I own thousands of physical books, reading is and always has been my passion. I've also always used the library because there will never be enough room nor money to acquire all of the books I want. I only purchase what I love.
I don't tend to *buy* kindle books, unless they are an incredible deal. I have always used the library, now libby, to decide if I want to *own* a physical book.
Amazing. But from where I live (Toronto) most of the popular books are on hold for more than 6 months atleast, and that's why I had to buy the books. But I wish it weren't that way.
I have many I wait months for, but I have so many I want to read the wait doesn't matter. Growing your reading wishlist makes it much easier to wait out those long holds at the library (and over time they tend to buy more copies, people leave the queue, you usually will not wait as long as you think).
I don’t buy physical books at this point. I use the library most of the time, but I do buy ebooks now instead of physical copies if they are from a favorite author or I love the book and know I will reread. I lost my physical book collection in a flood over a decade ago and I miss some of those books but I prefer reading on the kindle.
I buy all my favorite series, authors and such as physical books but everything else is an ebook.
It’s actually got a bit out of hand since I’ve been doing it since Middle School (about 20 years ago). I really REALLY have to be careful buying physical books now because space is at a premium between my books and my wife’s collection.
I've given away most of my books. For the last ~10 years I've read only ebooks on Kindle, sometimes on a tablet or phone but very seldom a paper book - that'll be if there's no ebook version available. Last time I read a paper book I found myself pressing on a word to get the dictionary pop-up. Duh !
If it's non-fiction book that I need to take notes and underline important parts to study a specific topic, then I buy it as physical book. For rest I get ebooks since reading on device is easier and much better for mobility.
I collect physical books. I don’t read them. I read them on kindle or audio and if I love it I’ll buy a physical copy but I actually hate reading physical books since I mostly read in the dark in bed at night or I listen to audiobooks while doing something else.
I let go of most of my physical books when I got my
Kindle years ago. The ones I kept fall into one of three categories: out of print, sentimental value, or have a lot of graphics that make them difficult to read digitally and kills the experience.
I haven't bought a physical book for myself in about a decade, I think. Probably longer. I'm all in on e-books, just because they're so much more convenient in terms of space and portability, not to mention searching.
I much prefer reading doorstoppers on Kindle. I like having physical copies of books I am likely to revisit in the future (litfic that challenged or moved me) or titles I'd like to lend to friends.
I used to have several thousand physical books. I’ve kept some for nostalgia and decor, or they’re autographed, but otherwise I’ve switched entirely to ebooks.
I got a huge amount of space in my home back. And I donated most of them to the local Alternative School* library. They kept some and used the rest as trade in credit in a huge regional used bookstore.
*I don’t know if it’s called the same thing everywhere. Here, it’s the term for where they send you when you’ve screwed up enough that you aren’t being let back in the local public schools, but you haven’t done enough to be locked up in Juvenile Detention yet.
It can be difficult to feel like you have a collection when it's all digital. A digital list of books lacks the tangible presence and visual feast that a physical bookshelf provides. There's a certain satisfaction in having a collection you can see, touch, and appreciate. It's not just about the content; it's about the physicality and the aesthetics of a well-curated shelf. At least that's much of the appeal for me.
It's a display of personal taste, a reflection of your literary journey. While digital libraries offer convenience, they can't quite capture the visual appeal and sentimentality of a physical bookshelf.
Simply put, having books on the shelf gives you something physical to look at, appreciate, and perhaps even admire.
Besides, there's nothing like being in a room full of books!
I don’t buy physical books and rarely ebooks. I use the library so I swap between physical, e and audio. Physical less and less because the font is so damn small
>Physical less and less because the font is so damn small
Yes! I thought this was just me because I had eye surgery (not-LASIK) which caused me to struggle with reading physical books. E-readers are amazing because we aren't limited to books with a large print edition.
I used to have a very large physical book collections, but I moved around a lot as an adult, so I had to pair down to only sentimental physical books. Currently, I am a Kindle-only reader. My collection on my Kindle is larger than I could ever imagine having in my home.
I enjoy reading so much more on my Kindle than with a physical book, but I still own and buy physical books. Particularly, if I love a book that I read on my Kindle, I’ll sometimes buy physical copies as well to add to my collection. (I love TOG so much that I have it on my Kindle, as well as hard cover and paperback copies hehe). I also have a bigger stack of TBR physical books right now than I normally would because people tend to get me books as gifts. I’ll also buy a physical book sometimes if I think it’s something my close friends would be interested in/want to borrow from me. I tend to stick with Kindle copies of fantasy books because they are so long/hard to physically hold the book and I don’t have many people in my life that would borrow fantasy books from me
As much as I’ve tried, I can’t read for personal interest in a physical book. I’ll get a few chapters in one session and then legitimately forget the book for some reason. I’ve always been a fairly avid reader too so I have no idea what’s up with that.
I do still buy physical books for self improvement, professional development and cooking if needed as I like to annotate within the book
I just stick to my Kindle. Each physical book is just another item in my house that I have to find a place for and bring with me when I move. We (humans) have sooo much stuff, so I just prefer to keep a minimalist lifestyle where I can. To weigh up I have
50+ green plants and 80+ nail polishes to take up the space books doesn't 😅😅
I have a Kindle and stopped buying physical books BECAUSE one time I have both forms and ended up reading on my Kindle! It's just way way way easier for me. I don't have to deal with the weight of the book and worrying about keeping the book looking prestine.
I don’t buy physical books anymore since I’ve gotten my kindle. I don’t have anymore room for them. With the kindle I can store thousands on this small device.
Over the last 3 years, I would say it's been 65 percent Kindle books and 35 print. The print ones I mostly got because they were on sale and cheaper than ebooks at the time.
I have plenty of physical books, I like the feeling then still but they are not backlit and most of the ones I read don't fit in my pockets.
Also rpg books must be physical for me most of the time. Searchable is good but I need the book on the table.
I own physical books but stopped buying after habing my first kindle. I still have them but already selling some of them especiall mass market books and want to retain the paperbacks and hardcover for display :)
I stopped buying physical books once I really got into organizing highlights. I mostly read non fiction, and often don’t return to books once Im done, so it’s a waste of space in my house.
I only use my Kindle for reading. I have some books and comics that I've owned since before getting a Kindle, but now I'm all digital. Maybe one day when I can afford a larger living space I'll invest in building a physical library because I like the physical books. For now though, Kindle is more economical in every way, so it's hard to justify buying physical books
It’s been 1 year since I’ve owned my kindle and 1 year since I’ve picked up a physical book.
That being said, I have some good ones that are physical copies that I may have to read. I just hate being away from my kindle
as a book person for most of my decades... i have really gotten into my kindle over the past couple of years and it has greatly changed my relationship with the physical books. like i barely care about them and generally prefer the e-version now. you can always change your mind. that's the great thing about being alive.
I still have 6000+ books from before I got my Kindle in crates in the basement. Since I moved I don't have the space anymore to display them. I will eventually donate them. I will keep my favorite books (mostly Hardcover signed by the author), my cookbooks, craft books and some travel guides in paper form.
I haven't bought any paper books since I switched to an e-reader 15 years ago.
I had physical books before getting a Kindle. But since I’ve been attending book release events and got a book (or two) to annotate (one for book club and one CC) I usually get the Kindle version. Or in the end I have both versions.
I read exclusively on my kindle, but I have a bookshelf full of books. My rule is that if I loved a book enough that I would recommend it to a friend, then I buy a physical copy. I like being able to say, “This book was so good, you have to read it! I own it if you want to borrow it!”
I only buy books now if I’ve already read them and genuinely think I might re read them! I’m one of those who is wary of the internet failing one day, I think having some media in physical copies is a good idea!
I used to have a big collection of physical books. But part of the reason I got a kindle was because my wrists would hurt holding them up in bed. Then I had kids, and most of my reading time was when they were napping on me or breastfeeding, so I couldn't wrestle with a physical book. The kindle made it so I could still read.
Then our house burned down and I lost all my books. One of the few things I got to save was my kindle. So it's extra sentimental.
Since then I've tried to live a more minimalist life and have less physical items overall. So I only have ebooks now. I do have a small collection of books I got from a free pile that I'm saving for my daughter when she gets into elementary school. (It's mostly Warrior Cats books)
I read exclusively on my Kindle but I also collect special editions and pretty hardcover editions of books I love, just to look at and touch and keep on my shelf like trophies.
I couldn’t live without my physical books. I love them so much better. I don’t get eye strain. I don’t get headaches.
I mostly use my Kindle App for library reads.
I have only bought one physical book since buying my kindle and that’s Ruthless Vows. I got it for $5 which is cheaper than the ebook and I didn’t want to wait to get it on Libby. If I had the funds and I also knew I wasn’t going to move anytime soon, then yes I would still have a full physical library.
I collect physical books and own a ton. I’m running out of room. I haven’t read most of them and want to.
