
So, I love my physical books, but between short attention span (adhd) and a busy life, I have struggled to read as much as I want in recent years. My secret to success is a physical copy (I prefer a paperback) AND the audiobook. While not the most cost effective, it has been an absolute game changer. I can listen while doing the other things I need to do, and when I have the time to sit down with it, following along helps keep me grounded in the story and attentive. And if I’m not in a place where listening is appropriate, I can still read the book without the accompaniment. PLUS, when the adhd hyperfixation hits, i don’t have to put the book down completely to shower, or eat. I don’t read much, but since I’ve started using this strategy, especially for longer books, my volume has skyrocketed to about 10x what I would previously tackle in a year. The narrator can still really make or break the book. Though, I have found the more time I spend with audiobooks, the more open I am to new narrators. I think it might be an acquired thing, the same way most people don’t jump into reading with a 1000+ page book first.
That's incredible! I'm glad to hear your method succeded at helping you read more books. Can't disagree with that! I have to try using your method. Maybe it will improve my reading! 😃
I wish I can say that Books are better than Ebooks but man it has been 3 years since I bought my kindle and I could read regardless of the lighting condition and have access to my library anytime and everytime is a game changer! Heck I am just experimenting with whispersynch where your audible books will synch where you were on your kindle book and that really is so cool and I could make non-stop reading progress.
Real estate is definitely an issue for physical books but I know ownership is a concern for ebooks I like ebooks because I like to read in the dark :D Think it’s safe to say that if any ebook reader likes the book enough, they will always buy a physical copy
Yeah! I wish I have unlimited space for physical books hahaha. Reading in the dark is a great benefit! And yeah, I buy many physical books after loving the ebooks I've read! xD
Hi Petrik. Really good topic and video. If I had the money, I would buy all the books in physical copies. But in Finland, books are expensive and delivery times are long.When buying from abroad, you will have to pay expensive postage and customs fees. Consequently, I only buy my favorite books/series in physical form. For 4-5 years now, I have bought 95 percent of my books as ebooks. Much cheaper and the book will be downloaded on the day of publication. PS I have about 800 books on my tablet. They would never fit in my apartment😂
Exactly!! That's the same situation I faced, too. The shipping fee can be insanely expensive, and the delivery time is... unpredictable to say the least hahaha! xD
My favorites are always going to be physical books. I love to annotate and sometimes underline my non special editions. I have some cheap Kindle for my e-ARCs or books that are too expensive or maybe are out of print. In audio format I can only listen to a re-read, the "Harry Potter" series while I do chores, or listen together with the actual book (this has helped me a lot to get more confident with my English understanding ). My maximum speed for audiobooks is 1.10.
I adore physical books and always thought I'd never switch to a kindle, but I've become a convert recently. The biggest reason is that my local library has more ebooks than physical books so having a kindle means I can borrow more and save money. And I love being able to read in the dark in bed (I'm always trying not to wake my dog haha so that I don't have to get up and take him out). But I still like to own physical copies of my favorites on my shelves and don't think that will ever change. YES UK hardcovers and paperbacks are SO stiff. It drives me crazy. I love US hardcovers for exactly the reason you said, that they stay open on their own. And I didn't know you could share kindle libraries! This is life-changing haha. Also it definitely feels like ebook progress is slower 😂
That used to be me in 2017. I thought I was going to totally stick with physical books, but things changed after I received my own Kindle Paperwhite. And now I read more books on my Kindle compared to physical. 🤣 Enjoy sharing digital libraries. They're a game changer!!!
Give me a floppy paperback any day! 😁 I've found I like audiobooks for non-fiction or something easier to read like a young adult novel. I agree it is hard for me to read an epic fantasy on audio book - I think it made me dislike a few titles I might have otherwise enjoyed. One nice thing about e-readers is ability to use the "dyslexia" font which has helped make books easier to read for my wife. Thanks for the content!
Thank you so much, Chris! That's a good idea. Using audiobooks to listen to nonfiction sounds doable. I completely agree regarding the advantage of e-readers you mentioned!! Glad your wife can read books easier because of it! 😊
Petrik, great subject. There's nothing like a physical book, especially when reading fantasy and sci-fi, and dealing with maps, glossarys and lists of characters; on Kindle tough going back and forth, although I do it in some cases. The Kindle is certainly easier when reading a large tome in bed, such as Durfee, LOL, or traveling. I can't get out of Audiobooks what I get from reading print. Those that listen 3 to 4 times speed, cannot process the audio, yes it is superhuman. Those, that listenat 3 to 4 times, in my opinion are going for reading counts, not comprehension.
Thank you so much, Frank! I agree about physical and ebooks strengths you mentioned! And I heard from some people who finished more than 400 books in a year due to using 4x audiobook speed. And at this point, I can't believe they understood everything they listened to. Otherwise, well they're superhumans. 😅
I use all 3 mediums to varying degrees, but I think the one I use the most is audiobooks. I tend to go through periods where I am just doing busy work while at work, so it's a great time to listen to them. Plus, my home life is way too busy with my 3 kids, so it doesn't give me a lot of time to sit down and read. However, when I do get time to read, I generally read from my Paperwhite. The main reason for that is I don't have a lot of space for that many physical books. When I eventually do, then I think my physical and ebook reading will balance out, although I will say it's very hard to beat the Paperwhite's ability to transition from glaring sunlight to complete darkness without any problem at all. So nice.
Yeah I totally undestand what you mean! It's difficult to top Kindle and Audiobook's practicality. I love physical books more but limited spaces definitely makes me read more from Kindle than physical books lately! 🤣
I was skeptical about buying my ereader a year ago but I found it helped me read more because I can jump into the bigger books without feeling intimidated by the size of them. My ereader has physical page turning buttons so I don't need to move my hand to turn the pages which I find keeps me glued to the story I also love reading at night in the dark, that's a big advantage for me. Even during the day, I can adjust the brightness and can sit wherever I want without having to worry about a shadow being cast on my page. Lastly, the amount of books I've read within the year of owning the ereader has saved me so much money. My ereader has paid for itself already It's safe to say I've converted 😂
Hahaha! I know what you mean. I used to think i would never convert, too. But now, with all the advantages you mentioned as well, I can't live without my Kindle paperwhite! 🤣
I read about 50/50 physical and ebook. I guess I'm opposite on big books. They seem too daunting if I look at it physically, so it's easier for me to just read them on kindle (i guess the percentage doesn't bother me because i can't see it physically) and also the physical copies of very large books are awkward to read for me. I also read faster on kindle, but physical is still probably slightly more my favorite way to read a book. I do agree about the artwork. They usually don't look good. For example, with the Stormlight Archive, I just opened the physical copy to the artwork to look at, but just read on Kindle. I struggle to pay attention when listening to an audiobook. I really only listen to them if I'm having a harder time getting through a book, but still want to know what happens in the book, then i'll listen to it.
