Monday, January 24, 2011

My New Toy

I think I've mentioned here before that I am compulsively drawn to any kitchen gadget that plugs in. Well, I've discovered a twist on that addiction: A book that plugs in.

It's a Nook!


I have coveted this gizmo since the first day I saw it. Normally when I pack for a trip I take along clothes and books in approximately equal proportions, and on vacations, I practically have to buy a ticket for my reading material. Barnes & Noble hooked me with "Stores 10,000 books!" and reeled me in with "Stunning, full-color touchscreen!" and "Fun social features!"

In the MomQueenBee house, though, the not-inconsequential expenses of having four Boys in college take precedence over frivolities, even frivolities that are"The Ultimate Reading Experience!" Almost two years ago I started saving found money--those funds that are unexpected and uncommitted: Birthday gifts.Proceeds from playing at weddings and funerals. Quarters found on the sidewalk.

It's the modern equivalent of egg money, and even though the Nook set me back the equivalent of about 350 dozen eggs, I'm glad those figurative hens kept laying. It's been well worth the wait.

Not only have I read several books since Christmas, I also have crosswords and Sudoku at my fingertips during boring meetings quiet moments.

The only downside is that I've had to remind myself of some basic economics that I seem to have a hard time grasping. Over the weekend I had finished the book loaded on my reader and didn't find one that interested me on free download sites. I downloaded a sample of a novel, decided to buy it, then realized I could check it out at the public library.

"Ooooh," I thought to myself, "that means I have $10 I didn't have before."

There is a fallacy in this thinking, but darned if I can pinpoint what it is.

4 comments:

  1. I bought T a Kindle when they first came out, and he loves it, but I've not warmed up to electronic books myself.

    However, now that I can download textbooks, I'm starting to see some benefit.

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  2. Mom, if you download from the library, you have to read it before your checkout time expires. A while back I was in the middle of a good book & it froze--finally figured out what happened. It's still a good deal. You're lucky if you can check out a book without a wait, though.

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  3. Linda, I discovered the same thing! The library I use does have an option for a 21-day check-out, which I hadn't realized when I began using e-books. But you're right about the wait. I always make sure my "books on hold" list is at its limit.

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  4. Using your logic: With 6 avid readers in our house, I should soon be earning my gas money to and from work. Thanks for the spare change!!! :)

    P.S. Do I get a bonus if I have books checked out from 3 different libraries?!?! Don't even ask . . .

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