This year, I made prioritizing reading for fun my New Year’s resolution because it’s a hobby I tend to neglect when life starts getting busy. Mostly, I made that resolution because I’d been missing reading, and it brings me joy. However, I was also inspired to make the resolution after receiving a Kindle for Christmas!
I’ve always been a staunch supporter of buying physical copies of books. It’s fun to annotate them and re-read them to see how your viewpoints have changed over the years. It’s even more fun when you buy a used book and get to compare/contrast your opinions with the previous owners! In addition to the joys of reading a physical book, I have always loved shopping at bookstores. Then again, I love any activity that gives me an excuse to get coffee and read.Â
Even though I love physical books so much, I must admit that I really like my Kindle, and it has pushed me to read more than I normally would! It’s so easy to throw in your backpack and whip out during breaks between classes. For travel, it’s easier to pack than multiple books that take up a lot of space. And even if you’re just using it for pre-bedtime reading, it’s easier on your eyes and allows you to get into cozier reading positions, with the added benefit of not having to get up to turn off the light when you’re ready for bed!
One of the most common concerns people have when deciding if they should buy a Kindle surrounds the subscription associated with it. Amazon offers Kindle Unlimited, an $11.99/month subscription that gives you access to millions of books. However, if you are interested in getting a Kindle but don’t want the subscription, you don’t have to buy it! In fact, I don’t have it, and I still really enjoy my Kindle. My best advice, regardless of whether you want the subscription or not, is to get a library card! Through a library card, you can download the app Libby to check out e-books and download them onto your Kindle. It makes reading more affordable, with the added benefit of supporting local libraries! If you’re interested, Libby has a tutorial on their website.Â
I still love physical books, and I plan to buy copies of my personal favorites in hopes that I will one day have a personal library! But as a full-time college student with a tiny bedroom, I don’t have the time, money, or space to go book shopping multiple times a month. My Kindle has helped me save my time, money, and space, and helped me reach my goal of reading more. So, if you want to read more and save money, getting a Kindle is probably worth it!