Side note: I don’t normally do these posts because I don’t feel that I can convey my thoughts and opinions as well as other bloggers do. But I decided to take the plunge this week and I’m hoping it doesn’t fail lol I’d love to know if you enjoyed this post, so I know whether to try doing them more often!
As you can probably tell from the title 😏 today I want to talk about my Kindle and the reasons why I love it. I guess this topic really brings it back to the often discussed ebooks vs. ‘real’ books debate. I obviously still love my paperbacks and hardcovers, but I can’t deny the many advantages that my Kindle gives me, especially as an international reader.
And so the story goes…
Here’s a little backstory: I got my first Kindle the Christmas after I finished my MA degree in 2012. I was slated to finish with a 2:1, which isn’t a distinction but I’m not the best student and I was honestly just elated that I managed to complete my degree! Lmao. Obviously this meant treating myself, but my partner at the time beat me to it and got me the First Edition Kindle for Christmas. It was probably one of the best gifts I’ve ever received! But that was 2012 and since then, I’ve moved on to the Kindle Paperwhite (2015), followed this year by the latest model (2018), which I was “forced” to upgrade to when an unfortunate accident involving my backpack, laptop and Kindle, rendered the 2015 model dead. Sad times, but we don’t talk about it! 💔
I was really tempted to get the Kindle Oasis because it’s a beaut, and I use my Kindle often enough to justify the hefty price tag, but I still couldn’t bring myself to do it. I’m hoping that *somebody* is going to take a hint that I want it and purchase it for me on my birthday or Christmas/New Year though. Who knows! But the newest Kindle Paperwhite is still pretty awesome. It’s practically got 90% of the Oasis features, it’s just bigger (same size as the OG Paperwhite), and half the price!
Let’s talk about love…
There are so many things to love about the Kindle. To state the obvious, it pretty much fits in every bag. I have this tiny Herschel backpack that won’t even fit flip flops, but my Kindle fits perfectly in it! I can conveniently take it everywhere. Sometimes I just don’t want to take paperbacks/hardcovers with me when I go out because they add quite a bit of weight to my bag and I’m so lazy. Plus, I usually fly a lot for work and reading on my Kindle means I don’t have to stop reading when they dim the lights on planes, and I don’t need two hands to read it while standing (i.e. waiting in queues). Not to mention you can have HUNDREDS of books with you at all times and you don’t need more shelf space. I mean, what’s not to love about that?! This indulges the mood reader in me as I can easily browse through the many unread books *coughcough* on my Kindle library and switch to different reads if I’m not feeling it with the ease of a few taps. Another great thing is that I can highlight all the passages and have it automatically stored and linked to Goodreads, which makes finding the important bits super easy to find come review time. I can even share my highlights on Goodreads if I wanted to.
But the best thing about having my Kindle is that I can get so many of the latest releases, more obscure backlist books, and e-ARCs. Living in Indonesia means the newest releases don’t come out until they’re no longer “new”, if they ever release in stores at all. Sure, I can pre-order or get them online, but living on the other side of the world means that books take 2-4 weeks, sometimes longer, to reach me and my impatient ass just can’t deal with that–even if sometimes I don’t read my newest buys right away. But… that’s a different story you can read on my TTT post about avoiding books on my shelves. Yes, even the ones I’m so desperate to get! As for ARCs, well, I can just forget about ever getting physical copies, but I can at least get the e-ARCs on my Kindle. WINNING! 👏🏽
Missing out?
So what am I missing out on when I’m reading on my Kindle? I honestly don’t have a very long list! I mean, it’s definitely not the same reading experience as holding a book, flipping pages and inhaling the new/old book smell; but there are worse things. Also, if I really love an ebook, I usually also want to add it to my physical shelf, so I end up having double copies and that also means bye-bye money (my savings get so sad)! Something that does annoy me about my new Kindle is that the battery runs out much faster. I don’t know why, since I don’t even use the bluetooth feature; but again, it’s not a big deal because it charges quickly!
So was this post basically just an endorsement for the Kindle? Yes. Yes, it was, but I really love my Kindle Paperwhite and I couldn’t imagine my life without it, especially because I would definitely be reading a lot less!
Do you have a Kindle? Do you also love it as much as I love mine? And if you don’t, would you get one or are ebooks not your jam?
dinipandareads 
I feel you Dini!!! I love my paperwhite for my arcs. I don’t really buy that many books from the kindle store but I read all my NetGalley books on it and it’s so great. It’s fab for lying down while reading too….I have been known to drop books on my face while trying to read…… 😂😂😂😂
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I’m so glad that I have access to the Kindle store because I don’t get that many ARCs of popular releases due to publishing restrictions lol so I’m glad that I can get Kindle books. Plus, they’re heaps cheaper than physical copies most of the time too! I’ve dropped my Kindle on my face a few times (I’m so clumsy!) and that hurt a lot but still less painful than a hard cover haha 😂🤣
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Strongly agree! Love my Kindle Paperwhite. Though I mostly use it for my eARCs from NetGalley, it is also great for reading on the go, and I’ve started taking advantage of my library’s huge digital collection lately as well 😊
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So lucky that you have access to a great digital collection! That’s definitely a bonus of having a Kindle too 😊 It’s so good for reading on the go too. So light and convenient!