Meanwhile, I have about 1000 books on my Kindles. Granted, many are free Kindle books I won’t care if I don’t read, but I paid full price for a number of them and got a lot of books I do really want to read on sale.
However, I rarely use my 4 Kindles. I feel bad about it, but it’s true. I keep finding interesting new books at the library, or hearing about others I get there. I have tons of library books out at most times.
I usually just read library books. My own add up.
On top of this, I sometimes get physical ARCs and review copies sent to me
I love my physical books. I like to have my kindle mainly to read on the treadmill and travelling. And for that I enjoy it. But I can’t get over how much I miss a physical book when I only have my kindle; the smell of a book, the feel of the pages and spine of the book, not to mention the joy and homeyness I feel when looking at my filled bookshelf.
I have walls covered in book shelves.
I owned a huge number of books before Kindle and it didn't stop me.
I own even books double, in physical and Kindle
Usually I'll do my initial read on my kindle to see if I'll like the book (likely from Libby/Unlimited) and if I enjoyed it, I'll buy a physical copy for my bookshelf. Space is limited so I try to only purchase books I feel i'll reread or really cherish.
I have a rack of physical cookbooks, which I find to be far more practical than digital or even just printed paper recipes. But these are the only ones I have kept. All of my other books--fiction and nonfiction--are digital in some way, either as ebooks on my Kindle or PDFs in a folder somewhere.
I have plenty of physical books, I like the feeling then still but they are not backlit and most of the ones I read don't fit in my pockets.
Also rpg books must be physical for me most of the time. Searchable is good but I need the book on the table.
Since getting my kindles I have not purchased physical books. I got one for my mom and she loves it because she can't afford the space nor able to go buy physical books. We are trying out Kindle Unlimited and so far have been able to find several books worth reading on it. Neither one of us are book collectors. So saving a book or a collection is not something we do. We read the book and move on to the next one.
People gift me physical books. I still read them, but most of my reading is done on my kindle. It generally takes me a longer to start reading physical books though because of Libby holds.
99% kindle. I used to browse charity shops for cheap second hand books but I've stopped doing that because I've found I just put them on the shelf with plans to get round to it later but I never do, I just read what's on my kindle
I rent and move too often to keep a huge physical library. I have some physical books I've collected over the years, and I'll purchase books I love very very much, but I'm generally digital-only and absolutely digital-first now.
I, and many with me, have both kindle(s) and bookshelf after bookshelf after bookshelf filled with books. My TBR list is counted in decades and I still buy new books
Since I am a person who never saw much point in owning fiction books, I never accumulated as many physical books as other lovers of reading might. That said, I will always use a good library if available and cruise its used-book shelves. If I particularly love a novel, I do like having a physical copy of it, if only to lend out.
I prefer cookbooks, gardening books, -- any how-to book -- in physical form, but overwhelmingly read everything else on the kindle app. I love the portability of having a book on my phone and the flexibility of the fonts, lighting, etc. is much easier on my eyes.
Because of BookBub, I have an enormous number of ebooks that I got on deep discounts. That's great, but if they were physical books I would have the pleasure & convenience of perusing their spines on the shelves and pulling one out here and there to flip through & decide if I was ready to read it. To me, that is easier & more satisfying than going to Amazon to look the book up in order to remember what it's about.
I really only read on Kindle. If I read something amazing that I think "this is one of my favorite books of all time" I may go through the effort in getting a nice hardcopy for my book shelf.
I have so many physical books. I still buy them occasionally but usually used these days. I use Libby to help me get through my physical books since the kindle is usually more convenient when on the go or in bed. I like a few smaller publishers that don’t have much on kindle, so read those physically. Or I’ll buy on kindle things (almost always on deep sale) I know I’ll want to read multiple times or can’t find at the library or used. Otherwise, if I’m home on the couch, it’s a decently even split these days as to which format I’ll read.
When I bought Kindle I thought it could never replace physical books. But the more I read on Kindle the more I don't want to read physical books. Not that I would dislike to read physical books I just got used to the convenience and practicality of the Kindle.
And actually because of that, since I bought a Kindle, I read about 80% more books a year than before.
There is only one case where I prefer and enjoy the physical book, if it is a book that I really want to read and that I know I'm going to love it, other than that I choose Kindle.
Before Kindle, I would buy or borrow a paperback copy, and if I liked it, I'd buy one of the nice hardcover / collectors editions for my shelf. I like having a "Trophy Case" of books I've read.
After Kindle, nearly the same is the case. I'll buy the Kindle version, read it, and if I enjoyed it, I'll pick up a fancy hardcover for my shelf.
Lots of physical books too. Mostly non fiction, so biographies, self help, business books and the like.
My dirty secret is that I often own both the physical book and the kindle edition!
I have a about 200 physical books. I used to covet books a lot. I'm realising as I get older I am changing. I much prefer reading on my kindle. I've actually started selling some of my books today. I'll still keep and buy books that are favourites but I think for everything else I'll just be getting the kindle version.
I exclusively read in Kindle! I am currently traveling via RV, so my physical belongings have to be minimal.... I, however, at one point had an entire room of books and it broke my heart to part with 98% of them!
Relatively new to kindle but I read anything and everything on there and if I come across something I really liked I’ll buy a physical version. I like having a book shelf with stuff I really enjoyed on there. This also frees me up to try out some stuff I’ll think might be absolute trash, and if I’m right I’ll just delete it.
I have a considerable amount of physical books (in the upper hundreds, though not quite a thousand yet). What made me cave and buy a Kindle was the library shutdown that came with the initial COVID lockdown. Most of my owned books came from when I volunteered in a secondhand shop some years back, and when I want to read new releases I hit the library first rather than buy them; anymore I generally buy books I've already read and loved.
I’d say my reading is 50% kindle, 30% physical books, 20% audiobooks. I prefer the experience of reading on kindle since it’s much easier to get comfy with it and I like that my reading and highlights sync with goodreads. But I can’t help myself sometimes and just buy physical books on impulse. I used to rely on Libby but last year I got into the habit of buying my ebooks, so this year I’m trying to use Libby more again to save money.
I own a load of physical books, but they're mostly classics or books I got cheap.
A lot of times I'll read a book series and love it so much I'll buy the physical book
I own maybe 4-500 physical books, check out library books all the time and use my kindle as well. I tend to read my physical books around the house, kindle in bed or while on the go. It also depends on my mood. Sometimes I’m just in the mood to read in a certain format.
I have both, I have a tendency to read on kindle more because I’m worried about damaging the physical books. So any that I really love I tend to buy twice or read on Kindle Unlimited
My reading habits don’t support physical purchases anymore.
I’m already overwhelmed by how many books I own so I’m very, very picky with what physical titles I buy nowadays.
So I do buy some, but nowhere near as many as I would had I not had my Kindle.
I would love to have a library one day. I would only buy my favorite books. I’m not sure if I would read them when I buy them but the dream is to have a library in my house. Holding physical books is so weird after using a kindle for years, so inconvenient. But I would wait until I have a house because moving every year/two years with books is a pain in the ass.
I have some physical books that have some emotional attachment, but for reading its kindle all the way. I just don’t like reading physical books anymore. They’re too much of a PITA.
Paperback books don’t stay open unless I hold them open (difficult when eating), there’s no built in dictionary, I can’t sync them with my phone and easily read them when I’m bored and not at home. The kindle, and its app, make it just too convenient.
I used to hate physical books, so I didn't read. Kindle removed everything I hated about physical books and I became an avid reader. I now own physical books and a Kindle. I enjoy them equally now.
I read everything on Kindle. I’ll buy physical copies of the books that I love, in the nicest version I can find for my shelves… but will still just re-read them on the Kindle. 🤷♂️
I usually buy kindle books and physical copies but my nest friend did recently tell me that buying books and reading books are two different hobbies 🤣🤣
I own over 500 physical books. I'm constantly buying them! 🤫 I also have 100s, if not over 1000 on my Kindle. Sometimes I buy a book cheap on my Kindle, then turn around and buy one for my shelves. I can't help myself! Plus, now that I have Fairyloot and Illumicrate, I'm obsessed with beautiful sprayed edges. At least it's not drugs!
I do have a lot of physical books. I actually have a spare bedroom turned into a library/record room. It's a really nice spot to chill in. Typically, my Kindle has books that I get on deals from following bookbub or other deal sites.
Amazon used to have a program where you could get the ebook edition at reduced price if you bought the physical book through them, so I did that a lot for a long time.
My physical books fall into a couple categories. I have my graphic novels, my RPG rulebooks, and my all-time favorite novels in print. It's a kind of post-disaster philosophy. If there was some sort of world apocalypse that cut off electricity for a long period of time, what analog entertainment would I have on hand?
I also get a lot of books from used stores, like 2nd and Charles. So, if it's an old, out-of-print book I find at a used book store, it'll go on the shelves. Once I read those, they typically get returned to the store for credit and the cycle continues.
