Have I mentioned that I have a Kindle? And that I LOVE my Kindle? And that it is interfering with my previously-totally-monogamous relationship with the Santa Clara County Library System? (OK, I have had some flings with my SJ Library Cambrian Branch, but not since that EXCESSIVELY PUNITIVE nearly triple-digit fine. I'm done with you, Cambrian Branch!)
Here's one of the many reasons I love my Kindle. I have been wanted to re-read Infinite Jest since DFW's untimely death. I retrieved the print edition from the book club lady who had borrowed it and ... ALMOST started it.
But people. I read in bed. I read while I am drying my hair. I read while preparing my breakfast, while eating my breakfast, and while rinsing and stacking my dishes from breakfast. This mofo is BULKY. It is FLOPPY. It weighs like twenty pounds (Amazon puts it at 2.8 pounds, but LIES.) It totally precludes lying on my side in bed and holding it with one hand, my Signature Move.
Now consider:10 ounces. Thin like a New Yorker. Non-floppy. Conversation starter with strangers at the community center (okay, that's actually a drawback for me). EASILY held with one hand while lying on my side in bed. HYPERLINKS TO THE FOOTNOTES. And really, really easy to read. So very, very awesome in all respects.
But so for instance I have three books out of the library right now (three crusty, publicly-handled books) and they are not getting read AT ALL. Granted, they are competing with some pretty amazing content -- I am so happy that Infinite Jest is even BETTER than I remember it; it wasn't just that I was 24 and In A Certain Place In Life -- but still. I feel bad. I feel a little guilty. I turn their covers to the wall before I slide the on switch and make the little John Steinbeck screen saver vanish and slide into bed with this year's model. And, ohhhh, it's so good!
Next post: my conflicted relationship with my iPod -- Why does it love "Jazz Police" so damn much?
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