Physical book, audio book, e-book, so many choices!! Here are some ways to help you decide…

Remember the days when as children we’d go to the local library to choose our next great adventure. The excitement of flipping through those picture-filled wonderlands felt like a treat. But as technology has continued to develop, and sources of entertainment expanded, all of a sudden, the children of today are finding entertainment through their parent’s Ipad and Disney+. The transformation isn’t just with children, it’s with us adults as well. When I ask around about people’s weekends, I can’t remember the last time I’ve heard someone tell me they took a moment to themselves to read a nice book on their porch. Instead, it’s keeping up with some trashy television show or binge-watching yet another Netflix Original. What’s crazy, is that for a generation (e.g. millennial/gen-z) that have convenience at their fingertips, they sure don’t know how to use it. We are lucky. We are blessed. We need to appreciate it. But at the same time, be weary. Be weary of the fact that there are time we should be old-fashioned, when we should opt for that paperback book over the audio book.

The reason I’m writing this is because I often find myself wanting to start a great new read, maybe it was an Oprah bestseller, or a recommendation from a friend, or a paid advertisement. Whatever the reason is, I’m all pepped up to start reading, and then comes a bridge that I must cross….How do I read it?

This is for all you people out there who find themselves at the same crossroads, so let’s take a step back and weigh all our options:

1. Physical Books: those tree wasting (but sustainable), dog-eared capable, crisp bundles of page turning goodness

Let’s be real. We all know that satisfaction of flipping through half the book, comparing the thickness of pages, and realizing how far you’ve come. Or for some, the faint smell that arises when turning one of the newly printed pages. Other’s LOVE to leave a book dog-eared as a reminder of the journey they took to finish the novel or as a bookmark for the next lucky book owner to revel in. All in all, physical books should always be your most preferred option unless any of the following don’t apply, so…

Do read a physical book if:

• You believe that this cross-generational approach is indeed the RIGHT way (cause I do)
• You have the luxury of some stationary quite time
• You want to work those brain cells
• You’re building that beautiful library collection
• You’re like me and find yourself more likely to be immersed into the story this way (less distractions than the alternatives options)

If none of those apply, move on to number 2…

2. E-books: those words on a screen that let us swipe or tap our way on-the-go

These digital books are great when you’re on the go. You’re able to take your entire library with you on your phone or kindle. But can you really be reading a ‘page turner’ now with all the distractions it provides. On your phone, you know you’ll lose your place on the page when that text comes in. On a kindle, you start to lose motivation when you can’t physically see all the great progress you’ve made (that sliding progress bar is meh compared to feeling the physical pages). However, it can still great alternatives so…

Do read an e-book if:

• You can get it for free (and no I don’t mean pirate it, I mean many libraries now offer an e-book catalog which is AMAZING!)
• You’re traveling and can’t lug around a physical book
• You’re at a beach and would rather not end up with a soggy mess
• You’re an avid avid avid reader and find it more cost-effective and space saving (but I will say, the secondhand book market should be your best friend!)

If you any of the above don’t apply, fine, you may no move to the last alternative…

3. Audio Books: those ‘in one ear-hopefully not out the other’ voices (sometimes Tom Hanks) that follow us where we go

Do listen to audio book if:

• You’re commuting (Yes yes, Spotify has great playlists, but let’s widen our worlds a bit).
• You’re exercising — cause why not work our body and minds together
• You’re looking to improve those listening skills (*cough cough*…boys…just kidding, kind of)

The number one thing you should keep in mind though, is that audio books should NOT be used to help feed your multi-tasking habits if you can help it!

Reading is a pleasure, giving it all your attention will help feed the mind and expand your outlook. So pause that Netflix series, and pick up a book, don’t make excuses because thanks to all those engineers and designers out there, they’ve just about made it as easy as possible to find a good read.

#CBSDigitalLiteracy