I'm more or less the same as you! I will say statistically I read more on Kindle Paperwhite now than physical. But yes, for books like Stormlight Archive or special editions I definitely prefer physical books. As for audiobooks... yeah it's still a challenge for me to adapt! 😅
As someone who uses almost exclusively Ebooks, the downside I have aside from images is it's too difficult to flip back and find something I want to read again. Remembering a detail from a previous chapter that I'd like to reference again is too tedious to even bother trying so I just miss out on it instead. I do use Audiobooks daily when walking dogs and doing chores, but only for books I've previously read so if my mind wanders or I get distracted I'm not completely missing details.
I totally agree, Bryan! We can highlight passages, but on first read, we can't fully predict which passages or information will be useful later on. And I think I will give audiobook another try when I reread something I enjoyed already! :)
We're spoilt for choice, what a time to be alive. I enjoy all 3 formats why not. The convenience of ebooks edges out the other two for me, I like the idea of access my personal library while on the move, and being able to have a book I want read delivered almost instantly on a whim is a huge advantage. Shipping costs for physical books are outrageous. I can reformat my ebooks with any cover that pleases me, even customise them if I want. Embrace them all, reading is fun, life's too short.
Spoilt for choice is so true. We used to not have all these options back then! I agree that anything that works for each individual should be appreciated! 😁
I use all three mediums and I think each of them are great for different reasons. There are pros and cons to all three and for me, it comes down to when, where and what I'm reading at any given time.
I love physical books. Would choose physical books that aren’t gigantic and absurdly heavy all day. but it’s so great to travel with my kindle. My favorite ebook perk is when you love a book in a series and you can just download the next one right then. Doesn’t matter when or where. Finish a great book at 11pm with a major cliff hanger? Immediate download to start the next one lol. Audio is good for work or cleaning and basically the only way I can get through non fiction books.
I totally agree that reading on kindle feels longer haha I can never explain it, but it feels like it takes so much longer. I usually hide the percentage, but it's too tempting to check it and when I do it's been like 1% and I've been reading for ages hahaha
Hahaha! Glad you agree with me. It's such a mystery, but it really feels longer! It's a must to hide the percentage otherwise I feel like I'm not making any progress. xD
A bit late but my main gripe with Kindles, is that plenty times cover art don't have matchings sizes and dimensions. Making the gallery view a bit messy. But then again that's a small nitpick.
I struggle with audio too, what I'm doing is reading on audio while following the ebook and it's getting me used to it. I'm doing this with Rogues of the Republic series by Patrick Weekes. The first book is The Palace Job. I know you have hundreds of books on your tbr but please can you check it out? Nobody on booktube has read it as far as I can see! It's criminally underrated. If I had to pitch it, I would say it's like final empire and lies of locke lamora with Sullivan type humour.
I know about this series! Definitely something I plan to check out when I'm in the mood for a heist fantasy. I wish the cover art of the series is redone or something. I think it's a part of why readers haven't started it yet.
I like all 3 but I use ebooks the least. Physical books are best for one reason you didn't mention, being able to flip back and forth through the pages is so much easier and quicker if you don't have an exact page you want to get to but know the general location, plus it feels way better too! Also I'm like you, I can't concentrate on audiobooks to save my life! But I still use them frequently, just rewind 15s every 2 minutes
Audio all the way for me, wish I wasn't dyslexic so badly I love having a physical copy of the books I enjoy. The art is a huge part of fantasy for me.
I always pick digital formats due to the comfort level. Reading physical books is very uncomfortable for me since I have to manually hold the book up (usually with both hands so forget about eating a snack) and if you don't have enough light then you can't read at all. Also neck pain. Lots and lots of neck pain
Yeah, I know what you mean! When I read a physical book (especially hardcover), most of the time I have to put it down on a table or on my bed and find a comfy position to read. Otherwise, well, back to Kindle it is. xD
As someone who drives a significant amount for my job audiobooks allow me to digest far more books than I otherwise would be able to. That being said sometimes they can ruin a good book just because the narrator isn’t great.
That's true! On the other side, a great narrator can elevate the narrative, based on what I heard anyway. But I envy your and everyone's skill to listen to audiobooks! :D
I can only do physical books. I have tried audio books many times but every time my ADD takes over and I lose what's happening. With eBooks I just have difficulty reading for a long time because my eyes strain, which I read physical to relieve. I do also just like the feeling of physical. Just looking at it can make me excited to read it. That don't really happen with digital.
Great video! Personally, I prefer paperbacks. However, audiobooks are great to not carry anything when you want a book for holidays. Also, they allow you to read/listen more books.
Thank you so much, Gregory! Yeah, I agree with you. I very rarely bring physical books when I'm away on holiday or traveling somewhere. Definitely not hardcover. xD
Oh me too, Stephen Pacey is the god of voice acting. First Law was brought to life for me and I’ve listened to the whole series twice! I am listening to The Incorruptibles (fantasy trilogy I had never heard of) purely because Lord Pacey is the narrator!
Audio is often if you drive a long commute....I had a 2 hour commuten1 way at one point and was losing lots of physical reading time. But, gained more through the audio time.
For audiobooks they always seem slow so I have to have them faster or my brain wanders and doesn't retain anything 😅 definitely prefer physical books it brings me joy.
Ebooks would be my prefrence. I collect books with my mom and we have at least two libraries in our house so for me ebooks are my favorite since I can have three or more ebook libraries going at once. 😊
I like both physical books - feeling of turning pages, smell of really old or really new books etc, and ebooks - just the sheer convenience of reading anywhere, anytime and in any position. Audiobooks just don't work for me - I keep zoning out and missing chunks of lines since I'm too lazy to rewind. 🥲 Edit: I commented this at 5:00 and now realized I just repeated pretty much everything you mentioned 😅 Only difference: I fly through ebooks. I'm able to read 2-3 physical books in the same time I take to finish 1 physical book.
