Most readers fall under one of two categories – those who read only print books and others who read only e-books. For the longest time, I was strictly in the “no way am I ever going to shift to e-books” camp. My reasons were simple- the sensory experiences of reading print books: I enjoy the smell of paper, especially that of old books. I love to look at the cover, often buying a more expensive edition of the same book because the cover is prettier or more appropriate. The familiar rustle of paper as I turn the pages and immerse myself in the book is one of the sweetest sounds I’ve heard.

Exchanging books with friends, borrowing from libraries, and straining to see what others are reading by trying to sneak a peek at the cover are all physical experiences I associate with books. It is also these physical experiences that help me emotionally connect with books.

I have discovered some fantastic reads through trial and error. Whether it is the noir detective series by Renée Pawlish, reminiscent of The Maltese Falcon or Clara Benson’s mystery novels set in a Downtown Abbey-esque setting, replete with trademark British humour. Then, there is the whole new genre of cosy mysteries, typically set in a small town with the protagonist unwittingly stumbling onto murders and then going about solving them. Intended as feel-good mysteries, despite dealing with the darker side of humanity, they are my go-to when I want to read something light and quick with a simple plot.

However, I still prefer to read certain books only on paper. I am better at making connections and at retaining what I read on paper. In a study, where subjects were given a 1000-1200 word text to read with no restriction on how long they can take to read it, participants who read it on paper were able to remember the information better than those who read it on a screen. Personally, I find it more useful to read reference material, non-fiction and books with complex plots on paper.

For me, it is no longer a question of which one I prefer but about how I can make both a part of my life. Here are some tips if you want to explore e-books:

1. You don’t need to own a Kindle to read e-books. You can download the Kindle app onto any, or all of your screens and read on it. You can also shift seamlessly between devices.
2. Start by reading some light fiction instead of a complex book like The Fountainhead.
3. Sign up for Bookbub or The Fussy Librarian to receive a daily newsletter notifying you of deals on popular books in the genres of your choice. Sometimes, you can even get these e-books for free!
4. Once you’re a few books in and ready for a bigger commitment, sign up for Kindle Unlimited and explore the catalogue to borrow obscure books and authors you’ve never heard of.

Give e-books a chance and make them a part of your life. Not only will you save a lot of money but you will also be able to carry around 1000s of books with you! Remember, print books and e-books are not mutually exclusive- you don’t have to pick sides; instead, pick what works for you based on the situation.