Ok, I’m being a little (lot?) dramatic, but I almost always read paper copy books, preferably hardcovers. Secondary to that is paperback novels and that’s usually because it’s the medium that was chosen for the book. Recorded books are a no go, mostly because of the list below, but also, if I’m listening to something I like to work on a project. But, I can’t multitask and follow the story at the same time. That leaves e-readers, and I am not a fan. The only occasions where I have read on an e-reader is when Stephen King (my favorite author) has presented the material in that format and I think that happened twice.
I know saying I’m not a fan of e-readers is controversial, but I have very specific reasons for my preference so hear me out.
First, I read the last few pages of a book after I have started it (let the flogging begin 😁). I know that is a sin to many readers. However, I like to know if the characters I love survive until the end, I want to know if I can figure out the story based on the ending (I have on occasion) and honestly, I just want to read the ending (usually three or four pages). I’ve done it my entire life as a reader and don’t plan to stop now, so don’t try to convince me otherwise my dear fellow readers – although I willing to bet, I’m not the only one to do this.
Second, If the story starts to lag and I’m losing interest, I will pick a random page that I have not read yet and scan a paragraph or two so that it will pique my interest to get to that point in the book. And it usually works!
(Basically, I have no patience and I like to spoil it for myself and only myself. If reading this way is wrong, then I don’t want to be right 🤷🏼♀️).
Third, when I’m getting tired or have to put my book down for some reason, I like to page a head and find a break point, where a thought or “scene” (for lack of a better word) ends so I can put the book down when needed. This works most times, but there are some authors that will go on and on before a break occurs. When that’s the case, I just have to find a page that ends in a period – I don’t like stopping mid page unless there is a triple space in-between indicating a shift in direction in the next paragraph. Stephen King is really good at building in these kinds of breaks but then kills me with the end of a chapter because it’s usually a cliff hanger and I have to keep reading but I have to find a stopping point and AAAARRRRGGGGHHH…. Ok, I’m back from the brink.
Lastly, you can’t go to an author’s reading to collect autographed copies or seek them out online or in old bookstores. I mean, that’s part of the fun for me.
Also, I love a good bookmark. And what about the smell of books? You just can’t get that from a computer. You can, however, get it as a fragrance (https://demeterfragrance.com/paperback.html),
which I plan to do once settled into my new home in the new year.
The long and short of it is that paper books spark joy in me. And if e-books or recorded books are your source of happiness then I say read on.
As always happy reading!
My Lemons My Lemonade 
I am on the same “page” as you. I have always enjoyed the feel and smell of physical books. I have tried the e-readers and while sometimes convenient, they just aren’t the same for me. As long as publishers continue to print books – both hard copy and paperback – I will continue to purchase them. Another up side for me is that I can see and touch them in my bookcase. Books are like my fabric “collection”..you can’t make a quilt without seeing and touching the fabric.
I agree whatever makes you happy – actual books or e-readers – the most important thing is to continue reading and learning.
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The whole tactile, sensory experience can not be replicated through an ereader. Nowadays, though, I’m thrilled when I hear about someone reading. I’m a junkie from the way back. I recently was thrilled when a library book from 1974 had the old pocket registration. However we imbibe, it’s all lovely.
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