@@PetrikLeo I think the reason I finish ebooks faster is because I read with bigger font. Also (makes no sense but works for me) physical books differ in page count but ebooks are always '100%' long 😂 I can aim to read 10% everyday and finish thickest of thicc books but 10 pages per day for 900 pages long book will take forever... Okay yeah that makes no sense
Physical books are my favourite, but I do like my Kindle too. My least favourite is audio books. I have only listened to a handful of books, but I have to speed it up to 2x as I find it too slow at the normal speed. Wouldn't be able to follow the story if it was 4x though!
My kindle carries hundreds of books so I can flip around my collection on the go. It also has my audiobooks on it. They're both cheaper than physical books, and I think it's probably better for the enviroment, despite what the initial shitty stuff happens to get the parts for our eletronics, but it happens way less often than using paper. I don't really care how I take a story in, as long as I'm getting it into my head
It is difficult to beat ebooks practicality. Totally understand what you mean. But yeah, what matters most is we enjoy the story and books no matter the medium! :)
I read almost exclusively Kindle books and on Audible. I like the portability of Kindle and Audible. I enjoy listening to a book while taking my dog for his walks. Finally, I do not want to store physical books. They take up room in my small living space. I miss the color and artwork of physical books . I'm looking forward to more color e-readers in the future. But my vote is for e-book reading. I'm pretty sure this is a minority opinion. :)
I'm also jealous of people who can do audio, because it cannot keep my attention. I'm trying to train myself by reading immersively and want to do a few rereads on audio.
That was a grate book talk. I love fisical books. I like more the fisical and the idea of the book and the story and if it fantasy a pluse...then actualy reeding it. Lol the hole art of a book fasinates me. E books, wish i had one. They look heavy. I like heavy things. Audio...hmmm never expirience it before.
I feel the same way about people who can listen to audiobooks and multitask they are superhuman, I go on long 2 hour walks , and still can't pay attention to audiobooks. So jealous
@@PetrikLeo I actually find that I read much more with my kobo (ereader) than I do when I read physical books. I don't know why. But I've read entire series on my ereaders. I find my speed is much faster as well.
So my library is usually books that I have read on my ereader that I want to display: Joe Abercrombie, Robin Hobb, George RR Martin and Pierce Brown and some Stephen King. But I have nearly 200 ebooks on my kobo and I have read about 20-30 of them since I got my ereader last year.
Physical books bring so many beautiful feelings for a reader like me. Have tried using other forms, yet never felt sufficient to me, as much as you explained here. However, just a few days ago, I found a few books of mine that were eaten by termites 😢 so bad that I had to burn them. That's prob the risk of living in a village in damp weather, surrounded by nature. I would appreciate any tips on maintaining physical books under those conditions. 🤍
Oh no!! That's awful. I hate termites. I experienced this, too, with some of my manga a long time ago. I live in a tropical country too so this is definitely something I'm scared of. 😢 As for tips, the way I managed my books is to make sure they're often in room with AC turned on most frequently. Also, once a week or two, try to dust your bookshelves. Brush the dust off the books, too. Doing this has been helpful to me! 😊
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Excited to dive into these top eBooks! Immersive Translate, a web plugin, is perfect for translating them.
When I was 14, my Dad used to give a monthly allowance to spend on books. The money he gave me used to last like a couple of days, because I used to spend it on all books and once I finished them, I had to wait for the next allowance to buy my best book. The best decision my Dad ever made was to buy me a kindle on my 16th birthday. Ebooks were cheaper, almost half the prices of physical books and this allowed me to read a lot more books. Five years later, I am seeing black spots on my kindle and I think its time I update to a newer one. Gonna be sad to see this one go
When i was a kid in the early 90s my family had a habit of going to Swiss Chalet for dinner Friday nights. My mom or dad would slip me some cash so i could pick up a book at the mall the restaurant was attached to. I read a lot of Hardy Boys and Christopher Pike books that way.
Aww, I'm still using the first Kindle I ever owned. I'm sad to think I have to partway with it someday. Thanks for sharing your story, Mohit! I agree with you on Kindle's cheaper price and practicality. I don't think I would read this many books without a Kindle in my posession! :)
I'm old school, so physical books all the way for me. I love the feel of holding an actual book in my hand, the smell of paper (not weird btw), ability to easily flip through it (especially helpful with maps/appendix) and how it sits neatly on the shelf with other, hundreds of books (i.e. physical library). Ebooks feel synthetic to me (I stare at the screen enough during my work hours) and with audiobooks, I get easily distracted/or, if I miss something, I have to rewind recording, which is quite annoying.
Agree so much on the benefits of physical books you mentioned! I do like reading from my ereader too but for audiobook... well I'm too easily distracted. 😂
I was a physical book purist until some time in my teens when my dad switched over to kindle, and then I finally did, as well. Then I read exclusively e-books for about ten years. Now, as someone who is approaching 30, I am fairly certain that I have ADHD, and I find my attention span for reading with my eyes has gone down a lot. I get antsy just sitting there trying to read silently. Audiobooks have saved my reading life because they allow me to do other things like play mindless games on my computer while listening. I never do anything that distracts me from the book, only games like solitaire or other simple things like that. But just being able to look away from the "book" and do something else with my hands has helped to bolster my concentration so much. Now I can sit and "read" and audiobook for several hours at a time with no lapses in concentration.
That's great to hear! Hearing your transition from one medium to another is interesting. But more importantly, I'm glad you can find the medium that fits what you need most! ☺️
Another fantastic video! Thank you!
Thank you so much! 😃
I was so moved by how you talked about your love of books in physical form Petrik. I am also a tactile reader who is unable to do audio books. All my life I've loved opening a book and getting lost in it's pages!❤️
Thank you, Suzanne! Hahah it's all simple things but matters a LOT! Especially after I experience other mediums. 😁
Not sure if l missed it, but there are a few advantages for ebooks (or for Kindle specifically) l don't think you mentioned: 1) ability to change font size and line spacing - no more yellowing pages with teeny print! I'm now so used to having nice clear font to read 2) ability to have a lit screen to read in a dark area. Being front lit with soft lighting, the Kindle is so easy on the eyes and l can read in a dark room with no problems (l know some people read on their phones, but l can't do that - too small and glaring) 3) you did mention the lightweight - an advantage of that is that it's much easier to read lying down than trying to hold a physical book to do so 😃
It's funny but l think l have the opposite reaction to you in terms of thick books. I always wanted to read Vanity Fair but was intimidated by the size of the physical book. Once l got a Kindle, l started reading it with no problem, because l couldn't see how big it was, and l finished it easily 😁Reading on a Kindle also cured me the habit of flipping ahead - l used to do that all that time with paper books and spoil the story for myself... Now l do it only rarely.