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I completely agree with everything! I very rarely buy physical books anymore. Even though I love them and they’re always have a place in my heart, ebooks are just so convenient.
I dont actually have a kindle, I tend to just read using my phone but I have been thinking about getting one. Great post 💕
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I wish I could say that I didn’t buy as many physical books anymore. I still do that often, but before I joined the book community I definitely bought less physical books and mostly read on my Kindle. I love having a Kindle device, but it’s definitely not needed! I love that the app is free and can be downloaded on so many devices 😊
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Exactly, it’s just so convenient to have on my phone, it means I can read on my lunch at work and basically whenever I have a minute spare 💖
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It’s the best! Yay for Kindle 😍
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I also adore my Kindle. My boyfriend upgraded me from the original Kindle to a Paperwhite last Christmas and it completely changed how I read. I used to use my Kindle when I really wanted a new release and didn’t want to go to the store. Now I use it for almost everything because I can read on my actual device or on my phone if I am somewhere without a book and have free time.
I also like being able to read in the dark. I don’t always sleep well and my boyfriend is always out like a light so it is nice to be able to read in bed without having to keep him up.
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I totally agree! The Paperwhite is a total game changer. It’s the best not having to get up to turn on/off the lights when you want to read (or even have a bedside light that’s strong enough to not have you strain your eyes. It’s the best! I definitely love that I can access so many more reads because I have a Kindle 😊
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I have a Kindle paperwhite and love it. I mainly use it for reading eARCs from NetGalley and Edelweiss now. I also love that I can read it in bed with the lights off. Oh travelling with a Kindle is the best now I don’t have to narrow down which books to take 😉
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Haha it definitely helps when traveling, although I admit that I still take at least 3-4 physical books with me. I just have issues 🤷🏻♀️ Hahaha but yay for Kindle Paperwhites! 😍
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Lol I used to take physical books too, and then get into arguments with my mum about not having a suitcase big enough to fit the rest of my stuff😂 but now I just buy books from my destination and bring them back as usually there is less stuff coming back i.e. toiletries & medication 😂
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I love my Kindle!! It’s so nice to be able to have so many books in one place; definitely easier for traveling! It’s super convenient for e-ARCs and it’s nice to not always have to use a reading light at night!
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Yes, definitely the same for me! It’s so convenient not having to get up to turn off the light after reading since I’ve got my Kindle 😅 Fuels my lazy panda moods! Haha
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I love this post! ❤ I plan on making one about my Kindle too once I get around to taking more HQ pics of it. 😀 Do you have your Kindle in airplane mode? When on wifi my battery went out super duper fast but now I keep it in airplane mode 99% of the time and the battery lasts for 4-5+ (20+ reading hours I guess) finished books worth.
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Thanks, Kitty! 🥰 Ooh, that’s a good one actually. I turn it on/off airplane mode because I’m always… Eherm, buying new books… BUT I’ll turn it off and see how it affects my battery life! I usually manage to read 2-3 books(?) before it gives me the batt low warning, which isn’t too bad but still, I thought it was meant to last 2 weeks without charging?! Lol that’s probably for people who don’t use it in excess? 😂
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I’m guessing the two weeks without charging assumes that people will use it one hour per day or something. I spend so much more time w/it than that lol.
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haha yeah, although tbf i could totally be making that number up. i remember something about long-lasting batt life though 😅 i still love it though!
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I am so glad I got my kindle! It’s so convenient and great for earcs!
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100% agree! So glad that I have it 😊
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Great post! Glad you took the plunge. I definitely LOVE my kindle!! My absolute favorite thing is that I can read it in bed every night without the light bothering my hubs, who is very sensitive to any light while he’s trying to sleep.
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Thank you! Oh, yes, I definitely love that I can read my Paperwhite in the dark without straining my eyes either! It’s so convenient 😍
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I definitely agree – though I don’t have a kindle rn, I usually read on my tablet – with everything you said. I love ebooks – I live in Hungary, and even if I pre-order I won’t get the new books in physical copies for 1-2 weeks after the release date. And ebook, though, I can get right when it’s published, which is great, because I’m not a patient person haha. I love physical copies and own lots of them, but ebooks are also easier to read and carry, imo – you can change the font size, and holding an ebook reader is easier than a book, particularly when it comes to flipping pages. Also, you gotta love how easily you can highlight, skip between chapters, skim (if I decide to DNF, but still want to know what happens) etc. Ebooks are a gift, and I can’t believe some people look down on them. Anyway, I loved you post. 🙂
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I also have a Kindle Paperwhite that I bought during my junior year of high school. I think I spent all of my Christmas money on it and well as some e-books. Honestly, it’s probably one of the greatest investments I’ve ever made. I read *a lot* (currently I’m on my 92nd book of 2019 and it’s not even October yet.) If I were to just read physical copies I’d have no space on my shelf (unless I got them all from the library, which I do, in fact, frequent) and I’d probably have more backpain than I currently have. My kindle has been a total lifesaver, (and wallet saver cause e-books are of course a tad cheaper.)
