My suitcase is heavy because I packed a whole lot of books--possibly more books than clothes--for most trips. I'd rather pack books than clothes. I'd rather pack books than my toothbrush.
For the record, I do bring clothes and a toothbrush! I'm not that silly...
But, aside from my son, my family, and my dogs and cat, books are my one true love. They always have been. I can't imagine a life without books or without reading.
So, I bring books--actual books, not a Kindle or Nook or Fire or other tablet or e-reader--when I travel.
I like the weight of them.
I like the smell of them.
I like the sensation--the feel, the sound, the visual--of turning the pages.
I like it all.
And, frankly, even with advances in technology and improved reading surfaces, I still find it hard to read on an e-reader or tablet. My eyes get tired and I get bored. I find it harder to really enjoy e-readers in any way.
Does that mean I never use a device to read? No. In fact, I have Kindle on my phone and use Amazon Reading via Amazon Prime as well when an actual book is inconvenient or not allowed (like at work!).
So, as I sit here typing this from Buenos Aires, Argentina where I am currently traveling, I am also within arms reach of the 14 books I brought with me--you read that right! 14 books! I filled literally half of a suitcase just with books for this trip. And, I made sure to leave space to bring home any books I might purchase. Buenos Aires has some incredible book stores!
At the moment, I am actively reading all fourteen books that I brought with me, as well as a couple via Kindle.
My grandmother taught me the joy of reading early, along with my mom, and both encouraged me to read (almost) whenever the urge struck. I am so grateful for their influence!
Although I have started reading all of the books I brought with me, I am furthest along in:
- The Girl Who Takes an Eye for an Eye by David Lagercrantz
- The Book of Joy by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Douglas Abrams
- Dare to Lead by Brene Brown
I'm enjoying all three thoroughly and was most surprised by The Girl Who Takes an Eye for an Eye! I loved the first three books in the Lisbeth Salander series by Steig Larsson that I put off reading the first book by Langercrantz after Larsson passed away. I was afraid it wouldn't be the same--and I was right. There were too many inconsistencies and the story just didn't carry itself in the same way--you can read my review HERE. I then put off reading an Eye for an Eye because I didn't want to be disappointed again, but at the same time, I love the character of Lisbeth so much that I was curious and finally gave in and bought it an airport shop a few months ago. It languished on my shelf until a week ago when a friend saw it and commented on it. I started reading it, and it still isn't the same as the original three books, but it's a lot closer than Langercrantz's first attempt at the Lisbeth Salander story.
How about you? Do you take actual books with you when you travel or are you a fan of e-readers instead? Post a comment below!
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