I started using a Kindle out of necessity, as l live in a remote area where books are inaccessible otherwise. But now that I've gotten so used to it, l do find physical books quite heavy (not used to them anymore lol). The major downside of ebooks are the illustrations, but it's a small price to pay for having access to a whole library of books everywhere l go, a passport to so many worlds at my fingertips. (I'm the kind of person who inhales the smell of paper in new books, but can't beat the Kindle for practicality).
I can't do audiobooks either! 😅 No patience to listen. I'd rather read the written word myself and at my own pace. That said, l have enjoyed listening to Graphic Audio of books that I've already read. It's like a movie but better as it's basically a version of the book.
You didn't miss it. I actually forgot to mention those BIG benefits of ebooks and ereaders. 😂😂 I tend to not be intimidated by big books so that's most likely why seeing them in person makes me happy. Hopefully ebooks and ereaders can display illustrations better someday!
I read on ereader. And I always get a print of map before reading it. Even colourful one from photocopier. It is very cheap, too.
That actually is a great idea. A bit of a hassle but great idea! :D
So for me, the only advantage of physical books is the artwork. But for maps, they're almost always on the author website and can be seen more clearly than on either paper or ebooks, so I go to that in my browser and can easily switch between my ebook app and the browser to look at it.
2 other advantages of ebooks: you can change the fonts etc if you have any difficulties with reading, plus it's lit to you can read at night. And, you get instant access. I want a book and buy it, and I can start reading a minute later.
Yeah! I forgot to mention that BIG advantage of ebooks. 😂😂 I think it's because I haven't struggled with fonts in printed books so far. But yes, agree so much on the instant access!
I do mostly kindle/physical but i do listen to audiobooks about everyother month..the last book i listened via audio was project hail mary
Awesome! I heard many great things about the audio for Project Hail Mary! :D
I use all 3 mediums almost everyday and I listen to 10-15 audiobooks in a year. A couple of additional points:
1. Kindle - You can highlight phrases or sections without ruining the book and for self-help books, you can highlight the key actionable sections and create a shorter version for re-read.
2. Audiobooks - A narrator could ruin the book for you no matter how good it is. Also, not many people realize this, but it's difficult to remember characters when there are many, as you haven't seen those names with your own eyes, but only have to remember them from your hearing.
Yeah! Totally agree. I can't believe I forgot to mention that feature on Kindle as a benefit when I use it all the time. 😂😂
I mostly use a Kindle, phone or tab because books take forever to reach my area and I'm too impatient to wait. Plus, steal reading is something I do often and that's not possible with physical books. And I like rereading particular segments of books, so it's a lot easier to locate them by searching in a document. Audiobooks are great, but the trouble is finding time to listen to them.
Yup! That's one of the biggest advantages of Kindle paperwhite and why I bring it everywhere I go. 😃
Hi Petrik, I would like to recommend a technique that worked for me to enter into the world of audiobooks. I purchased the physical book and the audiobook for the same book and primarily started reading the physical copy. Except when I was in the gym or commuting, I switched to audiobook and completed a couple of chapters. It helped me finish the book much faster and gave me higher retention because of the 2 forms of information consumption. I also did not suffer from any context loss which used to be an issue with my audiobook listening. It works really well for fantasy in my opinion. I tried it with the Wandering Inn, whose audiobook narrator is just amazing. Also, worked really well with Children of Hurin, which is narrated by the legend Sir Christopher Lee himself.
Seconded! I do this often as well. You can also check your physical copy whenever you need to if you get distracted while listening, or if there’s a challenging or confusing chapter.
I have tried to do that but just can’t skip the pages in the book that I’ve already listened to! I don’t know - maybe I don’t trust both versions are the same … 😂 But nevertheless I love listening to a book while also reading it. Sometimes I also read the physical book and the eBook at the same time for different situations- like reading on my sofa or in bed.
But mostly I read digital version.
That's interesting... I never tried that before. Maybe I will the next time I attempt an audiobook! 😁 Most likely for books I've read already.
This is exactly how I do it too, and it makes me so happy to see others doing it as well! I usually buy all three (physical, ebook and audiobook) and switch depending where I am (at home I read the physical, if I have a break at work I take the kindle with me and in the car I listen to the audiobook) :)
As some of the additions suggested in comments implies, this video could have been twice as long! The number one feature of ebooks (at least Kindle) I'd like to add is highlighting and annotation. Where most of us would never mark up our physical books, Kindles offer unlimited (I think) highlighting and marginalia opportunities. The drawback, of course, being the notes aren't immediately accessible as in the margins of a physical book. But they are only a click away. You can also export your highlights and notes to a format easily read and printed from a computer.
I totally agree with this. I can't believe I didn't mention this and font as one of the advantages here. As a book reviewer, the highlight feature of my Kindle Paperwhite makes it so much easier to highlight quotes and memorable passages!! 😃
Purely as a matter of space, I will do eBook when I first read a book or series. If I like it enough, I will double dip and get physical copies for my shelf. Case in point, I was eBook on Malazan until I finished Book 5 and then bought the whole series in physical.
I approve this, Troy. I did this for Malazan, too. I read almost the entire series on eBook, then bought the entire series in physical! :D
Audiobooks have really grown on me and my Kindle is on me every day. It is the number one benefit for me. The portability. I can't fit most books in my back pocket, but my Kindle fits just fine.
