Let’s Talk Bookish is a weekly meme created by Rukky @Eternity Books and hosted by Aria @Book Nook Bits, and it’s where we get to discuss certain topics, share our opinions, and spread the love by visiting each other’s posts! If you want to join in the bookish discussion fun, check out the July 2022 prompts!
Now without further ado… The topic asks us about:
What’s your favourite reading format? Hardback, paperback, audiobook, ebook?
(SUGGESTED BY MIKAELA @ MIKAELA READS)
Prompts: What’s your favourite reading format? Hardback? Paperback? Audiobook? Ebook? What makes you prefer one over the other? Which do you read the most? What are the pros and cons of these different formats?
my favourite READING format
If you’d have asked me this question a couple of years ago, I would’ve probably said hardback or paperback because I’ve always loved holding a physical book in hand while reading but I think this has gradually changed over time. Also, I struggle a lot with audiobooks and while I tend to speed through them, it highly depends on the audiobook and my listening environment, so for me personally they’re not even a contender for favourite. 😂
These days, the ebook has become my favourite format simply because I tend to mostly read ebooks, especially since I started reading more ARCs and participating in blog tours.
FORMAT PROS AND CONS
Hardbacks/Paperbacks
PROS:
- Beautiful to look at and look so good on my shelves!
- Satisfying as heck to annotate—I’m a sucker for sticky tabs and occasionally even writing and highlighting in my book.
- Who doesn’t love that good ol’ book smell? I love it!
CONS:
- They take up a lot of space and I’m sorta running out of shelf space.
- These baddies are heavy, especially the hardbacks and it hurts when they fall on my face if it slips or I fall asleep reading.
- They’re not easy to lug around with me when I go places, like on vacation or move to a new country for a couple of months.
ebooks (Kindle perspective)
PROS:
- Thousands of books on the go—what’s not to love?!
- It’s easy for me to search for something in the book whether it’s a character, location, certain event, etc.
- Notes and highlights made in my book are easy to access and are easy to link to my Goodreads!
- I can access my ebooks through multiple platforms (phone, laptop) so even if I don’t have my Kindle device on me, I can still read my books!
CONS:
- I don’t get that book smell and feel—especially if it’s a brand new book!
- Too many books to choose from at any given time? 😂
audiobooks
PROS:
- Audiobooks can be great immersive experiences especially if it’s a full-cast production which is my favourite kind!
- I can read anywhere and everywhere while doing anything (mostly-ish).
- It’s also accessible through multiple platforms (phone, laptop, even my Oasis)!
CONS:
- Personally, it requires more of my attention to listen to an audiobook than it does for me to read a book.
- It’s hard to find audiobooks that do a great job of grabbing and retaining my focus!
- Unengaging narrators 😕
EBOOK/KINDLE SUPREMACY
With all the pros/cons listed above, it’s pretty clear that I favour ebooks. Aside from the digital ARCs and blog tour books that I receive digitally, I tend to travel a fair bit (especially when I had a job) so ebooks simply became more convenient for me. Honestly, I just love having so many ebooks to choose from no matter what mood strikes me, being able to read anywhere/everywhere even if I don’t bring my Kindle with me, how easy it is for me to keep track of when I start reading an ebook, and keeping my notes & highlights all in one place (Goodreads).
I still like to pick up a physical book every now and then to shake things up (and to make my way through my existing backlog), ebooks have definitely become my favourite reading format!
What about you, friends? What’s your favourite format to read? What makes you pick one format over another? Do you want to read more of one format?
dinipandareads 
EBOOKS FOREVER!!
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I read using all three platforms. Like you Dini, a few years ago, I would say it was physical books, but not small paperbacks due to the size of the print. Ebooks, with all the pros you listed, became my favourites a couple of years ago, but add that I can change the size of the print for my old eyes. Now, I think I listen to 60% of my books. I listen all the time, but especially when doing all those tasks like cleaning, cooking, cutting grass etc. In fact, as soon as I finish commenting on blogs today, I will turn on a book. 😊📚🎧
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I am exactly the same for most of the same reasons.
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I’m all about ebooks. Mostly because I can change the font size and it’s easier on my body to hold. I do miss the beauty of having that physical copy sometimes.
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Paperbacks are my favourite, hardbacks are the most beautiful, but I love ebooks for all the reasons you gave! Loved reading your post, Dini 😊
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My favorite seems to constantly fluctuate based on my circumstances. I know I love being surrounded by physical copies, though.
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My preferences have changed a lot over the last couple of years. If I was answering this question two years ago, it would have been hardbacks hands down. I still love them, but I also love the flexibility of having tons of books at my fingertips all the time. My Kindle is also a lot more portable than a bulky hardback. So, I think I’d have to agree that ebooks are my favorite right now too. Although, audiobooks have been steadily becoming a larger and larger part of my reading recently because I listen to them while doing chores and other tasks.
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I love paperbacks, hardbacks, and ebooks, but ebooks are so convenient. Plus, I get a lot of ebooks from NetGalley. Great discussion, Dini!
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My fav format is also ebooks because they are very comfy and convenient. I love hardbacks but only as an addition to my collection. Considering that they cost a lot these days it would be stressful to toss them around with you if you decide to read them. Besides they weigh a lot. A good weapon at night, can be used as a brick, lol. I have mixed feelings regarding ebooks though. It’s hard to concentrate when you listen to them and a lot depends on weather the narrator’s voice is up my alley. And usually if i listen an audiobook i mix it with an ebook: so i read and listen at the same time.
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Ebooks are the winner for me too. I share all your pros. People don’t realize how hard it is to hold a book open to read when you are arthritis in your hands and carpel tunnel. My ebook is much lighter and I have kickstand on it too. The font size is the big win since my eyes are garbage. I agree with you about audiobooks. Only certain types of books work well for me because I do not give an audiobook 100% of my attention when I read it like I do with a book. Contemporary romance work really well for me for that reason.
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I loved your pros and cons list for the hardcovers/paperbacks! I definitely agree with the cons, although paperbacks are still my favorite reading format. I’ve tried using ebooks and audiobooks but, despite being more accessible, I don’t feel as engaged.
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I am exactly the same as you- I mostly read ebooks, but I have physical books (too many of course) that I pick up too. The Kindle Paperwhite has been a game changer for me, since I can take it in the bath, or to the pool or whatever (but mostly the bath) and I find I can get so much reading done! But like you said, it’s nice to have a physical book sometimes too! And I am the exact same with audio- I just can’t do it! I have tried many times, but I can’t focus at all. So they are just not for me, sadly!
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[…] Let’s Talk Bookish: My Favourite Reading Format […]
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Ebooks are just so convenient and I find that I somehow read faster when reading on my kindle?? haha. I love mixing the two honestly! Right now, I’m going back and forth between Jasmine Throne paperback and ebook. Since it’s so huge… in bed the ebook is much easier!! Haha! So many great points! ❤
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[…] made this list of pros and cons about ebooks in a recent LTB and what I wrote still goes. A huge ebook pro for me personally is gaining access […]
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