Sunday, February 6, 2011

Books, Books, Books

I was at the doctor's office the other day for a routine physical exam. Although the doctor goes to church with my parents, I'd never met him before. Like all new doctors, he asked me questions to get to know me, probably to help me feel at ease in his office.

I had a book with me--which I'm never without in a doctor's office because of all the waiting and waiting and waiting--so it sparked some conversation. Okay, a lot of conversation. (I now know that half of his kids like to read, the others don't, his wife reads, but he reads nothing more than scientific journals. But I digress.) He asked me what I do when I'm not reading. My response? I write.

The truth is ... books are a huge part of my life. I'm either reading them, writing them, or teaching them. I can't image life without them, and I've passed on my love of reading to my son. It makes me proud to see his eyes light up when he talks about a book. And the great part? It happens over and over again each time he submerges himself in a new book. I hope he never loses his enthusiasm for reading. 

I consider myself lucky that my parents supported my love of reading too. Every summer or Christmas vacation, my mom took me to the library, and I'd come home with stacks of books. And even better, my family provided me the means to buy a Kindle for my birthday.

Yes, I own a Kindle. That doesn't mean I won't ever buy a regular book again (my Kindle will NOT be joining me in a bubble bath!). But I like the ease of finding a good book to read without having to worry about shipping or waiting for my holds to come in at the library. Even better: my suitcase will be tons lighter the next time I travel.

I know there are those who fear what eBooks may do to the publishing industry. But I think anything that makes reading accessible to more people is a good thing. I've even had students bring their Kindles or Nooks to class during independent reading. eBooks are just one more way to enjoy reading. 

What about you? Do you have an eReader? Why or why not? And most important, what books should I buy for my Kindle? :)