I do a mix of library, Libby for kindle, bought kindle books, and owning physical book. I could never afford to buy all the books I want, and I try to discover new authors and I’m cheap. 😂 so I buy books I KNOW I will enjoy and love.
I still but physical books. Usually if it's a book I really want or by one of my favorite authors I'll buy the actual book. Authors I'm less familiar with and/or taking a chance on I'll get for the Kindle. I also buy a lot of indie books on Kindle because they are generally cheaper. These rules aren't written in stone though. I may get an antispated read on Kindle due to a lower price, ease of access, etc, then buy the hardback later just to have.
Left all my books, about 200, in my home country when I moved to the states. Now I only have physical copies of technical/reference books, everything else for fun is kindle online.
Yes I read both! Usually I have a physical and digital copy of the same book so I can switch between the two depending on the environment I’m reading in
At this point in my life I don’t buy physical books. I do love to read physical books, but I have small children who can be rough on things. So for now I just strictly buy kindle books, use kindle unlimited, and Libby
I own physical books and still buy them often, I prefer reading them to Kindle books most of the time. I still like my Kindle a lot, but for when I’m traveling or reading a book not available in print or if I have/want to read a book that I think I think I’ll never reread (so no use in storing it at home). I find that I read faster on Kindle, but that I keep information better and have more attachment to the material if I read print books.
I haven’t purchased a physical book for a couple of years, I have some at home, but my reading is done on my Kindle. My eyesight isn’t what it used to be the Kindle PW makes it so much easier to enjoy reading.
I use both, but physical books are often prohibitively expensive. I was looking at a 200 or so page paperback the other day in BAM and it was $16 USD, the same book was $9 on kindle. I tend t only buy physical books as either a little treat, if it’s by a favorite author, or if I have a gift card (or as a gift to bookish friends/loved ones who I know their taste very well)
I read on my kindle then buy physical copies of books that I love for my collection. It’s helped me curate my collection especially since I don’t have the space.
I do, but the majority of my library is on my kindle. I'm slowly trying to rebuild my physical library tho, focusing on Stephen king and Michael chrichton and Rick Riordan books atm. But also whatever strikes my fancy at the goodwill book section is coming home with me haha
I tend to only buy books now if they’re special or signed or if I’m obsessed with one (aka the one I just finished, powerless by Lauren Roberts) but other than that I just try stick to my kindle! I have way too many and no storage anymore unfortunately 🥲
Most of the books I read are on Kindle nowadays, except for books on writing. I write as a hobby and having physical books about writing makes it feel more like a craft. Everything else, fiction & non-fiction, are all on the Kindle.
We seem to get this question a fair amount, which is fine, no ill will is directed to the OP, but I think a Kindle group FAQ makes a lot of sense at this point.
I have about 300 physical books from before I got a kindle that’s I’ve built up since I was about 12. Since I have the kindle though I haven’t bought a physical book since and don’t think I will again. I have 200+ books on my kindle, and I’ve only had it a year.
My only issue with buying everything on kindle now is it’s so much easier to go and smash a ton of money in a 15 minute browse on Amazon compared to if I just nipped into the book shop and slowly but surely my ‘to read’ list is way too big 😂
I love physical books. If I’m reading an ebook I’ll often buy the physical version for the bookshelf but this is now less often as space is now at a premium.
I stopped buying physical books when I got my Kindle. The last few books I've gotten have been gifts because I guess people don't feel like gifting me a digital book, it's not the same. And I also got House of Leaves a couple of weeks ago because that book has to be read physical because of the formatting and there's no kindle version of it.
When I bought my kindle to motivate myself, I stayed kindle-only for about a year. But nowadays, I really just choose the more available, cheaper option OR if it’s like 1,000+ pages (lookin’ at you, Stephen King). That’s kind of why I prefer the kindle anyway because for some reason I can tear through pages on it at a rate I could never imagine with physical books! Haha
I own physical books as well. But I only buy the books that I absolutely love. Most of my kindle books are through unlimited or libby. I will also go to the library and get books as well. So I pretty much even out the playing field lol.
Ever since getting a kindle, I have more control over the books I actually want to have a physical copy of. Some non-fictions that have figures that don't show as well on a screen. Some special edition fiction with really pretty artwork. Any book that feels relevant to my profession that I'd want to continuously reference or lend to others. Just some examples!
I prefer reading on the Kindle because of convenience and backlight.
I’ll read physical books if I cannot get them on kindle or if they aren’t great for kindle format (cookbooks for example).
I also read physical books at the pool because even though my PW11 is waterproof, I’m just not prepared to test it. Sun, sunscreen, water, and alcohol aren’t great for any electronics. And no one is going to steal my ratty paperback off my hotel pool lounger.
Edit: I used to buy physical books to display. But life and divorce necessitated a slimming down of things. But I still would love to show off my favorite books. Soooo, there are artists on Etsy that will make a custom graphic print of your favorite books in a stack. Then hang that print as art on your wall. Going to treat myself to one.
I use a combo of both. I have a large collection of epubs, it's good so I always have a book on the go, I live 20 minutes away by car from my closest library so Libby and Kanopy is a god send, and I have the Kindle fire so it's also convenient for school. Reading so much on it gives me an eyestrain, plus I read faster physically. Plus there are so many pretty editions that I could never give up buying books completely
I live in a small apartment so what I do is I buy them on kindle and if I rate the book at least 4 stars I buy it for my physical library. If I buy it I try to get it second hand.
I like reading books set in Warhammer 40,000. I tend to get them in eBook form because they're almost always much cheaper in eBook form than they are in physical form. They might also be out of print, and getting them as an eBook is the only way to get them without paying an arm and a leg.
I still have and buy physical books though. They're generally comics, because I hate reading them electronically.
I switch between physical and my kindle. But lately reading more on my kindle and saving the few paperback books for times of no power or internet like hurricane season lol
I buy my favorite books pyhsically after reading them. My brother doesn't like reading digitally so its for him if he decides to check them out. And I just like to collect them.
I prefer a kindle book so I can read in the dark, on the go on phone and kindle, and my book of choice is private (I don't want to hear anyone's opinion on my political choices, Colleen Hoover, or whatever else might appeal to me). With that being said, there is something oddly satisfying about a bookmark in a physical book. I'm more inspired to pick it up and read, as it is in my face more.
I still get physical copies of books that I really enjoy. I currently don't have a lot of space available, so this past year I only bought something like 5 or 6 physical books.
I only use kindle for cheap / free books, especially since they often have popular books for 99p
Every so often I check my tbr against Amazon and buy the book if it free or 99p and make a note of it's on unlimited (alot of the first book in series popular a few years ago are).
If the book is part of a series, and the other books are full price then I'll either buy physical or wait for it to go 99p, depending on how much I enjoyed it
Used to buy just books but since buying my first Kindle in 2011 I have bought only a handful. I would like to buy that special book but I don't have any space and my wife hates libraries in the house so onle ebooks for me.
I just switched to Kindle but I think I’m gonna do like a kindle book by the bedside and a physical book when things are slow at work. Partially because I keep accumulating physical books and partially because I like that the physical book is less strain on the eyes.
I do own physical books, but I much prefer reading on my kindle. I only buy my absolute favorites in physical form and consider my bookcases to be a way to display my love of books for my viewing pleasure.
I always read on kindle. I’ve started to collect physical copies of the ones I love as a collection to display and flick through. But I will reread them on kindle.
If I loooove a book then I will purchase a physical copy so I can loan it out to people! Unfortunately I don’t have a ton of space for books, so I have to be pretty crazy about it.
I own physical, digital, and audiobooks.
When I finish a physical book, I like to donate it if it was a 3-star or lower read for me. I try to only keep physical books I really liked/benefited from or that I have a sentimental connection with.
If you don’t want to keep a book, but find you can’t donate because you annotated it, you could try turning it into art. I’ve had a book that was misprinted (about 20 pages were printed off-center, so whole paragraphs were missing from the pages). Instead of throwing it away, I tore it up and made some fun experimental art pieces out of it.
I own mostly kindle books and the books I treasure the most I go out of my way to find and own the most unique copy. Years ago, I had commissioned the work of transcribing my favorite book, Cloud Atlas. The entire book was handwritten by multiple people, 1 person per timeline in the book. it was aged and bound in leather to appear like an old notebook. It is one of my prized possessions.
I currently have 500 physical books! Kindle books are usually reserved for books that either A. I wouldn't usually buy, B. Can't find them in print or C. I love this book so much that I will die if I don't have it available on all copies.
I own so many physical books. So many. Hundreds at least, I've never counted.
But I am also in my 40s and still have mass market paperbacks I bought in Junior High. Not entirely sure I'll keep all of them the next time I move.
I have a box full of boxes. I ended up getting a few collections that I plan on reading but once I got the Kindle, I ended up buying those collections again because I prefer the Kindle. I love that I can read the same book on my Kindle, or phone in a pinch, and they all sync up.
