Do People still read books? With all the latest information technology and interactive software, it seems like people have stopped reading the good old fashioned hard/soft covered book.
Everything is made for on-the-go, and is light and compact. Our Laptops, i-Pads, Mobile Phones, allow us to read anything we want while traveling to and from work, on our lunch break, on a plane, traveling anywhere in the world, while driving, shopping, in bed, in the bathroom even! There isn't anywhere we can't take our books or information today.
Are there any advantages to having that Physical Book?
Yes! I personally have found some advantages that even today with all the latest gadgets and software tools, I am still choosing to pick up that physical book, flop down on my favorite place, and enjoy some reading.
First, my eyes don't hurt. The glare and lighting of electronic devices after a few hours can really hurt your eyes. Especially with reading, because your eyes are constantly fixed on the screen.
Secondly, I read books not only for pleasure, but for learning. Primarily for learning. I believe books written for others to read, are for the purpose of knowledge of one source or another. If I am going to learn something I read in a book, remember it, then go out and apply it, I am going to have to do more than just read it.
I like to study books. When I sit down with a new book, I bring my highlighters one or two colors will do. I also use a pen and a ruler for underlining valid points in the text. I also like to make notes in the margins of the book.
Some of you may be shrieking at this point. You may be asking, "How can you do those things to a book?" "Do you have any respect for your books?" What if you want to read it again, and find different points or want to erase other points previously noted?' and, "What if you want to lend your book to someone else?"
These are all very valid concerns and questions. I solve all these issues by doing 2 Simple Things:
1. I keep more than one copy of the same book. I call one My Copy, and the other one stays clean and new for sharing with others my points, or giving a copy away. Suggestion: Many websites like e-Bay, Amazon, Discount Books, BookFinder, have a great selection of books second-hand at very reasonable prices, so you can order 2 or 3 copies of the same book, between 2$-15$ per book.
2. Thanx to our wonderful technology, most often, I find a PDF Version of the book I want to read. I download it print it, hole-punch it and put it in a binder, or duo-tang. Ready to read! Many books you have to pay for, but still have a download-able version. So far, in the last 3 months, all 12 books I have chosen to read, I have been able to find them in PDF format for FREE, download them, and print them- ready for reading highlighting and learning.
I had a conversation with a friend recently. She shared with me how reading just 10 pages a day, in a real book, has made a dramatic difference over time in many areas of her personal and professional life. So, I decided there must be more to this book reading than I thought. Well, actually, I know there is, but I had lost the habit I once had before being so busy with family and work. I remember how much I did benefit from reading, and learning, and making many applications of new skills I had learned into many areas of my life too. Regular reading had just become pushed so far back on the list of things to do, that it was forgotten altogether.
So, on that note everyone, I will end my article here for today. I have a Great New Book to go READ!!! (if you are curious...I'll be diving into Jay Kubassek's BlackBook-"5 Steps to your Million Dollar Game Plan")
So how about it? Ready to pick up a Book and start a New Adventure Today?
Everything is made for on-the-go, and is light and compact. Our Laptops, i-Pads, Mobile Phones, allow us to read anything we want while traveling to and from work, on our lunch break, on a plane, traveling anywhere in the world, while driving, shopping, in bed, in the bathroom even! There isn't anywhere we can't take our books or information today.
Are there any advantages to having that Physical Book?
Yes! I personally have found some advantages that even today with all the latest gadgets and software tools, I am still choosing to pick up that physical book, flop down on my favorite place, and enjoy some reading.
First, my eyes don't hurt. The glare and lighting of electronic devices after a few hours can really hurt your eyes. Especially with reading, because your eyes are constantly fixed on the screen.
Secondly, I read books not only for pleasure, but for learning. Primarily for learning. I believe books written for others to read, are for the purpose of knowledge of one source or another. If I am going to learn something I read in a book, remember it, then go out and apply it, I am going to have to do more than just read it.
I like to study books. When I sit down with a new book, I bring my highlighters one or two colors will do. I also use a pen and a ruler for underlining valid points in the text. I also like to make notes in the margins of the book.
Some of you may be shrieking at this point. You may be asking, "How can you do those things to a book?" "Do you have any respect for your books?" What if you want to read it again, and find different points or want to erase other points previously noted?' and, "What if you want to lend your book to someone else?"
These are all very valid concerns and questions. I solve all these issues by doing 2 Simple Things:
1. I keep more than one copy of the same book. I call one My Copy, and the other one stays clean and new for sharing with others my points, or giving a copy away. Suggestion: Many websites like e-Bay, Amazon, Discount Books, BookFinder, have a great selection of books second-hand at very reasonable prices, so you can order 2 or 3 copies of the same book, between 2$-15$ per book.
2. Thanx to our wonderful technology, most often, I find a PDF Version of the book I want to read. I download it print it, hole-punch it and put it in a binder, or duo-tang. Ready to read! Many books you have to pay for, but still have a download-able version. So far, in the last 3 months, all 12 books I have chosen to read, I have been able to find them in PDF format for FREE, download them, and print them- ready for reading highlighting and learning.
I had a conversation with a friend recently. She shared with me how reading just 10 pages a day, in a real book, has made a dramatic difference over time in many areas of her personal and professional life. So, I decided there must be more to this book reading than I thought. Well, actually, I know there is, but I had lost the habit I once had before being so busy with family and work. I remember how much I did benefit from reading, and learning, and making many applications of new skills I had learned into many areas of my life too. Regular reading had just become pushed so far back on the list of things to do, that it was forgotten altogether.
So, on that note everyone, I will end my article here for today. I have a Great New Book to go READ!!! (if you are curious...I'll be diving into Jay Kubassek's BlackBook-"5 Steps to your Million Dollar Game Plan")
So how about it? Ready to pick up a Book and start a New Adventure Today?
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