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How I Read

1/14/2014

10 Comments

 
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In early December I found myself perusing the shelves of the Chester County Book Company, a local independent book store. There were so many new titles I wanted to read, so I jotted down a few and gave them to Allan, my husband, as gift suggestions. “You mean you want to read a real book?” he asked as I handed him the list. I knew what he meant, of course. He mostly sees me reading on my Kindle, but I read books in many forms. Right now I am reading several books in print form, just started a new book on my Kindle, and am listening to an audio book in my car. But his question got me thinking about the different ways I read and how each experience is a little different.

            My Kindle goes with me to the gym, when I travel, and often when I am just out doing errands or on appointments. It’s how I pass the time on a treadmill or in the waiting room of a doctor’s office. I have even been known to pull out my Kindle in the checkout line at the grocery store to steal a few extra minutes of reading – edge time as Donalyn Miller refers to it in Reading in the Wild. On my Kindle I read mostly adult fiction or nonfiction (often the book to be discussed with my book group), but sometimes YA fiction as well. I just finished The Circle by Dave Eggers and just started The Real Boy by Anne Urso.

            I like to read professional books in print, mostly because I read these types of books with a pencil in my hand and post-its nearby. I can mark up the margins with my own thinking or questions and flag important passages to reread or share. Although I know it is possible to do all of those things on electronic devices, I think marking with a pencil or pen works best for me. Print books are also my go-to choice for picture books and other children’s books I am reviewing. But sometimes I like to read a novel in print, too. There’s just something about the feel of a book and seeing where you are headed that adds to the engagement.

            And then there are the books I listen to in my car. Every once in a while I want to read something right away and I have too many other titles started on devices or in print, so I listen. Sometimes I have been disappointed because it is the voice of the narrator that can make it or break it for me, but most often I find it to be a wonderful experience. Yes, there have been times when I have sat in a parking lot or driven around the block a few times because I didn’t want the story to stop. Just this afternoon I said a tearful goodbye to Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell. The book was due at the library today, so I took the long way home from an errand this morning just to savor the last bit.

            I think it is a bit like using the right fork or the right spoon at a fancy dinner. Not all forms suit all books, you have to find the one that works best.  So what book did Allan present me with? The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. It is a big book, and heavy, but it feels right.


10 Comments
Clare and Tammy link
1/13/2014 09:27:05 pm

We have been thinking about the same things lately! I just finished Eleanor and Park - loved it! I am listening to Flora and Ulysses and Incognito. Goldfinch is my book club book this month and I too opted to have it in print! It makes me think of matching books to readers but in terms of mode - digital, audio or print… Thank you
Clare

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Rose
1/14/2014 01:15:37 am

So funny how we are reading many of the same titles! Make sure you look at Flora and Ulysses in print also - it is partly graphic.

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Dana Murphy link
1/14/2014 12:59:04 am

My reading habits are the EXACT same! Exactly! It's so funny how we have different preferences for different genres, isn't it? I just can't read a professional book on my Kindle either!

Reply
Rose
1/14/2014 01:17:56 am

Thanks for commenting, Dana. I think most teachers would agree about the professional books. You just have to mark up your own copy.

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Stacey link
1/14/2014 04:04:12 am

I recently read a couple of books on my iPad. I'm not sure I can really get myself into it. There's something about the glow of it that doesn't feel as comforting as a paper book in my hand before bedtime.

Reply
Rose
1/14/2014 06:02:59 am

Then when you read in bed, a print book is what you would grab. But how about when you are traveling or in the doctor's office - maybe an electronic book would work better then. I think it's all about what feels right for the situation.

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Tara link
1/14/2014 06:49:09 am

We have similar reading habits, Rose. My PD books are marked up, too - and littered with post its. I feel as though I need to do this just to squeeze out every last bit of learning. I just finished The Goldfinch, and will be interested to know what you think of his book.

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Jaana link
1/14/2014 10:04:00 am

Professional books in print form? Of course! How else could I mark them. But I do love to read on my Kindle bin bed as I can increase the font if my eyes are tired; no glasses needed. I like the fact that I can be overseas and still borrow books from my local library to read on my Kindle!

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Catherine link
1/15/2014 11:04:48 am

I still read mostly print books, but I do love that I can get books instantly if the mood strikes. A friend gave me The Goldfinch for my birthday, but it's still on my shelf. Hoping to get to it soon.

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Nancy Hatcher link
1/22/2014 09:01:49 am

Yes...your professional book has been read and re-read and marked up so much. I have used it for the last 6 years with my Judson class. We all love and continue to re-love...couldn't use my I-pad with it. However, for my other reads, except picture books I'm finding I love the i-pad for the light! My husband can share what he is reading with me and our book habit costs less. xo

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