How in the world can this

beat this

or this
or this?
And the sounds and smells! The turn of the page and that musty old book smell. The creases and blots on the cover from the last time you read it. The dust jacket with its own personal inscription from a loved one.
Some of my favourite books are second hand copies that my mum bought me when I was a kid. They have rips and tears and notes in the margins from prior owners. Old library stamps and coffee stains and yellowing curling edges.
Well loved and well lived.
I have moved many times in my life and what do I always unpack first? My books. Their sheer physical presence on my shelves brings me comfort, makes me feel calm.
I will never get that from a shiny flat screen.
You can keep your fancy little e-readers, kids.
I will never surrender!


Right on, man!
I am right there with you.
I know right?
I’m totally with you too, Agnes!
Dad bought me a kindle and I have it in my bag. I went to buy the latest Jasper Fforde online and then I hesitated…..I actually want it on my shelf.
Can’t get excited either.
Love that pic of the library btw!
Such beautiful photos. I really like the way newspapers look on the iPad and I could definitely see reading certain periodicals that way if I had one. But I don’t think I could ever switch to electronic for books!
Sounds like you’ll love this! It’s a stop motion short film about the joy of a hardcopy book: http://youtu.be/SKVcQnyEIT8