Yeah! I'm out of town right now and I bring only my Kindle. Truly one of the biggest benefits of ebooks and ereaders! 😃
Good video! I think I agree with pretty much all your points and I'd add a few others:
- Physical books, being physical objects, can be lent out, sold, or given away much more easily than digital books
- Ebooks are more accessible for people with various disabilities - you can change the font style and size, and read without having to hold the book open with your hands. Same with audiobooks - they make reading an accessible hobby for visually impaired people for example
- A quality of audiobooks that is both an advantage and a disadvantage (depending on the book and the reader) is that they are being interpreted by a narrator. Some narrators enhance the experience of reading the book - like Andy Serkis reading The Hobbit and LOTR, or Stephen Lacey reading First Law - and some are borderline unlistenable, like the Liveship Traders audiobooks. Sometimes they pronounce names differently to the way you would if you were reading with your eyes, or they might read something in a tone of voice that doesn't match what you have in your head. Alternatively they might have perfect comedic timing that makes jokes funnier than you read them in your head! The point is that the narrator can make an audiobook a vastly different experience to reading with your eyes, for better or worse.
Physical reading (preferably a nice paperback) will always be my favourite way to read, but I think every format has something to bring to the table and I'm glad we have so many options available to us!
I pretty much COMPLETELY agree with you. Well said! Great additions to the benefits of each medium. For Kindle, I can't believe I forgot to mention highlighting, font style and size in this video. 😂😂
Hey Petrik! Just to add on: the main advantage for me about ereaders is that the smaller screen helps keep me focused on the text. If it is a larger physical hardback with smaller print I become lost in the text (especially if it has smaller text) and will lose my place and attention; especially if it has flowery prose (for a example Clark Ashton Smith or Lovecraft). I do enjoy all forms of story though!
Thank you, James! Oh, that is an intriguing benefit. I've never experienced that yet, as far as I know, but I guess it's true the smaller screen can help you focus more on the text! :)
Really, really interesting discussion! Never thought about it to such depth.
Thank you, Kian! I'm sure there are other benefits I missed here such as the font and size that can be changed on e-readers!
Great list of eBooks! Immersive Translate, a web plugin, helps you enjoy these titles in any language.
Thank you so much!
My preddiction for this year is: 75% audiobooks / 20% physical books / 5% e-books (around 100 in total). About 10 years ago, I started to listen to audiobooks, even I didn't like them at all in the begining… (preferring phyiscal books for Petrik's reasons) and it got more and more and a barely read any physical books any more. Since last year my physical books are increasing again tho and more since I started a bookstagram account this year. The biggest pros for audiobook, as Petrik mentioned, is the multitasking (I can read while working too), otherwise I wouldn't be able to read/listen so many books each year. Also I can't read so much because working on a computer whole day makes my eyes tired. So audiobooks are the perfect solution, also for my bank account and bookshelf space :P
Nice! It's hard to deny the practicability of ebook and audiobook. I know so many readers can continue reading thanks to ebooks and audiobooks. I'm happy for you and them! 😁
Great video Petrik! If you had asked me this question 2 years ago, I would have said that physical would forever be my favourite format, but now I rarely pick up a physical book anymore. About 60% of my reads tend to be on audio and the rest is ebooks. Mostly because of prices (especially when it comes to selfpub books), but also for convenience. I like that I always have a book with me on my tablet/phone when I read in a digital format and it's so nice to not have to worry about lighting and (un)comfortable sitting positions haha.
Also, I weirdly like the progress tracking (with percentages) in an ebook more than flipping the physical pages. Though I do have to agree that OWAR felt like it would never end, lmao. Didn't even mind though, that book could've gone on for thousands more pages and I would have been happy.
I did decide to slow down my audiobook speed, because while I can comprehend a story when I listen at 2.5x speed, it doesn't leave the same impact as when I take it slower. So now I am back to 1.8-2x speed and that has been working out great, I can savour the stories more this way and that helps a ton with my overall reading enjoyment!
Loved hearing your thoughts!
Thank you so much, Esmay! Yeah, despite physical books being my preferred format, I certainly read more on Kindle. I think my love for physical books and Kindle is almost equal unless we're talking about special editions or books with interior artwork, then in that case I certainly prefer physical books. Glad to hear you slowing down audiobooks help you enjoy a story more. I think we need to remember to slow down sometimes rather than trying to read everything as fast as possible! :)
@@PetrikLeo Exactly, quality over quantity!!
And I totally agree on the front of artworks/special editions, those will never be matched in kindle format.
Somewhat overlooked bit is that audiobooks can be full blown production the way GraphicAudio does them with music, sound effects and myriad of VAs portraying all the characters. It's certainly an experience.
Oh yeah that's true! I've sampled those and I'm amazed by the production. It's truly a movie in your mind! :)
I use all three in different circumstances. It's a great tactile feeling to read physical volume and when i was reading something like Forgetting moon it was good to switch back and forth between the part i was reading appendices. Ebooks are generally cheaper and easier to carry. Audiobooks are super comfy to me, i love being read to because of being read to as a kid. Also i got really sick last year and all i could was listen to audiobooks because my concentration was fucked so theres a disability factor that I appreciate. On the other hand the narrator performance is important with a bad one screwing up the experience.
Exactly! Agree with what you said. And even though I can't do audio, its benefits to those who can use it is undeniable! 😁
Nothing beats physical copies imo. I don't have anything against audiobooks or people who listen to them, but my thoughts are like this: I didn't spend all that time as a kid learning how to comprehend these symbols only for it to be ignored. Audiobooks are fine, I know there are people who are visually impaired and that there are people who don't have the time to sit down and read, but I just think that if you have this wonderful gift and you have the time, why waste it? Again, this is just my personal feeling.
Nothing wrong with feeling that way! It is your preference after all. I, too, would love to read more from physical if given the option. Too bad my spaces are limited... 😂😂
So, I love my physical books, but between short attention span (adhd) and a busy life, I have struggled to read as much as I want in recent years. My secret to success is a physical copy (I prefer a paperback) AND the audiobook. While not the most cost effective, it has been an absolute game changer. I can listen while doing the other things I need to do, and when I have the time to sit down with it, following along helps keep me grounded in the story and attentive. And if I’m not in a place where listening is appropriate, I can still read the book without the accompaniment. PLUS, when the adhd hyperfixation hits, i don’t have to put the book down completely to shower, or eat.
I don’t read much, but since I’ve started using this strategy, especially for longer books, my volume has skyrocketed to about 10x what I would previously tackle in a year.
The narrator can still really make or break the book. Though, I have found the more time I spend with audiobooks, the more open I am to new narrators. I think it might be an acquired thing, the same way most people don’t jump into reading with a 1000+ page book first.
