By Azariah Smith ’23
When I was about 14 years old, the book that got me into reading was Poet X. My teacher used to force us to read a book a week, and even though I hated it at first, the experience of reading Poet X was a game-changer. I was so used to reading articles and books on my computer for school, but when I held a book and sat in class for about 50+ minutes, I fell in love with reading and started ordering tons of books on my own.
Some people tell me that e-books are superior, and to them I ask, “Are you crazy!” E-books take up so much storage on your phone, and then when you want to get a new book, you have to delete other books and even buy a whole new e-book device when you can get any book you want for free at the library!
Holding a paper book makes me connect with the book more, and I can write down notes on pages that I enjoy and have meaning to me. On the other hand, with e-books you have to go through a whole process of highlighting and saving your page. Even though e-books are very accessible (you can just take your phone out and start reading wherever), you can also just easily carry around a book and get a whole different experience while reading.
Also, having bookshelves and being able to just look at all your favorite books in the comfort of your own home or the library can be very comforting more than just looking at a bunch of covers on a screen. It’s an experience unmatched by e-books.
Plus, paper books are more eye-friendly than e-books. Your eyes are exposed to blue light even more than they already are by using your phone and computers throughout the day, and studies have shown that paper books are better for your health and brain overall. My eyes are already bad as it is! Why would I want to damage them more to read an e-book? Paper books help improve your memory and also help you read faster. They Are way more comfortable to hold than holding an electronic device, and then you have to worry about lighting with e-books: they’re not very outside-friendly.
Here’s what I’m trying to say: reading is good for you, and it’s better for you when you read on paper. Go pick up a book… a real one!
The Raider Press 