"Why don’t you buy an
e-reader, like a Kindle or something?"
A year back, I would have considered that question rather
abhorrent.
Enough to elicit a reaction that involved rolling of eyes
and flaring of nostrils. And even before I realized, the words would be out of
my mouth. “NOOOOO WAY! HOW CAN YOU READ
FROM THAT “THING”!
Now, that 'THING' is what I stare at most of the time.
The story goes something like this.
You know that feeling when you go to a bookstore and see at least
four paperbacks that you want to pick up. And one look at the price tag is all
that you need to walk out of the door as fast as you can. Trust me that feeling
surfaces very often IF you live in any country where the official currency is
not INR.
After a few Google searches and long walks around the neighborhood,
I discovered libraries only to feel more disappointed. Ok, no offence here, but the last time I ruffled
through a Women’s Era was when I was at a Salon, maybe, like 4 years ago or
something? The librarian insists that they have a great collection including
issues from the late 90s. Did she think I missed “Hubbies Howlers”? (Really???!)
The second library was definitely relaxing, by the beach and
all that, but then coffee table books are not the only thing I want to read. The
thrift shop around the corner too decided to close operations.
You can imagine how much of a letdown this was when back
home I used to buy books, borrow books, be part of libraries where they picked
and dropped books. Sigh. It was easier than ordering a pizza!
The overzealous expat that I am, none of the above really
stopped me from joining a new book club. And yet again I was back to square one.
“Do I really need to
BUY every book that we are discussing!?”
“Why is the best library in town the farthest from my house?”
“Ok, maybe I don’t need to attend this meeting because they
are not discussing a book which I have”
Then, of course, there is the eternal problem of weight and
space and everything else especially when you are a nomad shifting houses, cities
and countries! Where do you think we send all our beloved books? Of course, to
the best book keepers in the world, our parents J
All is hunky dory till even they start shifting houses.
My mother had to single handedly pack four giant cartons full
of books while Dad and her shifted to a new house, the after math of which was
the ISD call she made to politely let me know that all the three bookshelves
and the loft were filled with books belonging to me and my dear sibling. Let me
sum up that conversation in a single statement - “No more books in this house
please!”
Dang!
It was time to move.
The next thing I knew I was placing an order for the 'THING' -
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite.
No biggie. I am sure most of you who are reading this might
already own an e-reader.
But for someone who always rolled their eyes and scoffed at
the idea, it was a big decision
Fortunately, our beloved internet is full of websites that
offer the widest variety of e books, and many of them don’t even cost a penny. The mere satisfaction of having so many books
in your possession does give you one hell of a high and you are never out of
options to read. Heck! I am even getting
used to reading three at a time!
Although having said that, deep down I am still a paperback
girl. I guess we all are.
Maybe a book here and a few there?
Sorry Ma, we may just
have to build another book shelf!!
