I’ve written about this before, but it’s still on my mind.
To e-read or not to e-read?
I’ve gone back and forth over the past couple years. I own a Nook Color, and I own a 100+ books. I love books, the smell, the feel, how virtually indestructible they are. Books are perfection as is.
But then e-readers are the new normal. And they’re great in some ways. Hundreds, if not thousands, of books at the click of a button. Easily transportable. And library friendly, too! Plus, I’ve begun to get advance e-copies of books to review, which pretty much require an e-reader.
But my Nook Color is not ideal for my reading style. It’s great for at home, but clunky and heavy when on the go. So I’ve been, since it came out in the spring, looking at the Nook Glowlight. It seems perfect for my needs, though reviewers saying the screen is extremely fragile leave me a bit wary.
The major question is, can I be an e-reader reader through and through? If I splurge (yes, for me it’s a splurge) on the Nook Glowlight ($139) then I have to use it. A lot. And pass by on paper books for the foreseeable future. That doesn’t mean I’ll never buy a paper book again in my life, though.
Pros of an new Nook: Portable, convenient, small and lightweight since I read a lot of 800+page books, e-books are a *bit* cheaper, makes moving easier since I will not be adding more physical books to my collection.
Cons: E-books seem non-permanent. Can’t lend books to family, friends. I feel like I am betraying indie bookstores and bibliophiles. I want a library brimming with books in my future home.
Sigh. Hard decision.
About A Book 
I say just go with how you feel on any given day. To me, it’s kind of like deciding what you feel like eating for a particular meal…one day you’ll want a pasta dish and a salad; the next day, you might go for that steak, potato, and vegetable. The third day, you might choose seafood. I guess the key is a “balanced diet” of print and e-book formats…if one can afford it.
Most importantly, don’t stress over it because no matter what format you select, you’ll still be reading…and to me, that’s what counts!
I have an e-reader only because my husband bought it for me. I use it only so it doesn’t go to waste. I think I would’ve been perfectly happy reading paper copies for a few more years. But my Kindle does come in handy for travelling when I can’t fit anything more in my carry-on. (Though I hate having to turn it off during take-off and landing!) Good luck making your decision.
I have the Nook simple touch which is almost exactly like the glow light just without the glow. I have never had any problems with the screen. I also work at Barnes and Noble and am trained to sell and fix nooks. I haven’t had anyone come in (at least while I was working) that have had problems with the screen. Also you can sync your color and glow so if you start reading on one the other will update to whatever page you left of on. I love my nook and I’m looking into getting one of the new tablets when they release in November. I also still buy books. If I read a book I love on my e-reader i’ll purchase it in paper. I also continue to buy paper books of series I have already started in paper. It gives a nice balance to do it that way.
I am like you. I have a Nook Simple Touch and I have moods where I exclusive read on my nook. But if there is a book that I simply have to have on my shelves then I purchase it. The screen on my Nook Simple is fragile< i have already broken it. But I purchased the warranty and B&N just replaced it with a new one.
Thanks for all the great comments! I decided I think I’ll really get a lot of use out of the Nook Glowlight, so I got it today. I’ll be posting my thoughts on it soon!