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I love my Kindle paperwhite for all the reasons you mention above although of course I still love physical books too!
Another reason I’d add is that at this time of the year in the UK when it’s getting dark in the mornings, my Kindle is great for reading without disturbing my other half by putting on the light.
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My brother gifted me a keyboard years ago (the keyboard model, which isn’t even made anymore) and I loved it. I would really love one of the new paperwhites but I currently read using the kindle app on my phone and I’m worried I wouldn’t use the kindle as much as I should for the expense.
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I got my first Kindle about 8 years ago and think I’m now on my fourth. My last two have been the Oasis, which I love. I prefer reading electronically for so many reasons: all that you mentioned, plus the ability to adjust the font size and look. Because of that I think I read much faster on my Kindle. I still read books in print on occasion, but much prefer my Kindle!
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That’s awesome! I’m really glad that I’ve upgraded to the latest Paperwhite and I’m still hopeful someone will make my Oasis wish come true in the not too distant future 😂 Y’know, I also realise that I tend to read much faster on my Kindle too. I wonder if that’s because the pages seem ‘smaller’ so I’m constantly moving to the next page? I definitely read a lot more since the Kindle came into my life! 🙂
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I thought you conveyed your thoughts and opinions just fine 🙂 Great post! I love my Kindle too ❤ I also wanted to get the Oasis when it first came out because it was waterproof, but it was SUPER expensive and got really bad reviews 😦 I'm glad I waited because the newest paperwhite is also waterproof and that is really all I wanted! I love my kindle for basically all the reasons you said! Its smaller and lighter than a book, its got its own light, and it holds tons of books! ❤
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Thanks Brittany! 🥰 Did the Oasis get really bad reviews? I must’ve missed that! But yeah, I looked at the specs and realised that the newest Paperwhite was basically twinning with the Oasis just at half the price, so that was the obvious win! 😂I’m so glad it’s waterproof. It makes me much less afraid to get out with my Kindle haha Yay for Kindles!
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I love my Kindle so much!! It makes it so easy to read at night and its convenient on the go. I’m also obsessed with Kindle Unlimited. I read so many books through that.
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Ooh yes, KU makes my little romantic heart so happy! Haha I also really enjoy having access to First Reads, although I admit that I’ve only read one book that I’ve bought through that program since I joined four months ago 😂
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Kindles for sure deserve all the love. I feel exactly the same about mine! I’ve had mine for … I don’t know, two years now? I actually bought a used one, because I didn’t want to make the investment since I was so sure I wouldn’t really like the Kindle. Joke’s on me. I ended up loving it and waited until Black Friday to buy a brand-new one. xD
Yes, yes, yes to all your positives! I *always* carry mine in my purse, in case I find myself in a situation where I have some downtime. Can’t do that with physical books. Plus, I love the convenience, and being able to highlight things makes reviewing so much easier.
I think the Paperwhite batteries run out faster because of the use of the backlight? Or that’s what it seemed like people were saying when I researched which version I wanted. I work all day on a computer, so I ended up getting just the regular Kindle 8 without the backlight, because it doesn’t strain my eyes as much. Hubby got one of the new ones with the frontlight, but even then, his battery doesn’t last as long as mine, and I use mine much more than he does. And I leave my internet on all the time.
I’m always so glad to hear when people love their Kindles, though! ❤ Because I love mine so much and it's really changed my reading patterns and allowed me to read much more often than I used to. I always recommend people at least give them a try, even if they have their doubts. :3 Lovely post, my dear!
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[…] (3) Bookish Thoughts: Why I Love My Kindle […]
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Kindle makes life so much easier! I have Kindle Paperwhite 3 and yeah, it’s different than reading physical books but I mostly get eARCs nowadays anyway because I don’t have space and money lol so whatever.
Before I got it I read eARCs on my phone or laptop but blue light is mean to my eyes and Kindle screen is so soft… It’s worth the money ❤
And it's always next to me! My physical books are on a shelf and if something is not in my vicinity it may as well not exist so having all the books RIGHT NEXT TO ME is a blessing and I can finally read not just glance at my shelf from time to time.
Also, I realised recently that I have a function of ‘experimental browser’ or something and I can access AO3 from it?? It looks a bit grainy but wow it’s heavenLikeLike
[…] Dini @Dinipandareads writing about her love affair with her kindle HERE. […]
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[…] most popular post was about my love affair with my Kindle. It was shared by Dave @ TheWriteReads on Twitter soon after I posted, which I’m quite sure […]
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