I’m in the mood to browse a bookstore until I find a book or seven to read. But life is keeping us on the move right now, so I haven’t been able to get to one just yet.
Which brings me to my next question: Does anyone go to brick and mortar bookstores anymore?
For a long time, I mostly read on my Kindle, but lately I’ve been enjoy reading physical books. I think it’s because there are too many distractions on my Kindle, but there’s really not any distractions with I’m holding a book. Plus these days finding books that actually interest me online seems harder. Amazon is, in my opinion, pushes paid advertised books lately and buries the rest of the stock. I get annoyed trying to search for books that interest me there.
But the drawback of wanting to go to brick and mortar bookstores for me is the only ones around are Barnes and Noble, and I have to travel a fair distance to get to them. There just aren’t that many physical bookstores anymore, and of course, that’s because demand for them fell significantly.
What about you guys? Do you still hang out and enjoy browsing at bookstores? Or mostly reading on e-readers or your phone?
October 4th, 2023 at 7:06 am · Link
I do audio books now. Before the eye issues, I was mostly Kindle because it was handy–light, easy to carry, and contained a whole library of books to read. Plus, I could make the font larger. I still buy the hardbacks of one series, simply because I have them all–except for the last few. I”ll wait until I can pick up used on the cheap. I haven’t held a real book to read in several years. Sometimes I miss it but then my hands flare up and as I’m rubbing linament into them, I don’t. The last time I was in a brick-n-mortar was last fall, when I went to pick up some books bought for Stormy’s Christmas presents. Only encourages him to read *real* books instead of on his Kindle and I’m all for that! We still have an independent bookstore, and it’s a bit closer than B&N but their romance section is all but nonexistent. We have several used bookstores around too but as I don’t do the paper versions anymore, I haven’t visited. Still, there are times when I miss the smell of books, if that makes any sense. Stormy and I used to go to the library a lot and I got my browsing and book feels that way. LOL
Perhaps that’s a short-term solution for you. Hit your local library. You can browse, touch books, and bring one or a dozen home.
October 4th, 2023 at 2:18 pm · Link
The Kindle is nice and all but holding a real book has a special feel to it.
I miss Borders. I was never a big fan of Barnes & Noble, besides, like you, it’s a hike for me to get there.
My big thing is the library. They let me request book purchases and I get to read them first if they buy them.
I just had to laughš¤£. Read on my phone? Not happening here. I can hardly read text messagesš¤£.
Have a great afternoon!
October 4th, 2023 at 5:16 pm · Link
Silver, Kindle is good for so many reasons, but like you I’ve been more audio lately. Until now, but this time will pass like most things do
Only is such a good mom! Real books is a better way to start. I’m not against devices, Turbo has a kid tablet and practices lots of skills on it, but he is learning to read with real books. And probably like Only, his parents limit screen time.
The library is a good option too. But I still want to get to a bookstore
It’s probably a bit of nostalgia kicking around in my brain 
Happy Wednesday!
October 4th, 2023 at 5:19 pm · Link
Viki, I liked Borders too. I also really enjoyed independent bookstores but not many of those left.
Sounds like you have a great library near you! Maybe ours has expanded. I should check it out.
I don’t read on my phone either. In fact, when I stumble on a longish article, I either switch to my desktop or print it. The phone is just too small for me.
Hope you’re having a good day!