Why Printed Books Still Make Sense

I love the smell of books, particularly old ones. There is something almost reverent about taking a well-worn book in my hands and leafing through its pages. There is also an excitement to opening a newly printed book for the first time and feeling the crispness of the pages.

I’m not a digital native. I’m old enough to remember when my dad purchased our very first Atari 400. He used to write computer games for K through 6 schools in the school district where he also worked as a teacher.

As technology has become ubiquitous in our lives, printed books have increased in value for me as a way to disconnect from it all. Even as I type this article, a tattered, old copy of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Return of the King sits on my desk next to my keyboard. I’m going to return to reading about the ride of the Rohirrim momentarily.

A friend recently loaned me a book printed in 1899. It was a large volume — more than 1,500 pages — of compiled articles, short stories, poems, and historical footnotes. It had to be handled carefully to ensure the pages were not accidentally detached from the binding. For me, holding that book and reading from its pages was a spiritual experience. I love the language of the late 1800s. While there are many an amazing wordsmith today, renowned authors of that epoch commanded the language they used in a way that I feel has been lost (a topic for another day).

Technology offers many advantages over printed books. Hundreds (or thousands) of books can be toted around in a jacket pocket on a cell phone or e-reader. There’s no need to carry highlighters, pens, or pencils for taking notes. Simply tap the screen and type the note. Text can be copied without the need to re-type or scribe by hand.

In contrast, when you’re reading a print book, you may be limited to carrying just one or two books with you at a time. You have to keep a pen handy for jotting down notes or highlighting a favorite passage. They fall apart. Pages get torn. They’re basically like a sponge when liquid is spilled on them.

In a January 2019 article written for Statista.com, Amy Watson noted that in 2018 more than 675 million printed books were sold in the United States alone. In the years 2016 through 2019, even as many inexpensive e-reader options reached mainstream availability, adults reported that 65% of the time, on average, they elected a printed book over e-reader or audiobook options.

Why? Why do people still overwhelmingly prefer printed books over e-books or audiobooks?

Before I get to that, let me say that I do own an e-reader. I use it. But, I use it less than 20% of the time I spend reading.

As I already alluded to, there’s just something about taking a book in your hands; feeling the weight of it, and being able to actually turn the pages. it’s a tactile experience you can’t get from an electronic book.
Recent studies (here, here, here, and here) seem to show that reading comprehension and retention are better with printed books that e-book alternatives.
Newer studies seem to indicate that paper books (outside of the potential for a papercut) are better for our health. The light emitted by so many digital screens hinders a persons ability to sleep which leads to cognitive impairment the next day.
The “interactiveness” of books helps children, especially small ones, learn. Tactile learning is critical. (Note, it’s not recommended that infants be given paper books as their drool will likely dissolve the pages.)
There are no batteries that die. I’ve had an e-reader quit on me mid-sentence. That’s never happened with a print book. Of course, an e-reader is easier to read when the power goes out, but I’ve still been known to use my cell phone’s flashlight feature to read a printed book instead of just reading it on my phone.
Related to #5, you don’t have to buy additional technology to read a print book.
People love to display what they’ve read. I have 3 bookcases loaded with books placed such that they’re visible in all the Zoom calls and Teams meetings I attend. They make a great backdrop and give me the appearance of being well-read. (Disclosure: I collect books. More than half of the books in my collection are, as yet, unread, but I am working my way through them one volume at a time — or sometimes five or six at a time; depends on my mood.)

If you have your own reasons that you prefer a print book over e-book, I’m interested to hear about it. Feel free to drop me a line in the comments.

Thanks for reading! Now, back to the Rohirrim.