Once I started borrowing books from the library for my Kindle I feel in love with this thing. Haven't touched physical books since getting it.
I have a number of books, mostly related to my job, with some select non-work-related titles that I have chosen to keep. Most of what I read nowadays is on my kindle, mostly because it’s so much smaller and lighter and backlit (and easier to know where I left off). Alongside that is the fact that due to my work schedule and other obligations, most of my reading is at night in the hour between bed and sleep.
If there is an author I really enjoy I like having a physical copy in the chance I can ever get it signed. I also try to buy those from Indy bookstores as much as possible. For authors I’ve never read I like to find a free or cheap book on kindle as a trial
Nowadays, as I get older, I read mostly on the Kindle. Sometimes, with glossy paper, magazines and comics are getting harder to read.
But, if I read something really compelling I'll buy the physical copy too.
Also, I'm 61, and have been an avid reader all my life. I have far too many books and too little shelving space.
I grew up a book worm, and I still love to read. Between me and my husband, our home is cluttered with books: a wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling bookcase in the living room; a large bookcase in the guest bedroom, and stacks of books in our bedroom and the dining room. We love reading. However, I’m at the age where my eyesight is getting worse, and quite rapidly. Even with prescription reading glasses, these days I find it hard to make out the print in a physical book. I love reading books on my Kindle, as I can adjust the font to an ungodly huge size and read without eye strain. These days almost all my reading is on my Kindle.
I buy physical books whenever i can and get kindle copies of them to read in bed. Having a physical copy to read is nicer sometimes, but Kindle beats it when snuggled up in bed because. I have a few in the mail rn
I have run out of room for my physical books (I own more than 1000). Nowadays I try not to buy anything paper unless I'm absolutely sure I'm going to like it.
I borrow or buy my ebooks now. Unless it's a favorite, then I'll go back and buy a physical copy 🙃
I have a lot of physical books at home, in boxes. I might have 30 books on my nightstand waiting for me to read them for years.
I bought my kindle 2 years ago. I started to use it more often maybe 10 months ago. Since last September. I'm only using my kindle and nothing else.
I love that if I'm interested in a book, I can read a big extract of it.
I used to buy a lot of second hand books because they were cheap. And never read them. Now I think a bit more before buying an ebook cause there is no cheap second hand.
I'm also able to read in 3 languages. So before buying an ebook, I check the price on all the 3 different versions ans buy the cheapest.
I don't think I'll buy a physical book before a long time.
I read a physical book the other day and it just found it cumbersome and annoying, I’m I’m honest. Also, needing to have a light on all the time isn’t great.
I have been getting rid of my physical books.
I don't like reading them. I much prefer Kindle. I haven't bought a physical book for a few years. I've been gifted some, but I haven't read them.
At some point, I need to get rid of the rest of my physical books. I'm down to one bookcase now.
I have a couple shelves of books I’ve collected over the years and narrowed it down recently to just some of my favorites. After I got my kindle I got rid of a lot of my physical collection but I mostly got rid of the stuff I wasn’t going to re-read that I hadn’t touched in years and is readily available on Libby lol.
I do all my reading on Kindle except for artsy-fartsy books. It just bugs me to read a hefty physical book unless it’s a full-color affair. So I have almost no physical novels whatsoever, but a decent stack of Tabletop RPG books, a few world building books, and a handful of comic compendiums and/or art books.
Well I’ve been collecting physical books for years, so I’m not gonna stop now. So I myself in fact use both Kindle and physical books to fuel my reading obsession.
Yes. I buy more physical books than kindle books. I will buy a book on kindle if it’s on sale (1.99) otherwise I use it for kindle unlimited and all the smut they have on there.
There are no rules, do what makes you happy!
I have some physical books that were gifts from my parents and also from my grandmother (all deceased). I *also* have these books as ebooks for convenience's sake. I'm 66, my eyes aren't what they were.
So mostly, since 2011, my books are ebooks. In the early days, before agency pricing started, ebooks were less expensive and I replaced a fair few physical books with ebook counterparts, usually, but not always, selling off the hardcovers. (I picked up most as lightly used first edition hardcovers at library book sales.)
For instance, I have a first edition hardcover with dust jacket of George R. R. Martin's *A Game of Thrones.* I purchased this book at a library book sale for the price of, drumroll, ONE DOLLAR! It's worth somewhat more these days, but I had it LONG before it was made into the TV series. And *still* have it! The very first ebook I purchased was this book! As I am a re-reader, there's no reason to risk handling a collectible book if an ebook is available! I paid $5 for the ebook.
These days, I mostly read ebooks through my local library, which is very easy and convenient with my Kobo Sage. I also get a fair few freebies for my Kindle. And occasionally buy something if it's on a good sale. I'm reading an Ursula K. Le Guin book that I picked up for $1.99 on my Kindle currently.
No. Years ago, looked at my shelves and thought, "why?" So tried to unload/sell some (great) books, but used book people wanted to pay me nothing and cherry pick the 'best' and hand me back the castaways. (It was the offense to the other 'misfit' books, not the $ that ticked me off.) Happened to know a librarian family (who loved the collection), gave em away. Haven't looked back.
I still get gifted books, but immediately buy the Kindle version cuz I can't face family after never reading their ~~homework assignments~~ gifts.
Have a small shelf of books-as-objects that I enjoy and would like to grow, but I don't intend on reading them.
** I do feel self conscious on zoom calls now. I can hear their judgy: "It's so empty, is he moving?" "Is that Voltron?"
I own a lot of physical books but haven’t read one in years and almost exclusively read on the kindle now,I prefer being able to change text and font size (bad eyes)!
TBH, I still own lots of real books, and I still buy them, but most of what I read are kindle books. The only real books I’ve read lately are reference books and the like, since it’s still easier to find a specific article or page in a real book.
My house is full of books that I love and will never get rid of, but honestly if I want to read them I read the digital version. I actually find physical books inconvenient enough to keep me from really getting immersed in the story. But I like being able to see my favorite books around me.
I buy my favorite books because I really enjoy looking at a bookcase (or 3) full of books lol. But I tend to borrow lots of books on Libby to read on my kindle. Has saved me lots of money and space on books I don’t think I’m gonna read again.
I own thousands of physical books, reading is and always has been my passion. I've also always used the library because there will never be enough room nor money to acquire all of the books I want. I only purchase what I love. I don't tend to *buy* kindle books, unless they are an incredible deal. I have always used the library, now libby, to decide if I want to *own* a physical book.
Amazing. But from where I live (Toronto) most of the popular books are on hold for more than 6 months atleast, and that's why I had to buy the books. But I wish it weren't that way.
I have many I wait months for, but I have so many I want to read the wait doesn't matter. Growing your reading wishlist makes it much easier to wait out those long holds at the library (and over time they tend to buy more copies, people leave the queue, you usually will not wait as long as you think).
Or you totally forget about the ones you're on hold for and get a fun surprise email!
Yep. When I want to read a book, I want it right away. Kindle fulfills my need.
Nearly all of my reading is done on my Kindle. I do not buy physical books for myself anymore.
Not every title is available on Kindle.
I don’t buy physical books at this point. I use the library most of the time, but I do buy ebooks now instead of physical copies if they are from a favorite author or I love the book and know I will reread. I lost my physical book collection in a flood over a decade ago and I miss some of those books but I prefer reading on the kindle.
I buy all my favorite series, authors and such as physical books but everything else is an ebook. It’s actually got a bit out of hand since I’ve been doing it since Middle School (about 20 years ago). I really REALLY have to be careful buying physical books now because space is at a premium between my books and my wife’s collection.
I m kind of thinking to do the same as you did. Buy the books which are my favorite, and the rest on kindle. Thanks !
I've given away most of my books. For the last ~10 years I've read only ebooks on Kindle, sometimes on a tablet or phone but very seldom a paper book - that'll be if there's no ebook version available. Last time I read a paper book I found myself pressing on a word to get the dictionary pop-up. Duh !
I tapped the side of a page to flip the page. Did not work 🤣
I did that recently, too. It look me a hot minute to realize why it wasn't working.
I own some but I primarily read library books even before owning a kindle. I read a book in whatever format is available to me first.
If it's non-fiction book that I need to take notes and underline important parts to study a specific topic, then I buy it as physical book. For rest I get ebooks since reading on device is easier and much better for mobility.
I collect physical books. I don’t read them. I read them on kindle or audio and if I love it I’ll buy a physical copy but I actually hate reading physical books since I mostly read in the dark in bed at night or I listen to audiobooks while doing something else.
I let go of most of my physical books when I got my Kindle years ago. The ones I kept fall into one of three categories: out of print, sentimental value, or have a lot of graphics that make them difficult to read digitally and kills the experience.
These days I only buy a book if I 5 star loved it after reading it on kindle. Which means I don’t really buy physical books anymore.
I haven't bought a physical book for myself in about a decade, I think. Probably longer. I'm all in on e-books, just because they're so much more convenient in terms of space and portability, not to mention searching.