That's incredible! I'm glad to hear your method succeded at helping you read more books. Can't disagree with that! I have to try using your method. Maybe it will improve my reading! 😃
I wish I can say that Books are better than Ebooks but man it has been 3 years since I bought my kindle and I could read regardless of the lighting condition and have access to my library anytime and everytime is a game changer! Heck I am just experimenting with whispersynch where your audible books will synch where you were on your kindle book and that really is so cool and I could make non-stop reading progress.
Nothing wrong with feeling that way! Ebooks and Kindle are just sooo practical. I can't live without it now. 🤣
Real estate is definitely an issue for physical books but I know ownership is a concern for ebooks
I like ebooks because I like to read in the dark :D
Think it’s safe to say that if any ebook reader likes the book enough, they will always buy a physical copy
Yeah! I wish I have unlimited space for physical books hahaha. Reading in the dark is a great benefit! And yeah, I buy many physical books after loving the ebooks I've read! xD
Hi Petrik. Really good topic and video. If I had the money, I would buy all the books in physical copies. But in Finland, books are expensive and delivery times are long.When buying from abroad, you will have to pay expensive postage and customs fees. Consequently, I only buy my favorite books/series in physical form. For 4-5 years now, I have bought 95 percent of my books as ebooks. Much cheaper and the book will be downloaded on the day of publication.
PS I have about 800 books on my tablet. They would never fit in my apartment😂
Exactly!! That's the same situation I faced, too. The shipping fee can be insanely expensive, and the delivery time is... unpredictable to say the least hahaha! xD
My favorites are always going to be physical books. I love to annotate and sometimes underline my non special editions. I have some cheap Kindle for my e-ARCs or books that are too expensive or maybe are out of print. In audio format I can only listen to a re-read, the "Harry Potter" series while I do chores, or listen together with the actual book (this has helped me a lot to get more confident with my English understanding ). My maximum speed for audiobooks is 1.10.
Even though ebooks have a lot of benefits that I can't deny, that feeling of reading from physical books is so hard to beat! 😃
I adore physical books and always thought I'd never switch to a kindle, but I've become a convert recently. The biggest reason is that my local library has more ebooks than physical books so having a kindle means I can borrow more and save money. And I love being able to read in the dark in bed (I'm always trying not to wake my dog haha so that I don't have to get up and take him out). But I still like to own physical copies of my favorites on my shelves and don't think that will ever change.
YES UK hardcovers and paperbacks are SO stiff. It drives me crazy. I love US hardcovers for exactly the reason you said, that they stay open on their own. And I didn't know you could share kindle libraries! This is life-changing haha.
Also it definitely feels like ebook progress is slower 😂
That used to be me in 2017. I thought I was going to totally stick with physical books, but things changed after I received my own Kindle Paperwhite. And now I read more books on my Kindle compared to physical. 🤣 Enjoy sharing digital libraries. They're a game changer!!!
Give me a floppy paperback any day! 😁
I've found I like audiobooks for non-fiction or something easier to read like a young adult novel. I agree it is hard for me to read an epic fantasy on audio book - I think it made me dislike a few titles I might have otherwise enjoyed.
One nice thing about e-readers is ability to use the "dyslexia" font which has helped make books easier to read for my wife.
Thanks for the content!
Thank you so much, Chris! That's a good idea. Using audiobooks to listen to nonfiction sounds doable. I completely agree regarding the advantage of e-readers you mentioned!! Glad your wife can read books easier because of it! 😊
Petrik, great subject.
There's nothing like a physical book, especially when reading fantasy and sci-fi, and dealing with maps, glossarys and lists of characters; on Kindle tough going back and forth, although I do it in some cases. The Kindle is certainly easier when reading a large tome in bed, such as Durfee, LOL, or traveling. I can't get out of Audiobooks what I get from reading print. Those that listen 3 to 4 times speed, cannot process the audio, yes it is superhuman. Those, that listenat 3 to 4 times, in my opinion are going for reading counts, not comprehension.
Thank you so much, Frank! I agree about physical and ebooks strengths you mentioned! And I heard from some people who finished more than 400 books in a year due to using 4x audiobook speed. And at this point, I can't believe they understood everything they listened to. Otherwise, well they're superhumans. 😅
I use all 3 mediums to varying degrees, but I think the one I use the most is audiobooks. I tend to go through periods where I am just doing busy work while at work, so it's a great time to listen to them. Plus, my home life is way too busy with my 3 kids, so it doesn't give me a lot of time to sit down and read.
However, when I do get time to read, I generally read from my Paperwhite. The main reason for that is I don't have a lot of space for that many physical books. When I eventually do, then I think my physical and ebook reading will balance out, although I will say it's very hard to beat the Paperwhite's ability to transition from glaring sunlight to complete darkness without any problem at all. So nice.
Yeah I totally undestand what you mean! It's difficult to top Kindle and Audiobook's practicality. I love physical books more but limited spaces definitely makes me read more from Kindle than physical books lately! 🤣
I was skeptical about buying my ereader a year ago but I found it helped me read more because I can jump into the bigger books without feeling intimidated by the size of them.
My ereader has physical page turning buttons so I don't need to move my hand to turn the pages which I find keeps me glued to the story
I also love reading at night in the dark, that's a big advantage for me. Even during the day, I can adjust the brightness and can sit wherever I want without having to worry about a shadow being cast on my page.
Lastly, the amount of books I've read within the year of owning the ereader has saved me so much money. My ereader has paid for itself already
It's safe to say I've converted 😂
Hahaha! I know what you mean. I used to think i would never convert, too. But now, with all the advantages you mentioned as well, I can't live without my Kindle paperwhite! 🤣
I read about 50/50 physical and ebook. I guess I'm opposite on big books. They seem too daunting if I look at it physically, so it's easier for me to just read them on kindle (i guess the percentage doesn't bother me because i can't see it physically) and also the physical copies of very large books are awkward to read for me. I also read faster on kindle, but physical is still probably slightly more my favorite way to read a book. I do agree about the artwork. They usually don't look good. For example, with the Stormlight Archive, I just opened the physical copy to the artwork to look at, but just read on Kindle. I struggle to pay attention when listening to an audiobook. I really only listen to them if I'm having a harder time getting through a book, but still want to know what happens in the book, then i'll listen to it.
