Disclaimer: This is not a review of the Kindle device. Obviously from the title, I love mine, can’t live without mine, and encourage everyone to buy it and worship it as I have.
When Amazon.com first came out with the Kindle reading device, I was a bit skeptical. First, the sticker shock. I would go over again and again in my head, “gee, for that price I could buy over fifty books!” Second, the build. The first Kindle was far from sleek in comparison to the latest. It did not appear to be terribly ergonomic with its boxy build. I pondered if I could hold the device comfortably in bed, on a train, or sitting poolside while being served by a hot Latin pool boy? Ok, so the latter was wishful thinking … Third, what’s the point? I like books. I like the smell of printed paper, the crack of a new binding, the little corners I fold to keep my place (don’t knock me—I know it’s a bad habit!). For me, it was not just reading a story; it was a complete sensory experience. I love to read. I read most days and it is certainly one of my favorite past times.
I started reading on my Kindle every night before bed, as I usually did with regular books. Reading always helps me fall asleep, and I usually spend fifteen to thirty minutes before bedtime enthralled in a good book. But I soon noticed my thirty minutes turned into an hour and that hour turned into two. Before two weeks were over, I was spending at minimum two to three hours reading at night.
It did not stop there. Oh the convenience of throwing my Kindle into my bag! I started carrying it everywhere and every day. How wonderful it was to wait at the dentist and have a book to read instead of a fashion magazine with a gorgeous airbrushed celebrity on the front who I disgust for being so beautiful, especially so early in the morning. I read waiting in line at the grocery store and even at the gas pump. My Kindle became my best friend, my sidearm, my must have accessory. I was more worried about getting the Kindle in my bag than making sure I had on mascara!
I was now downloading books in the past I had no interest in purchasing. I downloaded biographies, self help books, even classics I had not read since my college years. I began enjoying Poe, Austen, and Bronte again, and at little cost! Who doesn’t love a good bargain?! As soon as I finished one book, I could download another in less than five minutes and pick up reading again before withdrawal started to set in. Didn’t matter where I was I could feed my need for instant words.
I have three different colored jackets for my Kindle and matching book lights for each. I charge it every night, even though not necessary, and have completely cleared that area of my nightstand, no candles, no glasses of water, not even a clock, so nothing will harm my Kindle. My husband remarked he is not surprised I have not bought it a little bed and blanket so it will be comfortable at night, all tucked away nice and warm while recharging its energy. Lucky for him, I find sarcasm a turn on.
My ultimate Kindle amusement, one I have never revealed until now, is being able to read a mindless love story with little plot and carnal passion without anyone seeing a trashy cover with a half naked helpless women being whisked away by a hot bodied, scruffy faced pirate. If asked what was I reading, I would simply reply, “oh, just Thoreau” or “Machiavelli.” I mean really, no one has to know when I am reading smut, now do they?!
So here I am, typing this story, realizing I have just missed my lunchtime reading. It is a worse feeling than forgetting to put on my watch in the morning or wondering did I leave the iron on. My purse, lying on the floor next to me, is calling to me to open it up, take out my Kindle, and get lost in another story of another world in another time. How can I resist?