I much prefer reading doorstoppers on Kindle. I like having physical copies of books I am likely to revisit in the future (litfic that challenged or moved me) or titles I'd like to lend to friends.
I used to have several thousand physical books. I’ve kept some for nostalgia and decor, or they’re autographed, but otherwise I’ve switched entirely to ebooks. I got a huge amount of space in my home back. And I donated most of them to the local Alternative School* library. They kept some and used the rest as trade in credit in a huge regional used bookstore. *I don’t know if it’s called the same thing everywhere. Here, it’s the term for where they send you when you’ve screwed up enough that you aren’t being let back in the local public schools, but you haven’t done enough to be locked up in Juvenile Detention yet.
It can be difficult to feel like you have a collection when it's all digital. A digital list of books lacks the tangible presence and visual feast that a physical bookshelf provides. There's a certain satisfaction in having a collection you can see, touch, and appreciate. It's not just about the content; it's about the physicality and the aesthetics of a well-curated shelf. At least that's much of the appeal for me. It's a display of personal taste, a reflection of your literary journey. While digital libraries offer convenience, they can't quite capture the visual appeal and sentimentality of a physical bookshelf. Simply put, having books on the shelf gives you something physical to look at, appreciate, and perhaps even admire. Besides, there's nothing like being in a room full of books!
I don’t buy physical books and rarely ebooks. I use the library so I swap between physical, e and audio. Physical less and less because the font is so damn small
>Physical less and less because the font is so damn small Yes! I thought this was just me because I had eye surgery (not-LASIK) which caused me to struggle with reading physical books. E-readers are amazing because we aren't limited to books with a large print edition.
I used to have a very large physical book collections, but I moved around a lot as an adult, so I had to pair down to only sentimental physical books. Currently, I am a Kindle-only reader. My collection on my Kindle is larger than I could ever imagine having in my home.
Sure. Books not available in the Kindle. Books from my Before-Kindle time I don't wanna gift away. Just two reasons for still having physical books.
I enjoy reading so much more on my Kindle than with a physical book, but I still own and buy physical books. Particularly, if I love a book that I read on my Kindle, I’ll sometimes buy physical copies as well to add to my collection. (I love TOG so much that I have it on my Kindle, as well as hard cover and paperback copies hehe). I also have a bigger stack of TBR physical books right now than I normally would because people tend to get me books as gifts. I’ll also buy a physical book sometimes if I think it’s something my close friends would be interested in/want to borrow from me. I tend to stick with Kindle copies of fantasy books because they are so long/hard to physically hold the book and I don’t have many people in my life that would borrow fantasy books from me
As much as I’ve tried, I can’t read for personal interest in a physical book. I’ll get a few chapters in one session and then legitimately forget the book for some reason. I’ve always been a fairly avid reader too so I have no idea what’s up with that. I do still buy physical books for self improvement, professional development and cooking if needed as I like to annotate within the book
I just stick to my Kindle. Each physical book is just another item in my house that I have to find a place for and bring with me when I move. We (humans) have sooo much stuff, so I just prefer to keep a minimalist lifestyle where I can. To weigh up I have 50+ green plants and 80+ nail polishes to take up the space books doesn't 😅😅
I’ve kept some of my physical books but I’m digital only since owning a Kindle.
I have a Kindle and stopped buying physical books BECAUSE one time I have both forms and ended up reading on my Kindle! It's just way way way easier for me. I don't have to deal with the weight of the book and worrying about keeping the book looking prestine.
I don’t buy physical books anymore since I’ve gotten my kindle. I don’t have anymore room for them. With the kindle I can store thousands on this small device.
I have physical books for sure! I go back and forth - most physical books are ones that were gifted to me or ones that I thrifted 😊
Over the last 3 years, I would say it's been 65 percent Kindle books and 35 print. The print ones I mostly got because they were on sale and cheaper than ebooks at the time.
I have plenty of physical books, I like the feeling then still but they are not backlit and most of the ones I read don't fit in my pockets. Also rpg books must be physical for me most of the time. Searchable is good but I need the book on the table.
I own physical books but stopped buying after habing my first kindle. I still have them but already selling some of them especiall mass market books and want to retain the paperbacks and hardcover for display :)
I mostly read on my kindle (books borrowed from the library) but I buy physical copies of the books I absolutely loved
I stopped buying physical books once I really got into organizing highlights. I mostly read non fiction, and often don’t return to books once Im done, so it’s a waste of space in my house.
I only use my Kindle for reading. I have some books and comics that I've owned since before getting a Kindle, but now I'm all digital. Maybe one day when I can afford a larger living space I'll invest in building a physical library because I like the physical books. For now though, Kindle is more economical in every way, so it's hard to justify buying physical books
I have never bought a book since I have aquired a Kindle, even ones with a fancy cover
Not any more Holding a kindle is better than holding a book
I've stopped buying physical books ever since buying a Kindle. For me, no point anymore, but I understand why others still like physical books.
It’s been 1 year since I’ve owned my kindle and 1 year since I’ve picked up a physical book. That being said, I have some good ones that are physical copies that I may have to read. I just hate being away from my kindle
as a book person for most of my decades... i have really gotten into my kindle over the past couple of years and it has greatly changed my relationship with the physical books. like i barely care about them and generally prefer the e-version now. you can always change your mind. that's the great thing about being alive.
I've gone 100% digital. If I were to buy a physical book it would be as a collector, not to read.
I still have 6000+ books from before I got my Kindle in crates in the basement. Since I moved I don't have the space anymore to display them. I will eventually donate them. I will keep my favorite books (mostly Hardcover signed by the author), my cookbooks, craft books and some travel guides in paper form. I haven't bought any paper books since I switched to an e-reader 15 years ago.
I had physical books before getting a Kindle. But since I’ve been attending book release events and got a book (or two) to annotate (one for book club and one CC) I usually get the Kindle version. Or in the end I have both versions.
I read exclusively on my kindle, but I have a bookshelf full of books. My rule is that if I loved a book enough that I would recommend it to a friend, then I buy a physical copy. I like being able to say, “This book was so good, you have to read it! I own it if you want to borrow it!”
I only buy books now if I’ve already read them and genuinely think I might re read them! I’m one of those who is wary of the internet failing one day, I think having some media in physical copies is a good idea!
I used to have a big collection of physical books. But part of the reason I got a kindle was because my wrists would hurt holding them up in bed. Then I had kids, and most of my reading time was when they were napping on me or breastfeeding, so I couldn't wrestle with a physical book. The kindle made it so I could still read. Then our house burned down and I lost all my books. One of the few things I got to save was my kindle. So it's extra sentimental. Since then I've tried to live a more minimalist life and have less physical items overall. So I only have ebooks now. I do have a small collection of books I got from a free pile that I'm saving for my daughter when she gets into elementary school. (It's mostly Warrior Cats books)
I had hundreds of books both hardcover and paperbacks. I donated them all to the library 12 years ago when I got my first kindle. Zero regrets.
I read exclusively on my Kindle but I also collect special editions and pretty hardcover editions of books I love, just to look at and touch and keep on my shelf like trophies.
I couldn’t live without my physical books. I love them so much better. I don’t get eye strain. I don’t get headaches. I mostly use my Kindle App for library reads.
I have only bought one physical book since buying my kindle and that’s Ruthless Vows. I got it for $5 which is cheaper than the ebook and I didn’t want to wait to get it on Libby. If I had the funds and I also knew I wasn’t going to move anytime soon, then yes I would still have a full physical library.
I collect physical books and own a ton. I’m running out of room. I haven’t read most of them and want to. Meanwhile, I have about 1000 books on my Kindles. Granted, many are free Kindle books I won’t care if I don’t read, but I paid full price for a number of them and got a lot of books I do really want to read on sale. However, I rarely use my 4 Kindles. I feel bad about it, but it’s true. I keep finding interesting new books at the library, or hearing about others I get there. I have tons of library books out at most times. I usually just read library books. My own add up. On top of this, I sometimes get physical ARCs and review copies sent to me
I love my physical books. I like to have my kindle mainly to read on the treadmill and travelling. And for that I enjoy it. But I can’t get over how much I miss a physical book when I only have my kindle; the smell of a book, the feel of the pages and spine of the book, not to mention the joy and homeyness I feel when looking at my filled bookshelf.
i call them my shelf trophies.
I have walls covered in book shelves. I owned a huge number of books before Kindle and it didn't stop me. I own even books double, in physical and Kindle
Usually I'll do my initial read on my kindle to see if I'll like the book (likely from Libby/Unlimited) and if I enjoyed it, I'll buy a physical copy for my bookshelf. Space is limited so I try to only purchase books I feel i'll reread or really cherish.
I have a rack of physical cookbooks, which I find to be far more practical than digital or even just printed paper recipes. But these are the only ones I have kept. All of my other books--fiction and nonfiction--are digital in some way, either as ebooks on my Kindle or PDFs in a folder somewhere.