I'm more or less the same as you! I will say statistically I read more on Kindle Paperwhite now than physical. But yes, for books like Stormlight Archive or special editions I definitely prefer physical books. As for audiobooks... yeah it's still a challenge for me to adapt! 😅
As someone who uses almost exclusively Ebooks, the downside I have aside from images is it's too difficult to flip back and find something I want to read again. Remembering a detail from a previous chapter that I'd like to reference again is too tedious to even bother trying so I just miss out on it instead.
I do use Audiobooks daily when walking dogs and doing chores, but only for books I've previously read so if my mind wanders or I get distracted I'm not completely missing details.
I totally agree, Bryan! We can highlight passages, but on first read, we can't fully predict which passages or information will be useful later on. And I think I will give audiobook another try when I reread something I enjoyed already! :)
We're spoilt for choice, what a time to be alive. I enjoy all 3 formats why not. The convenience of ebooks edges out the other two for me, I like the idea of access my personal library while on the move, and being able to have a book I want read delivered almost instantly on a whim is a huge advantage. Shipping costs for physical books are outrageous. I can reformat my ebooks with any cover that pleases me, even customise them if I want. Embrace them all, reading is fun, life's too short.
Spoilt for choice is so true. We used to not have all these options back then! I agree that anything that works for each individual should be appreciated! 😁
I use all three mediums and I think each of them are great for different reasons. There are pros and cons to all three and for me, it comes down to when, where and what I'm reading at any given time.
That's very true. I'm glad you can use all three! I wish I can adapt using audiobooks easily. :D
I love physical books. Would choose physical books that aren’t gigantic and absurdly heavy all day. but it’s so great to travel with my kindle. My favorite ebook perk is when you love a book in a series and you can just download the next one right then. Doesn’t matter when or where. Finish a great book at 11pm with a major cliff hanger? Immediate download to start the next one lol. Audio is good for work or cleaning and basically the only way I can get through non fiction books.
Ah yes! Instantaneous delivery is certainly another strong benefit of Kindle/ebooks! Great point! 😃
I prefer to read physical books because I love the feel of them in my hands and reading the words
I totally agree and understand that! 😁
I totally agree that reading on kindle feels longer haha I can never explain it, but it feels like it takes so much longer. I usually hide the percentage, but it's too tempting to check it and when I do it's been like 1% and I've been reading for ages hahaha
Hahaha! Glad you agree with me. It's such a mystery, but it really feels longer! It's a must to hide the percentage otherwise I feel like I'm not making any progress. xD
A bit late but my main gripe with Kindles, is that plenty times cover art don't have matchings sizes and dimensions. Making the gallery view a bit messy. But then again that's a small nitpick.
Totally valid nitpick, though!! 🤣
I struggle with audio too, what I'm doing is reading on audio while following the ebook and it's getting me used to it. I'm doing this with Rogues of the Republic series by Patrick Weekes. The first book is The Palace Job. I know you have hundreds of books on your tbr but please can you check it out? Nobody on booktube has read it as far as I can see! It's criminally underrated. If I had to pitch it, I would say it's like final empire and lies of locke lamora with Sullivan type humour.
I know about this series! Definitely something I plan to check out when I'm in the mood for a heist fantasy. I wish the cover art of the series is redone or something. I think it's a part of why readers haven't started it yet.
@Petrik Leo don't judge a book by it's cover 😆 (sorry, I had to). I'm so happy you know it exists! I hope you find more signs to read it 💫
I like all 3 but I use ebooks the least. Physical books are best for one reason you didn't mention, being able to flip back and forth through the pages is so much easier and quicker if you don't have an exact page you want to get to but know the general location, plus it feels way better too! Also I'm like you, I can't concentrate on audiobooks to save my life! But I still use them frequently, just rewind 15s every 2 minutes
I completely agree! Haha I wish I can use audiobooks. I'm envious of everyone who can! 😃
I read a mix of both physical books and ebooks, almost always from the library for both.
Same here, Scott! Well, no library for me, but definitely both physical and ebooks for me! :)
Audio all the way for me, wish I wasn't dyslexic so badly I love having a physical copy of the books I enjoy. The art is a huge part of fantasy for me.
I'm glad audiobooks can help you absorb more books and stories, Joey. That's what matters most!
Same here in audiobook case.
I always pick digital formats due to the comfort level. Reading physical books is very uncomfortable for me since I have to manually hold the book up (usually with both hands so forget about eating a snack) and if you don't have enough light then you can't read at all.
Also neck pain. Lots and lots of neck pain
Yeah, I know what you mean! When I read a physical book (especially hardcover), most of the time I have to put it down on a table or on my bed and find a comfy position to read. Otherwise, well, back to Kindle it is. xD
I do all 3 but primarily lean toward ebooks.
Can't deny the practicality! :D
As someone who drives a significant amount for my job audiobooks allow me to digest far more books than I otherwise would be able to. That being said sometimes they can ruin a good book just because the narrator isn’t great.
That's true! On the other side, a great narrator can elevate the narrative, based on what I heard anyway. But I envy your and everyone's skill to listen to audiobooks! :D
I think this is definitely true for First Law and Dresden Files, both elevated significantly by the narrator!
I can only do physical books. I have tried audio books many times but every time my ADD takes over and I lose what's happening. With eBooks I just have difficulty reading for a long time because my eyes strain, which I read physical to relieve. I do also just like the feeling of physical. Just looking at it can make me excited to read it. That don't really happen with digital.
I don't mind ebooks if it's with e-readers! But yeah I agree so much on the benefit of physical books! 😊
Great video! Personally, I prefer paperbacks. However, audiobooks are great to not carry anything when you want a book for holidays. Also, they allow you to read/listen more books.
Thank you so much, Gregory! Yeah, I agree with you. I very rarely bring physical books when I'm away on holiday or traveling somewhere. Definitely not hardcover. xD
I will listen to anything narrated by Steven Pacey and Ray Potter.
Heard so many amazing things about Steven Pacey!
Oh me too, Stephen Pacey is the god of voice acting. First Law was brought to life for me and I’ve listened to the whole series twice!
I am listening to The Incorruptibles (fantasy trilogy I had never heard of) purely because Lord Pacey is the narrator!
Audio is often if you drive a long commute....I had a 2 hour commuten1 way at one point and was losing lots of physical reading time. But, gained more through the audio time.
