Category: Books

After pondering whether to buy an e-reader or not for a long time (see here, here and here) , I decided back to get one back in August. I went for a Kindle touch. The idea is that I can get and read a number of books in English without cluttering the shelves. I still buy hard copies of commentaries and reference books.

I am pleased with the experience. It is easy to use, and the pages just look like the pages of a book. I have the impression of being more efficient when I read as well. I think that’s because it is not as easy to flick back and forth through pages. I’ve read quite a few books on it already, and the pile of books I want to read in my wish-list is growing.

A few weeks ago, I asked a question about e-book readers (read it here). A few people shared their own experience with me in the comments, or on the Facebook page. Thank you for those who contributed, it was helpful. A few articles were also pointed out to me. Read the articles here and here

Now, I’ve decided it’s not time to buy an e-book reader. For the time being, I have decided to follow my friend Alan Davey’s advice: download the kindle software on your computer and phone, and read from these instead. I already had the software, all I have to do is to download books now. I’ll make use of the free classics available, but also of the free extracts you can download on the Amazon website before deciding whether a book is worth buying. I’ll probably make use of the regular special offers. But in the end, I still would rather use a real book, with a cover, paper pages, and real ink.

[amazon_link id=”0891074155″ target=”_blank” locale=”UK” container=”” container_class=”” ][/amazon_link]Well, If you haven’t you should order it now and read it. If you have, you should plan to read it again soon.

This is another old book that sits on my shelves. It’s a catechism that belonged to an aunt of my grandfather’s grandmother. It is dated 1848 and has probably been in the Family ever since it was given to that person in the 1850s if I believe some hand written notes in the cover.

The oldest book on my shelves is a French gospel of Luke. It is dated 1697. I think it is a Roman Catholic translation, with both latin and French in two columns, and comments from the church fathers. Inside the cover is a handwritten note with my grandfather’s name, Paris, 1929. I suppose that’s when he bought it, when he was living in Paris as a young man (he was 20 years old).