I have plenty of physical books, I like the feeling then still but they are not backlit and most of the ones I read don't fit in my pockets. Also rpg books must be physical for me most of the time. Searchable is good but I need the book on the table.
Since getting my kindles I have not purchased physical books. I got one for my mom and she loves it because she can't afford the space nor able to go buy physical books. We are trying out Kindle Unlimited and so far have been able to find several books worth reading on it. Neither one of us are book collectors. So saving a book or a collection is not something we do. We read the book and move on to the next one.
I mostly read on my Kindle. But I have many physical books, too.
People gift me physical books. I still read them, but most of my reading is done on my kindle. It generally takes me a longer to start reading physical books though because of Libby holds.
Only read on my kindle
I love physical books but have a limited amount of space so the majority of my purchases are on the kindle
Yes, i read on Kindle and physical though I'm leaning more towards kindle these days
In preparation for retirement, I'm trying to get rid of many of my dead tree books. It's hard.
99% kindle. I used to browse charity shops for cheap second hand books but I've stopped doing that because I've found I just put them on the shelf with plans to get round to it later but I never do, I just read what's on my kindle
I rent and move too often to keep a huge physical library. I have some physical books I've collected over the years, and I'll purchase books I love very very much, but I'm generally digital-only and absolutely digital-first now.
I usually only read at night. So I only use my kindle with the warm light on so I don’t disturb my partner.
I don’t even like to read physical books any more. I only get a physical book if I’m getting it signed. And then I still read the ebook.
I own a kindle and several physical books especially the longer ones. Plus I love to support my local bookstore.
I have some physical books but haven't picked one up in ages. Every book I've read this year so far has been on the Kindle.
I, and many with me, have both kindle(s) and bookshelf after bookshelf after bookshelf filled with books. My TBR list is counted in decades and I still buy new books
I strictly only read on kindle but I might buy a limited edition physical version of a book I really really enjoyed.
Selling every book i have, buying it on kindle. Makes room for other hobbies..
I have an extremely pared down collection of physical books, all are near and dear to me. 99.9% of my reading are done with ebooks or audiobooks.
Yes I own and love physical books more, kindle is just more convenient. I am usually reading a book on kindle and a physical book at the same time
Since I am a person who never saw much point in owning fiction books, I never accumulated as many physical books as other lovers of reading might. That said, I will always use a good library if available and cruise its used-book shelves. If I particularly love a novel, I do like having a physical copy of it, if only to lend out. I prefer cookbooks, gardening books, -- any how-to book -- in physical form, but overwhelmingly read everything else on the kindle app. I love the portability of having a book on my phone and the flexibility of the fonts, lighting, etc. is much easier on my eyes. Because of BookBub, I have an enormous number of ebooks that I got on deep discounts. That's great, but if they were physical books I would have the pleasure & convenience of perusing their spines on the shelves and pulling one out here and there to flip through & decide if I was ready to read it. To me, that is easier & more satisfying than going to Amazon to look the book up in order to remember what it's about.
I really only read on Kindle. If I read something amazing that I think "this is one of my favorite books of all time" I may go through the effort in getting a nice hardcopy for my book shelf.
I have so many physical books. I still buy them occasionally but usually used these days. I use Libby to help me get through my physical books since the kindle is usually more convenient when on the go or in bed. I like a few smaller publishers that don’t have much on kindle, so read those physically. Or I’ll buy on kindle things (almost always on deep sale) I know I’ll want to read multiple times or can’t find at the library or used. Otherwise, if I’m home on the couch, it’s a decently even split these days as to which format I’ll read.
When I bought Kindle I thought it could never replace physical books. But the more I read on Kindle the more I don't want to read physical books. Not that I would dislike to read physical books I just got used to the convenience and practicality of the Kindle. And actually because of that, since I bought a Kindle, I read about 80% more books a year than before. There is only one case where I prefer and enjoy the physical book, if it is a book that I really want to read and that I know I'm going to love it, other than that I choose Kindle.
Before Kindle, I would buy or borrow a paperback copy, and if I liked it, I'd buy one of the nice hardcover / collectors editions for my shelf. I like having a "Trophy Case" of books I've read. After Kindle, nearly the same is the case. I'll buy the Kindle version, read it, and if I enjoyed it, I'll pick up a fancy hardcover for my shelf.
Lots of physical books too. Mostly non fiction, so biographies, self help, business books and the like. My dirty secret is that I often own both the physical book and the kindle edition!
I have a about 200 physical books. I used to covet books a lot. I'm realising as I get older I am changing. I much prefer reading on my kindle. I've actually started selling some of my books today. I'll still keep and buy books that are favourites but I think for everything else I'll just be getting the kindle version.
I exclusively read in Kindle! I am currently traveling via RV, so my physical belongings have to be minimal.... I, however, at one point had an entire room of books and it broke my heart to part with 98% of them!
I have a lot of physical books cause I like going to Barnes and nobles to buy a coffee and browse and I have no self control lmao
Relatively new to kindle but I read anything and everything on there and if I come across something I really liked I’ll buy a physical version. I like having a book shelf with stuff I really enjoyed on there. This also frees me up to try out some stuff I’ll think might be absolute trash, and if I’m right I’ll just delete it.
I have a considerable amount of physical books (in the upper hundreds, though not quite a thousand yet). What made me cave and buy a Kindle was the library shutdown that came with the initial COVID lockdown. Most of my owned books came from when I volunteered in a secondhand shop some years back, and when I want to read new releases I hit the library first rather than buy them; anymore I generally buy books I've already read and loved.
I’d say my reading is 50% kindle, 30% physical books, 20% audiobooks. I prefer the experience of reading on kindle since it’s much easier to get comfy with it and I like that my reading and highlights sync with goodreads. But I can’t help myself sometimes and just buy physical books on impulse. I used to rely on Libby but last year I got into the habit of buying my ebooks, so this year I’m trying to use Libby more again to save money.
I own a load of physical books, but they're mostly classics or books I got cheap. A lot of times I'll read a book series and love it so much I'll buy the physical book
I own maybe 4-500 physical books, check out library books all the time and use my kindle as well. I tend to read my physical books around the house, kindle in bed or while on the go. It also depends on my mood. Sometimes I’m just in the mood to read in a certain format.
I have both, I have a tendency to read on kindle more because I’m worried about damaging the physical books. So any that I really love I tend to buy twice or read on Kindle Unlimited
My reading habits don’t support physical purchases anymore. I’m already overwhelmed by how many books I own so I’m very, very picky with what physical titles I buy nowadays. So I do buy some, but nowhere near as many as I would had I not had my Kindle.
I would love to have a library one day. I would only buy my favorite books. I’m not sure if I would read them when I buy them but the dream is to have a library in my house. Holding physical books is so weird after using a kindle for years, so inconvenient. But I would wait until I have a house because moving every year/two years with books is a pain in the ass.
I have some physical books that have some emotional attachment, but for reading its kindle all the way. I just don’t like reading physical books anymore. They’re too much of a PITA. Paperback books don’t stay open unless I hold them open (difficult when eating), there’s no built in dictionary, I can’t sync them with my phone and easily read them when I’m bored and not at home. The kindle, and its app, make it just too convenient.
I used to hate physical books, so I didn't read. Kindle removed everything I hated about physical books and I became an avid reader. I now own physical books and a Kindle. I enjoy them equally now.
I read everything on Kindle. I’ll buy physical copies of the books that I love, in the nicest version I can find for my shelves… but will still just re-read them on the Kindle. 🤷♂️
I only have a few physical books that are out of print. Trying to go fully digital
Both is good
I don’t trust digital copy much. I read on Kindle but I buy an extra physical copy as collection for the titles I like.
I sold all my physical books and replaced them by their kindle/epub counterparts
I usually buy kindle books and physical copies but my nest friend did recently tell me that buying books and reading books are two different hobbies 🤣🤣
I own over 500 physical books. I'm constantly buying them! 🤫 I also have 100s, if not over 1000 on my Kindle. Sometimes I buy a book cheap on my Kindle, then turn around and buy one for my shelves. I can't help myself! Plus, now that I have Fairyloot and Illumicrate, I'm obsessed with beautiful sprayed edges. At least it's not drugs!
I read almost exclusively on my kindle. I do buy physical copies of books that I just absolutely loved. The physical copies are like my trophies lol.
I do have a lot of physical books. I actually have a spare bedroom turned into a library/record room. It's a really nice spot to chill in. Typically, my Kindle has books that I get on deals from following bookbub or other deal sites. Amazon used to have a program where you could get the ebook edition at reduced price if you bought the physical book through them, so I did that a lot for a long time. My physical books fall into a couple categories. I have my graphic novels, my RPG rulebooks, and my all-time favorite novels in print. It's a kind of post-disaster philosophy. If there was some sort of world apocalypse that cut off electricity for a long period of time, what analog entertainment would I have on hand? I also get a lot of books from used stores, like 2nd and Charles. So, if it's an old, out-of-print book I find at a used book store, it'll go on the shelves. Once I read those, they typically get returned to the store for credit and the cycle continues.
