The Problem with Having a Kindle

They’re great; They’ll never beat a bookshelf though!

At £10–20 a pop, a book is an absolute bargain.

It takes only one good book to alter the whole direction of your life. It’s quite something.

Most represent hours and hours of hard labour. They pull on the experiences of not just the writer, but also the authors of anything they’d read in the years leading up to the book’s release. They don’t stop there, though. They take inspiration from the videos watched, and the seminars attended too - a life-time’s worth of incredible information, condensed into 300 or so pages.

To own a book like this is a privilege, so it only seems right they should stand with pride and be on display for everyone else to see and enjoy.

If a Bookcase Could Speak

You can tell a lot by speaking with someone; you can tell even more from their bookcase.

When we talk, we speak from the moment, the present. Our current version if you will.

A bookcase is different because it shows us what lies beneath the surface. It shows the generations of our self as we transition through the seasons of life. It reveals the struggles, the pain, the emotions and likely, the values we use as our life compass. It doesn’t stop there. It also shows us where we’re going. A bookshelf tells the past, present and future.

Every single one of our thoughts and interpretations come from somewhere. It’s impossible to create something wholly new and unique. We steal, analyse, manipulate and reproduce in different forms, but whichever way you think of it, it’s not new.

We have to be inspired by something, and as avid readers, as I guess we all are here, a chunk of this will be from the books and articles we read.

Take pride in this.

Put on show your life journey for others to see. Show what inspires you, and it may just inspire someone else too.

Here lies the problem with Kindles.

Kindle Issues

I have to say, it’s been one of my favourite, sub £100 purchases in the last few years, for sure.

I love being able to take a heap of books away with me by only taking up the space of a small notebook in my bag. It’s convenient and keeps things simple.

If I feel like reading something new, a couple of taps and it’s mine. It’s incredible. All things told though, and a Kindle will still always be second best to a book you can physically hold in your hands.

Peeling back the pages and whipping a highlighter pen through paragraphs of interest. It all adds to the experience — Even the smell makes a physical copy something special. Don’t get me wrong; the highlight function is excellent on a kindle; it’s just not the same — Little things and all that.

The more significant drawback is that your journey is hidden away from the world on a Kindle.

You could be reading the most fascinating and insightful texts, but no one would have any idea. By showing off your collection, you could be inspiring a life-long love of study in your closest friends and family.

Closing Thoughts

Has a friend ever come to you with an issue and you’ve immediately known what book to recommend?

You saunter over to the bookcase, grab your copy and place it in their hands to help them overcome their battles. It’s a great feeling and a fantastic gift to give.

What I’m trying to say is, I love a kindle as much as the next guy but don’t forget the impact of a tattered and well-read book.

Use a Kindle, they’re brilliant but don’t neglect your bookcase.

The bookcase reveals who you are, the lessons you’ve learnt and the place you’re heading. They also allow others to drink from the same fountain of knowledge as you and to share shows you care.

Before You Leave

Thanks for being here. I’d love to keep in touch so join my mailing list now for semi-regular e-mails about what’s been occupying my mind over recent weeks.