True Story: For the Love of the Nook

I would gaze at the Nook from afar in Barnes and Noble.  We may have made eye contact across the crowded store a few times, but that was it. I never really held one or borrowed a friends. I didn't need to. I had my beautiful and traditional books.  I loved their covers, I loved the smell, and I loved their texture. Why would I want to replace that? I am an English teacher for crying out loud. Isn't it against my genetic code to buy an e-reader? So when asked about a Kindle or a Nook, I firmly planted my feet in the ground and said, "No way.  I read REAL books...." and continued with what I thought was a decent explanation.  


And then it happened.  A year or two later, I was browsing through Barnes and Noble, like the true nerd I am, and I ended up near the Nook stand. I heard the salesman talking about the new and improved updates.  I even noticed that the price went down. I eavesdropped overheard him talking to a group of potential buyers from where I was (checking out the bargain books) and I couldn't deny my curiosity.  Even my husband, the traitor, was over there listening to the salesman's persuasive speech. 

My Nook

As I got closer, I found myself becoming more and more intrigued by the Nook. If this were a Lifetime movie, this is the part where Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game" would start playing.  I finally reached the stand and I was lovestruck. I will admit that at first I was consumed with superficial love. I noticed the beautiful touch screen at the bottom, the easy to read font, and to my delight, the Nook even had fancy covers.  Please know that I am a sucker for accessories.  


I did it.  I went back on my word (which I rarely do!) and bought a Nook this past fall.  That's when the real love affair truly began.  At first, it was pretty tame, because I wasn't sure how to download e-books to from NetGalley or access Barnes and Noble's free e-books on Fridays and I was even experiencing some buyer's remorse. But now that I know what I am doing (and once I got over my guilt), I can proudly announce that it's LOVE.  I will always adore REAL books and I still read many actual books, but having a Nook has some major perks. 

Top Five Reasons I Love My Nook:

5.  It has a Kate Spade cover. This Nook is better dressed than I am. 

4.  I can get free e-books, free smoothies and coffees by just bringing my Nook to Barnes and Noble.

3.  I can download books immediately and even from the beach. Most of the books I buy are cheaper than real books, which saves me money.  Plus, when you go on vacation, you don't have to pack five books and weigh down your luggage. Please tell me I am not the only one who packs books on vacation.  Another perk is when reading your Nook in public no one knows what I am reading. So on the beach or at the doctor's waiting room, I don't have to put up with judgy looks and glares, because I am reading a book about fifteen year olds. Yes, I read YA and I like it, but sometimes it's nice to not have to deal with questions and/or people that want to spark up inane conversations. I spend my time "selling" books at work- it's nice to get a break once in awhile.  

2.  NetGalley = AMAZING

1.  It saves me space. I no longer look like the crazy lady who lives with 100 books.  I only buy books that I want "real live" copies of and everything else goes to my classroom library, or I pass to my grandmother and friends. Don't get me wrong. I still have a fantastic bookshelf, but it no longer looks like books go there to die.

And that, my friends, is my true confession. I said it before and I'll say it again-- I heart my Nook.  

Have a great weekend,