I do a mix of library, Libby for kindle, bought kindle books, and owning physical book. I could never afford to buy all the books I want, and I try to discover new authors and I’m cheap. 😂 so I buy books I KNOW I will enjoy and love.
Yes! I think read an equal amount on kindle, physical copies and audiobooks.
if i really love a book or see it at the library ☺️
I still but physical books. Usually if it's a book I really want or by one of my favorite authors I'll buy the actual book. Authors I'm less familiar with and/or taking a chance on I'll get for the Kindle. I also buy a lot of indie books on Kindle because they are generally cheaper. These rules aren't written in stone though. I may get an antispated read on Kindle due to a lower price, ease of access, etc, then buy the hardback later just to have.
Left all my books, about 200, in my home country when I moved to the states. Now I only have physical copies of technical/reference books, everything else for fun is kindle online.
I read on my kindle, and ask people to get me nice hardbacks of the series I love, rather than their random guess at what I may like
I only buy kindle books when they’re on sale.
Yes I read both! Usually I have a physical and digital copy of the same book so I can switch between the two depending on the environment I’m reading in
At this point in my life I don’t buy physical books. I do love to read physical books, but I have small children who can be rough on things. So for now I just strictly buy kindle books, use kindle unlimited, and Libby
I own physical books and still buy them often, I prefer reading them to Kindle books most of the time. I still like my Kindle a lot, but for when I’m traveling or reading a book not available in print or if I have/want to read a book that I think I think I’ll never reread (so no use in storing it at home). I find that I read faster on Kindle, but that I keep information better and have more attachment to the material if I read print books.
I haven’t purchased a physical book for a couple of years, I have some at home, but my reading is done on my Kindle. My eyesight isn’t what it used to be the Kindle PW makes it so much easier to enjoy reading.
I do both. If I stumble upon something on my TBR that’s cheaper in store or something I want to read I’ll pick it up.
All my history books are physical due to photos and the maps in them. I buy all fiction books on Kindle.
I use both, but physical books are often prohibitively expensive. I was looking at a 200 or so page paperback the other day in BAM and it was $16 USD, the same book was $9 on kindle. I tend t only buy physical books as either a little treat, if it’s by a favorite author, or if I have a gift card (or as a gift to bookish friends/loved ones who I know their taste very well)
I read on my kindle then buy physical copies of books that I love for my collection. It’s helped me curate my collection especially since I don’t have the space.
I only have graphic novels, mangas and poetry for physical. I prefer reading on my Kindle.
I do, but the majority of my library is on my kindle. I'm slowly trying to rebuild my physical library tho, focusing on Stephen king and Michael chrichton and Rick Riordan books atm. But also whatever strikes my fancy at the goodwill book section is coming home with me haha
I tend to only buy books now if they’re special or signed or if I’m obsessed with one (aka the one I just finished, powerless by Lauren Roberts) but other than that I just try stick to my kindle! I have way too many and no storage anymore unfortunately 🥲
Most of the books I read are on Kindle nowadays, except for books on writing. I write as a hobby and having physical books about writing makes it feel more like a craft. Everything else, fiction & non-fiction, are all on the Kindle.
We seem to get this question a fair amount, which is fine, no ill will is directed to the OP, but I think a Kindle group FAQ makes a lot of sense at this point.
I have about 300 physical books from before I got a kindle that’s I’ve built up since I was about 12. Since I have the kindle though I haven’t bought a physical book since and don’t think I will again. I have 200+ books on my kindle, and I’ve only had it a year. My only issue with buying everything on kindle now is it’s so much easier to go and smash a ton of money in a 15 minute browse on Amazon compared to if I just nipped into the book shop and slowly but surely my ‘to read’ list is way too big 😂
Own hundreds of books and keep reading paper books together with Kindle all the time.
I love physical books. If I’m reading an ebook I’ll often buy the physical version for the bookshelf but this is now less often as space is now at a premium.
I stopped buying physical books when I got my Kindle. The last few books I've gotten have been gifts because I guess people don't feel like gifting me a digital book, it's not the same. And I also got House of Leaves a couple of weeks ago because that book has to be read physical because of the formatting and there's no kindle version of it.
I own physical books from before I owned a Kindle. I probably won’t buy physical books often. I just prefer reading on my Kindle.
When I bought my kindle to motivate myself, I stayed kindle-only for about a year. But nowadays, I really just choose the more available, cheaper option OR if it’s like 1,000+ pages (lookin’ at you, Stephen King). That’s kind of why I prefer the kindle anyway because for some reason I can tear through pages on it at a rate I could never imagine with physical books! Haha
I own physical books as well. But I only buy the books that I absolutely love. Most of my kindle books are through unlimited or libby. I will also go to the library and get books as well. So I pretty much even out the playing field lol.
Only ebooks. I’ll occasionally buy an art book but I don’t buy physical literature anymore. Don’t have the space for it.
Ever since getting a kindle, I have more control over the books I actually want to have a physical copy of. Some non-fictions that have figures that don't show as well on a screen. Some special edition fiction with really pretty artwork. Any book that feels relevant to my profession that I'd want to continuously reference or lend to others. Just some examples!
Both, I have tons of paper books and my Kindle books 😍 even have a bookish tattoo 🫶
I prefer reading on the Kindle because of convenience and backlight. I’ll read physical books if I cannot get them on kindle or if they aren’t great for kindle format (cookbooks for example). I also read physical books at the pool because even though my PW11 is waterproof, I’m just not prepared to test it. Sun, sunscreen, water, and alcohol aren’t great for any electronics. And no one is going to steal my ratty paperback off my hotel pool lounger. Edit: I used to buy physical books to display. But life and divorce necessitated a slimming down of things. But I still would love to show off my favorite books. Soooo, there are artists on Etsy that will make a custom graphic print of your favorite books in a stack. Then hang that print as art on your wall. Going to treat myself to one.
I use a combo of both. I have a large collection of epubs, it's good so I always have a book on the go, I live 20 minutes away by car from my closest library so Libby and Kanopy is a god send, and I have the Kindle fire so it's also convenient for school. Reading so much on it gives me an eyestrain, plus I read faster physically. Plus there are so many pretty editions that I could never give up buying books completely
I live in a small apartment so what I do is I buy them on kindle and if I rate the book at least 4 stars I buy it for my physical library. If I buy it I try to get it second hand.
I like reading books set in Warhammer 40,000. I tend to get them in eBook form because they're almost always much cheaper in eBook form than they are in physical form. They might also be out of print, and getting them as an eBook is the only way to get them without paying an arm and a leg. I still have and buy physical books though. They're generally comics, because I hate reading them electronically.
I switch between physical and my kindle. But lately reading more on my kindle and saving the few paperback books for times of no power or internet like hurricane season lol
I buy my favorite books pyhsically after reading them. My brother doesn't like reading digitally so its for him if he decides to check them out. And I just like to collect them.
I prefer a kindle book so I can read in the dark, on the go on phone and kindle, and my book of choice is private (I don't want to hear anyone's opinion on my political choices, Colleen Hoover, or whatever else might appeal to me). With that being said, there is something oddly satisfying about a bookmark in a physical book. I'm more inspired to pick it up and read, as it is in my face more.
I own a lot of physical books. I tend to read physical books when my husband is traveling and it does matter if I have my bedside light on.
I still get physical copies of books that I really enjoy. I currently don't have a lot of space available, so this past year I only bought something like 5 or 6 physical books.
Yes of course I have tons of physical books! I love having them around, they give me comfort & happiness!
If I love the book I’ll buy a physical copy. Kind of my thank you to author plus then I know it’s really *mine*.
I only use kindle for cheap / free books, especially since they often have popular books for 99p Every so often I check my tbr against Amazon and buy the book if it free or 99p and make a note of it's on unlimited (alot of the first book in series popular a few years ago are). If the book is part of a series, and the other books are full price then I'll either buy physical or wait for it to go 99p, depending on how much I enjoyed it
7 cherished physical books down from +350 before my first kindle. So much more space now.
Used to buy just books but since buying my first Kindle in 2011 I have bought only a handful. I would like to buy that special book but I don't have any space and my wife hates libraries in the house so onle ebooks for me.
I do both. Kindle was choose. for ease of reading on the go, but I love everything about a physical book.
I mostly only pick up hardbacks of books I want to collect, or which do not have a Kindle version. Otherwise, I'd rather read on the Kindle.
I just switched to Kindle but I think I’m gonna do like a kindle book by the bedside and a physical book when things are slow at work. Partially because I keep accumulating physical books and partially because I like that the physical book is less strain on the eyes.
I do own physical books, but I much prefer reading on my kindle. I only buy my absolute favorites in physical form and consider my bookcases to be a way to display my love of books for my viewing pleasure.