I really want to use audiobook for commute, too! Still learning on how to retain the narrative while I'm driving! 😂
For audiobooks they always seem slow so I have to have them faster or my brain wanders and doesn't retain anything 😅 definitely prefer physical books it brings me joy.
I definitely prefer physical books over audiobooks, too! :D
Another thing about e-books is that they make your eyes sore and not in a good way. I have to use some blue light glasses when I read.
I used to be like that when reading from ipad and my phone but no longer after using Kindle Paperwhite!
Ebooks would be my prefrence. I collect books with my mom and we have at least two libraries in our house so for me ebooks are my favorite since I can have three or more ebook libraries going at once. 😊
Totally understandable! That library sharing is soooo handy. I use it, too! 😁
I like both physical books - feeling of turning pages, smell of really old or really new books etc,
and ebooks - just the sheer convenience of reading anywhere, anytime and in any position.
Audiobooks just don't work for me - I keep zoning out and missing chunks of lines since I'm too lazy to rewind. 🥲
Edit: I commented this at 5:00 and now realized I just repeated pretty much everything you mentioned 😅 Only difference: I fly through ebooks. I'm able to read 2-3 physical books in the same time I take to finish 1 physical book.
Hahaha! Great minds think alike. I think it's interesting how we all differ though regarding reading speed using physical or Kindle! :D
@@PetrikLeo I think the reason I finish ebooks faster is because I read with bigger font. Also (makes no sense but works for me) physical books differ in page count but ebooks are always '100%' long 😂 I can aim to read 10% everyday and finish thickest of thicc books but 10 pages per day for 900 pages long book will take forever... Okay yeah that makes no sense
I prefer physical overall but when I’m tired I prefer ebooks as it’s just easier to read
And they're so lightweight, too!! 😂
I only read on a kindle. I download the maps to my phone so I don't have to keep flipping back to the map that's to small
YES! I do this, too, now!! I can't believe I didn't do this until last year. xD
Physical books are my favourite, but I do like my Kindle too. My least favourite is audio books. I have only listened to a handful of books, but I have to speed it up to 2x as I find it too slow at the normal speed. Wouldn't be able to follow the story if it was 4x though!
I think I can see how our brain adapts to 2x speed after we're used to audiobooks. But 4x is just too crazy to even imagine for me. xD
My kindle carries hundreds of books so I can flip around my collection on the go.
It also has my audiobooks on it.
They're both cheaper than physical books, and I think it's probably better for the enviroment, despite what the initial shitty stuff happens to get the parts for our eletronics, but it happens way less often than using paper.
I don't really care how I take a story in, as long as I'm getting it into my head
It is difficult to beat ebooks practicality. Totally understand what you mean. But yeah, what matters most is we enjoy the story and books no matter the medium! :)
I read almost exclusively Kindle books and on Audible. I like the portability of Kindle and Audible. I enjoy listening to a book while taking my dog for his walks. Finally, I do not want to store physical books. They take up room in my small living space. I miss the color and artwork of physical books . I'm looking forward to more color e-readers in the future. But my vote is for e-book reading. I'm pretty sure this is a minority opinion. :)
Nothing wrong with that! And hey, e-book reading seems to be the most dominant votes so far! 😃
I'm also jealous of people who can do audio, because it cannot keep my attention. I'm trying to train myself by reading immersively and want to do a few rereads on audio.
I heard rereading using audiobooks is a good way to learn getting used to audiobooks. I want to try that, too! 😃
That was a grate book talk. I love fisical books. I like more the fisical and the idea of the book and the story and if it fantasy a pluse...then actualy reeding it. Lol the hole art of a book fasinates me. E books, wish i had one. They look heavy. I like heavy things. Audio...hmmm never expirience it before.
Thank you so much! 😃
First to comment. Love you Petrick!
Thank you so much, Joe! :D
My regular comment, people who say they listen on 4x speed are either indeed superhuman, or they're simply lying.
I have to agree with you on this. 4x speed is just too mythical for me. 😂
The biggest advantage of ebooks is the builtin dictionary
I can't believe I forgot to mention this and font. 🙃
Boardgames or VideoGames? What about both? :D In terms of books, well my name says everything... good video
Thank you! I don't play boardgames yet. Well I play Monopoly... 😂 But yeah, haven't found my interest in them yet!
I would rather read with a book in my hand. I have read from e-books.
I love both but I'll say I prefer physical more!
Floppy hardcovers and paperbacks are the superior way to read and I will die on this hill 😤 (not always the most convenient, but superior)
YES I AGREE. 😃😃
I feel the same way about people who can listen to audiobooks and multitask they are superhuman, I go on long 2 hour walks , and still can't pay attention to audiobooks. So jealous
They are all superhuman to me. xD
I'm an ebook guy. But I have a library.
That's great!
@@PetrikLeo I actually find that I read much more with my kobo (ereader) than I do when I read physical books. I don't know why. But I've read entire series on my ereaders. I find my speed is much faster as well.
So my library is usually books that I have read on my ereader that I want to display: Joe Abercrombie, Robin Hobb, George RR Martin and Pierce Brown and some Stephen King. But I have nearly 200 ebooks on my kobo and I have read about 20-30 of them since I got my ereader last year.
👍👍👍
Mmpb is best and everyone else is wrong imo😆😂
Can't deny their practicality!😂
Hey Petrik! Are you a big rereader ? If so, it would be such an interesting video dedicated to the books you’ve reread the most! ☺️📚🫶
I love rereading! That said, i haven't reread as many books as I hoped. Let's see when I can make that video. 😂
Physical books bring so many beautiful feelings for a reader like me. Have tried using other forms, yet never felt sufficient to me, as much as you explained here. However, just a few days ago, I found a few books of mine that were eaten by termites 😢 so bad that I had to burn them. That's prob the risk of living in a village in damp weather, surrounded by nature. I would appreciate any tips on maintaining physical books under those conditions. 🤍
Oh no!! That's awful. I hate termites. I experienced this, too, with some of my manga a long time ago. I live in a tropical country too so this is definitely something I'm scared of. 😢 As for tips, the way I managed my books is to make sure they're often in room with AC turned on most frequently. Also, once a week or two, try to dust your bookshelves. Brush the dust off the books, too. Doing this has been helpful to me! 😊