There is so much about a book. From when you first see it on the shelf in the library or bookshop. (There is also the whole cosy feeling of libraries and bookshops that I could go on forever about as well.)The cover that catches your eye. The shape and weight of it as you carefully pick it out and turn it over to read the blurb. The raised writing that you often get on the cover that you run your hands over, whilst deciding if this is the book you want. The buying/taking out of your chosen book and taking it home. Placing it on the shelf, waiting eagerly until you can read it. Going to bed early before you start it so that you can read it for a long time (even after you have been told several times to put the light out.). Then there’s the pretty bookmarks and sentimental items used to keep your place. 

Then the reading. This deserves a new paragraph. The feel of the book as you hold it in your hands. The dry thumbs you get after reading for a long time. The feeling as you turn the page. Finding out about the weight of the paper subconsciously as you turn. The sound as you turn the page. The satisfying sound as you close the book when you can’t keep your eyes open anymore. The smell of the book. How it varies depending on the age of the book and the type of paper used. The different size and style of fonts and the smudges you find. How you tap your birthday presents, listening for that recognisable dull sound that means you have received a book. Reading the dedications page, how you feel related to the author and you see the effort and emotions that have gone into the book. Seeing how much you have read and that feeling when you reach halfway. The strange feeling of sadness and joy as you finish a book. You can start a new one, but the story that has absorbed you is over. 

This is all I can think and have time for right now. Some of it you may not have experienced and you may have experienced different things to me. I know a few things I have mentioned are possible with an E-book but I felt I would include them anyway. I think you can see why the warning was necessary now. Sorry! I think it is obvious that I am strictly against E-books, for all the above-mentioned reasons and because my mum is a librarian so she would be out of a job if E-books became big. There is also the cost which I feel is way too much when you can buy books and experience all of the points above. The only idea I do like with the e-books is the ease of carrying the books. They are all stored on a small electronic device and so I wouldn’t have to take a separate bag full of books when I go on holiday. Oh dear, I really have written an essay here. I apologise for that. Anyway, I think I have written more than enough so I shall stop now. Just one more line. I feel very strongly about e-books but I would be interested to read your thoughts and debate your contradictions! That is finally all.

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