I love digital books
Digital books are perfect for this crazy time when we’re stuck at home. If you’re like me, you have to read. I just have to. If I didn’t have my Kobo and I couldn’t go to the bookstore, I’d be re-reading all my old paperbacks. The ones that I’ve kept, that is. I ran out of space for storing print books long ago, and in my last move, I forced myself to condense my collection even more. I also love reading digital books because I can adjust the font for my poor aging eyes. No squinting at tiny print! And another beautiful thing is going to the online bookstore, one (or two) clicking and having a new book to read, even if you’re on your couch or in bed at midnight
If you’re new to reading digital books, do not be afraid!
Here are your choices:
Amazon
Everyone knows Amazon and they’re definitely the biggest retailer for digital books. You can read on a Kindle (there are many types, you can check them out – you don’t have to spend a fortune), or you can read on your computer, tablet or phone. You just need to download the Kindle app and there you go! Amazon used to have the best search tool, but changes have made it a little less user friendly and their bestseller lists are made up mostly of books in Kindle Unlimited.
If you’re not familiar with Kindle Unlimited (KU), it’s a subscription service where you pay a monthly fee and can borrow a number of books for free each month. I have some books in KU available for borrowing, but most of mine are not, because if your books are in KU they can’t be sold elsewhere. I like to have my books selling at all the retailers because not everyone reads on Kindle. So the bestseller lists at Apple and B&N and Kobo look quite different that the ones on Amazon.
B&N
Same thing goes – they have their nook ereader, or their app.
Kobo
Similar to Amazon and B&N, they too have ereaders. I LOVE my Kobo Aura H2O. It’s waterproof so I can take it to the beach or in the bathtub, and the brightness adjusts automatically so I can read in the dark, or even outside in the sun. They do have the app as well for your computer, tablet or phone.
Apple Books
You need to have an Apple device for Apple books, but many people have iPhones and iPads. Download the app!
Google Play Books
Books from Google Play can be read on computer, tablet or phone. This retailer isn’t as popular, but it’s there as another option.
Most of these retailers have help and trouble shooting online. It’s much simpler now than when I got my first Sony reader and had to hook up to the computer with a cable to get books onto my reader. Now with Wifi it’s just a matter of syncing.
If you’re not ready to try a dedicated reading device, download one of the apps on your phone or tablet and give it a try!