READING
The Answer to a Good Night’s Sleep Could Be Within Easy Reach
What’s hiding under your pillow?
A friend of mine recently confessed that she sleeps with her eReader under her pillow.
She told me it gives her a sense of comfort, knowing at any time during the night — with just a few taps — she can instantly connect with the characters in one of her favorite steamy novels.
I didn’t think it was too unusual, until she added, “And I have to feel it in my hands just before I’m ready to fall asleep.”
I was certain she was referring to her eReader, but there was just enough innuendo to make me wonder …
The idea of making a physical connection with a story — either by touching the page or swiping the screen — had me thinking.
I thought it might be interesting to explore the question of eBooks versus paperback format, along with the premise that, despite their differences, one common characteristic continues to make them kissing cousins.
I asked my readers for their opinion, and received as many responses preferring a printed book as an eBook. It became obvious more research would be required.
One reader explained she only buys paperbacks. “I have to smell the book, run my fingers along the paper, and mark my favorite pages. And then, at night in bed, I’ll slip the book from my nightstand and read the sexy passages to my partner, knowing I can quickly flip to my favorite parts to get things going.”
I found it curious how many had commented on the pleasure they received from reading in bed, literally holding the story in their hands in an eBook or paperback — with or without a partner.
As I considered this interesting commonality, I thought back to my high school years, when my friends and I would pass around a dog-eared paperback of the current racy novel. As the book changed hands, we’d skip to the turned-down pages, because those were the only parts we really wanted to read — the “naughty” scenes.
It didn’t matter if the book held a hint of emotion or a compelling backstory. We didn’t care. We were fascinated by descriptions of people engaging in sex. I suppose some things never change.
With that teenage memory resurrected, the concept of physically bonding with a story began to make sense.
Regardless of our personal preferences — paperback, hardcover, or digital version — we need to involve the tactile sense of touch in our perception. When readers stroke the screen of an eBook, they turn the paper page in an alternative universe.
So what conclusion did I come to?
Fortunately, people are still reading, finding their own comfort zone — and pleasure points.
Enough said. Now jump into bed — and take your favorite book with you.
© 2022 Jaye Frances. All Rights Reserved.
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Jaye Frances is the author of seven books including The New Girl in Town and the suspense thriller series, World Without Love. Storyteller, truth-seeker, and optimist, Jaye explores life explores relationships, life, philosophy, personal growth, and truth a day at a time.