Between the Lines

I have had my interest in reading rekindled recently.

It’s been great diving back into books. Finally got around to reading “Watchmen,” the great DC Comics graphic novel from the 1980s. While doing the story on the Grand Terrace used bookstore, I picked up a book I had read 20 years ago, and have since devoured it again.

But the problem now is I want more.

And here’s my dilemma: Do I go out and buy the book in print, or do I go out and invest in something I can use as an e-reader?

(And yes, I know there’s the library, and I really should go. But this blog isn’t so much about the reading part of the equation, so let’s skip ahead now.)

The Gen-Xer in me says I need to stay current with my technology. While the kid who grew up with books says not to give up on them just yet.

But the lure of a new toy is so strong. The self-gratification that comes from buying up the latest bit of technology can be a strong one. Of course, I could just use the Kindle app on my phone, but screen is so small and then I wouldn’t get the new toy.

But another part of the problem has become that e-readers are nice, but they’re already feeling a bit long in the tooth. Because now you can get a tablet computer that can be used as an e-reader, a game console and just about anything else at a price that’s not that much more than your average e-reader.

So there’s that issue, do I plunk down the extra money and get a tablet and deal with the extra nonsense, or get an actual e-reader that may be obsolete next week.

Which is why the argument in head just swings back to sticking with books. A book will never be obsolete in that sense. The printed page has been around for centuries, and will still be for decades to come. And having worked at newspapers for half my life, the idea of supporting the printed page seems like the noble thing to do.

But then, my brain goes back the other way. One of the books I’ve wanted to read is the insiders look at the history of ESPN titled “Those Guys Have All the Fun.” Sounds like a good read, but then you look at the book. It’s huge. It weighs in at 700 pages. Which sounds like a good reading challenge.

Except when you have no place to store it. And it’ll become just another thing taking up box space (and weight) in the next move. And with more than just one new book catching my eye (“Ready Player One” is getting some strong reviews and sounds right up my alley), that’s going to be a heavy box.

Of course, then there’s the finances to all of this, which is going to be the final determining factor on what gets bought.

And when you look at it that way, maybe the library is the right answer after all.