With social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok bringing popularity back to reading, readers struggle with the decision of reading digitally, on an eReader, or physically, with a physical book.

For Kindle users, reading eBooks lacks many things that make reading a popular hobby. You can’t keep the books you spend so long reading, and the feeling of flipping through the pages until you’re finally done is gone. Reading physical books typically helps people relax and separate themselves from reality more than ebooks. In addition, people who read printed books comprehend what they’re reading more than those who read online. 

It’s true that eBooks provide easier use. They’re easy to carry and hold all of your books in one place. However, readers lose the authenticity of reading when you simply have to change tabs or apps. You don’t get the fun of going to the bookstore or the pride of having a full bookshelf.

People love eBooks because they save money. Some books can be read for free on somewhat credible websites, but most people who consistently read ebooks use Kindle. Most versions consistently go on sale, and the price of Kindle Unlimited currently sits at ten dollars a month. However, the program doesn’t include every book, and there’s no guarantee you will have those books forever the way you could with physical copies. 

Some people also prefer to use the free library app, Libby, but this also has its drawbacks. You have the books for a short amount of time, and it limits availability. So while this could be a good option for beginning readers, it isn’t a long term solution for readers. 

Books cost a lot. However, there’s always sales, and Half Price Books allow for cheaper purchases. When you think about how you can keep the book for as long as you want, the price makes sense. You’re paying for a physical copy of someone’s hard work, and the same book could belong to your grandchildren one day. eBooks may be an easy alternative for people to save money, but they will never replace physical books.