E-Readers Vs Bookshops
Will e-readers spell the end for bookshops?
With the invention of the e-reader and companies like Amazon, Kobo and the iTunes stores giving us instant access to books, it’s making it easier to get books without even having to leave our homes.
Bookshops and Libraries have struggled as a result – the latter suffering closures due to budget restraints and Borders was certainly an example of a high street store losing the pricing war with the online retailers.
We have seen many well-known stores disappear from the high street in recent years. Places like Woolworths, HMV and Blockbusters have all struggled and failed to stay ahead of the game when it comes to keeping up with online rivals like Love Film and Netflix. Even supermarkets are posing a big threat not only to them but to bookshops.
I tend to be a user of both. I have a Kindle and despite originally vowing I would never own one, I see the appeal. It’s a chance to store many books in the same place and it’s perfect for holidays, no need to carry heavy books in handbags. However, the online downloading could never replace the excitement of browsing the bookshelves, flicking through the books. Even the smell of books is something I love. There will always be a place for shelves crammed with books in my house.
Which do you use most? Do you think the e-reader is the beginning of the end for bookshops? Do you prefer one over the other and why?
by 
I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.
4 Responses to E-Readers Vs Bookshops
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I do own a Kindle, and I take it with me when travelling, but I still prefer to actually go into a bookshop and choose a book from the shelves. Sadly, this is a treat these days as the last bookshop in my home town closed some years ago. I think there will always be readers who enjoy the visceral experience of an actual book, but I do fear that the only way to obtain a book will be online or in a supermarket. I do think physical books will survive, but I’m not sure about bookshops.
It’s a shame about not having any bookshops. Have you read The Bookshop Strikes Back by Ann Pratchett? That’s about how there wasn’t a shop in her home town so she opened one.
I love books and don’t think you can totally atke them out of the market place, there is nothing like holding a new (or old) book in your hands. I have a kindle and will take it on hols with me for convenience but I don’t think they will replace books. I hope not anyway.
I am the same, Carol. I have a kindle and go between the two but won’t stop with books completely. I do like my kindle a lot more than I thought I would when I got it.