Beach reading

I just ordered a Nook from Barnes and Noble (yeah!) . . . I can't wait for it to arrive. I haven't really ever thought of getting an e-reader -- Definition: an electronic reader is a device for reading content, such as e-books, newspapers, and documents. A standalone e-reader typically has wireless connectivity for downloading content and conducting other Web-based tasks.

Yes, I have briefly pondered what it would be like to have an iPad to play with, but I already have my iPhone and I have a great system for getting books that I need (for free). I'm a pro at placing books on hold at the library and only having to make a five-minute trip to use the self-check out to get what I need. And, I dare anybody to rival my mad-skills at using the Interlibrary Loan system. Still, I just couldn't justify considering an e-reader before now. I always glance at the other passengers on my bus because of my curiosity of Kindle's popularity. I'm one of the few who still carries my library book in my purse. I also have a the iPhone, so I can check Facebook, Twitter, emails, or read electronically using an iPhone app. But, the thought of a reading a novel on the iPhone is just too weird for me. And, on vacation, I know the sun glare would interfere with the readability.

I'm now a member in two different book clubs, and I'm finding it tough to finish two books each month. Luckily, my daily schedule provides me with two 60 minute bus rides. (If only I could find that much time to work-out!!) Honestly, though, I value my bus time for reading (at least if I'm not snoozing).

The major push for finally ordering an e-reader was seeing this month's books for the bookclubs stacking up; they're both at least one-inch thick. And, our long-off and far-far-away Caribbean Cruise vacation is approaching in 10 (yes, I wrote 'ten') days away. (Woo hoo!) I'm starting to pack for the cruise and was even considering throwing in Harry Potter 7, which I started to read in law school and never finished. But, HP7 is at least 1.5 inches thick. The thought of lugging those three books in my carry-on while walking through airports, on the cruise ship, or at ports . . . and whipping them out on the plane, at the pool or at the beach was not at all appealing.

I decided that I could spend my soon-to-be wonderful vacation/cruise like this:
(and look like a mad-woman!!!)

But, I'd rather lug around jugs of Rum in my overstuffed bag and armload than books (BTW: I do love books, just not as much as rum).

Instead, I plan to still have all my books with me, with this type of convenience (its definitely like having your cake, and eating it too):


I can't wait. I know I'll love it!!! (Sorry for the cake reference, I actually would eat it, unlike this skinny model, who obviously doesn't eat cake - or those dreadful (meaning super yummy) Starburst Jelly Beans that are available in the Easter Candy aisle that I delighted in this weekend and tonight).

Back to the Nook:
I went for the certified used version from the Barnes and Noble website. It was $139 + tax for the regular Nook (not the color-nook) that will have the capabilities of both wi-fi and 3G network for downloading books.

It took me awhile to decide on the Nook. I also considered a Kindle. Both offer e-ink (meaning that the text display actually looks like inked booktext); its doesn't have a back-lit display like a computer or iPhone (meaning its not supposed to strain your eyes as much); plus it features a readable display in bright sunlight (a definite necessity for the beach). The really distinguishing factor for me though, was its ability to read both Google ebooks and ebooks that I can check-out for free from the Denver and/or Boulder Libraries. I think eventually the selection for the ebooks will increase through the library, but the options are amazing for book purchases.

I'm sure that I'll write more about it after I get it and start using it.

ta ta - see you after I'm tanned, relaxed, and rum-loaded . . .