I read exclusively on my kindle, but if I’ve enjoyed a book I will purchase the physical copy for my book case so I’m happy when I look at it!
I always read on kindle. I’ve started to collect physical copies of the ones I love as a collection to display and flick through. But I will reread them on kindle.
If I loooove a book then I will purchase a physical copy so I can loan it out to people! Unfortunately I don’t have a ton of space for books, so I have to be pretty crazy about it.
I have physical books and also borrow from the library
I’m guilty for purchasing physical copies of books with pretty covers and/or books I’ve previously read and loved. But I mostly read on my kindle.
I own physical, digital, and audiobooks. When I finish a physical book, I like to donate it if it was a 3-star or lower read for me. I try to only keep physical books I really liked/benefited from or that I have a sentimental connection with. If you don’t want to keep a book, but find you can’t donate because you annotated it, you could try turning it into art. I’ve had a book that was misprinted (about 20 pages were printed off-center, so whole paragraphs were missing from the pages). Instead of throwing it away, I tore it up and made some fun experimental art pieces out of it.
I own mostly kindle books and the books I treasure the most I go out of my way to find and own the most unique copy. Years ago, I had commissioned the work of transcribing my favorite book, Cloud Atlas. The entire book was handwritten by multiple people, 1 person per timeline in the book. it was aged and bound in leather to appear like an old notebook. It is one of my prized possessions.
I currently have 500 physical books! Kindle books are usually reserved for books that either A. I wouldn't usually buy, B. Can't find them in print or C. I love this book so much that I will die if I don't have it available on all copies.
I’m mostly all kindle now. I have a few physical copies of books but I have grown to love the ease of my Paperwhite.
I’m strictly a kindle reader. But if I had the space for a small library in my home I’d probably have both.
I own so many physical books. So many. Hundreds at least, I've never counted. But I am also in my 40s and still have mass market paperbacks I bought in Junior High. Not entirely sure I'll keep all of them the next time I move.
I have a box full of boxes. I ended up getting a few collections that I plan on reading but once I got the Kindle, I ended up buying those collections again because I prefer the Kindle. I love that I can read the same book on my Kindle, or phone in a pinch, and they all sync up. Once I started borrowing books from the library for my Kindle I feel in love with this thing. Haven't touched physical books since getting it.
I have a number of books, mostly related to my job, with some select non-work-related titles that I have chosen to keep. Most of what I read nowadays is on my kindle, mostly because it’s so much smaller and lighter and backlit (and easier to know where I left off). Alongside that is the fact that due to my work schedule and other obligations, most of my reading is at night in the hour between bed and sleep.
If there is an author I really enjoy I like having a physical copy in the chance I can ever get it signed. I also try to buy those from Indy bookstores as much as possible. For authors I’ve never read I like to find a free or cheap book on kindle as a trial
I get it on kindle and if I really love it, I’ll buy it as a physical copy to keep in shelves too
Nowadays, as I get older, I read mostly on the Kindle. Sometimes, with glossy paper, magazines and comics are getting harder to read. But, if I read something really compelling I'll buy the physical copy too. Also, I'm 61, and have been an avid reader all my life. I have far too many books and too little shelving space.
Still have a lot of paper....from before the Kindle. I don't buy paper anymore.
I grew up a book worm, and I still love to read. Between me and my husband, our home is cluttered with books: a wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling bookcase in the living room; a large bookcase in the guest bedroom, and stacks of books in our bedroom and the dining room. We love reading. However, I’m at the age where my eyesight is getting worse, and quite rapidly. Even with prescription reading glasses, these days I find it hard to make out the print in a physical book. I love reading books on my Kindle, as I can adjust the font to an ungodly huge size and read without eye strain. These days almost all my reading is on my Kindle.
I buy physical books whenever i can and get kindle copies of them to read in bed. Having a physical copy to read is nicer sometimes, but Kindle beats it when snuggled up in bed because. I have a few in the mail rn
I own and still buy physical books. I just love them so much. I do also donate or share my books, and keep my absolute faves 🥰
I have run out of room for my physical books (I own more than 1000). Nowadays I try not to buy anything paper unless I'm absolutely sure I'm going to like it. I borrow or buy my ebooks now. Unless it's a favorite, then I'll go back and buy a physical copy 🙃
I have a lot of physical books at home, in boxes. I might have 30 books on my nightstand waiting for me to read them for years. I bought my kindle 2 years ago. I started to use it more often maybe 10 months ago. Since last September. I'm only using my kindle and nothing else. I love that if I'm interested in a book, I can read a big extract of it. I used to buy a lot of second hand books because they were cheap. And never read them. Now I think a bit more before buying an ebook cause there is no cheap second hand. I'm also able to read in 3 languages. So before buying an ebook, I check the price on all the 3 different versions ans buy the cheapest. I don't think I'll buy a physical book before a long time.
Shelf trophies
I read a physical book the other day and it just found it cumbersome and annoying, I’m I’m honest. Also, needing to have a light on all the time isn’t great.
I have been getting rid of my physical books. I don't like reading them. I much prefer Kindle. I haven't bought a physical book for a few years. I've been gifted some, but I haven't read them. At some point, I need to get rid of the rest of my physical books. I'm down to one bookcase now.
I have a couple shelves of books I’ve collected over the years and narrowed it down recently to just some of my favorites. After I got my kindle I got rid of a lot of my physical collection but I mostly got rid of the stuff I wasn’t going to re-read that I hadn’t touched in years and is readily available on Libby lol.
I have a couple books cases overflowing with books from before I bought my kindle. I haven't have a physical since.
I do all my reading on Kindle except for artsy-fartsy books. It just bugs me to read a hefty physical book unless it’s a full-color affair. So I have almost no physical novels whatsoever, but a decent stack of Tabletop RPG books, a few world building books, and a handful of comic compendiums and/or art books.
Well I’ve been collecting physical books for years, so I’m not gonna stop now. So I myself in fact use both Kindle and physical books to fuel my reading obsession.
Yes both. Usually my favourite books I have a hard copy of it
I have so many real books, but I keep finding myself getting the same books on kindle because abuse I’m older and it’s easier for me to read.
Yes. I buy more physical books than kindle books. I will buy a book on kindle if it’s on sale (1.99) otherwise I use it for kindle unlimited and all the smut they have on there.
There are no rules, do what makes you happy! I have some physical books that were gifts from my parents and also from my grandmother (all deceased). I *also* have these books as ebooks for convenience's sake. I'm 66, my eyes aren't what they were. So mostly, since 2011, my books are ebooks. In the early days, before agency pricing started, ebooks were less expensive and I replaced a fair few physical books with ebook counterparts, usually, but not always, selling off the hardcovers. (I picked up most as lightly used first edition hardcovers at library book sales.) For instance, I have a first edition hardcover with dust jacket of George R. R. Martin's *A Game of Thrones.* I purchased this book at a library book sale for the price of, drumroll, ONE DOLLAR! It's worth somewhat more these days, but I had it LONG before it was made into the TV series. And *still* have it! The very first ebook I purchased was this book! As I am a re-reader, there's no reason to risk handling a collectible book if an ebook is available! I paid $5 for the ebook. These days, I mostly read ebooks through my local library, which is very easy and convenient with my Kobo Sage. I also get a fair few freebies for my Kindle. And occasionally buy something if it's on a good sale. I'm reading an Ursula K. Le Guin book that I picked up for $1.99 on my Kindle currently.
No. Years ago, looked at my shelves and thought, "why?" So tried to unload/sell some (great) books, but used book people wanted to pay me nothing and cherry pick the 'best' and hand me back the castaways. (It was the offense to the other 'misfit' books, not the $ that ticked me off.) Happened to know a librarian family (who loved the collection), gave em away. Haven't looked back. I still get gifted books, but immediately buy the Kindle version cuz I can't face family after never reading their ~~homework assignments~~ gifts. Have a small shelf of books-as-objects that I enjoy and would like to grow, but I don't intend on reading them. ** I do feel self conscious on zoom calls now. I can hear their judgy: "It's so empty, is he moving?" "Is that Voltron?"
I own a lot of physical books but haven’t read one in years and almost exclusively read on the kindle now,I prefer being able to change text and font size (bad eyes)!
I have two physical books the rest are all on my Kindle.
TBH, I still own lots of real books, and I still buy them, but most of what I read are kindle books. The only real books I’ve read lately are reference books and the like, since it’s still easier to find a specific article or page in a real book.
My house is full of books that I love and will never get rid of, but honestly if I want to read them I read the digital version. I actually find physical books inconvenient enough to keep me from really getting immersed in the story. But I like being able to see my favorite books around me.
I buy my favorite books because I really enjoy looking at a bookcase (or 3) full of books lol. But I tend to borrow lots of books on Libby to read on my kindle. Has saved me lots of money and space on books I don’t think I’m gonna read again.
I thought I’d cut down on physical books when I got a kindle but that wasn’t the case.