Paperphilia, according to Word Spy, is "a deep appreciation for the aesthetic qualities of paper; a preference for reading items printed on paper rather than displayed on a screen." I love the convenience of my Kindle, but my paper books keep calling to me. Day in, day out. Read me, touch me, turn my pages down, write notes in me. It never stops.
I read two books on the Kindle in a row recently. Wonderful, intriguing novels. I have more waiting for me, but I had to grab a paperback next. Get my hands on paper again. Slide into the bathtub, my favorite reading place, without fear. I grabbed my pencil and bookmark and felt a sense of calm, turning down several pages just for the sensation.
The two Kindle books I loved... I now fight the urge to buy the paperback versions. I might want to read them again, mark them up, show my appreciation. Wait, I think I stumbled on something. When I love a story, the book is the emotional reminder sitting on my shelf. It's tattered, worn cover and dog-eared pages reflect my love. All my notes are like love letters to a boyfriend, forever captured on the page.
I have a long way to go, but the first steps are identifying and admitting the problem. Now to set goals and pace myself. Maybe I'll read two eBooks and then a paper book to ease the nerves of withdrawal. Up the eBooks as I'm ready. Slowly. When I slide, letting my Kindle gather dust in a corner, I'll take five heavy books on my next flight to teach me a lesson.
I am a Paperphiliac. I know the steps I need to take, and I'm surrounding myself with online support. But, just in case I need it, does anybody know of a treatment center in the Washington, DC area?
5 comments:
Oooh I am a Paperphiliac too (great word, I'm going to casually bring it into conversation this week!). There is nothing that beats the touchy feely sensation of a real book. I adore having a bookcase bursting with books too. Sure ebooks will have their place but let's us paperphiliacs all stick together and keep the paper version alive!
Wow. I didn't realize there was a name for it.... I don't gravitate towards book so much, unless they're really old/vintage or have some odd graphics, but I'm a sucker for other stuff. I can't pass up old maps, postcards, advertising, etc. I have pieces of old newspaper that was found under my kitchen floorboards (as insulation?) during a remodel.... Now just what am I really going to do with THAT?
ME to
LOL
Me too. Hi, I'm Jenni and I'm a paperphiliac. I collect paper like it's going out of style. I need to have it surrounding me. I need to be able to write any thought down and underline any sentence that moves me. It drives my hubby nuts. My sister got me a Kindle for my birthday this year and I think it takes me longer to read a book on there than if I had the paper book on hand. The weight of the paper book makes me want to read through it quicker so that I can move onto a different weight of book.
And Carlina HeartStrings...we have some of those newspaper pieces as well and wonder the same thing.
Thank you all for stopping by and commenting. Glad to know I'm not the only one suffering from paperphilia!
Hope everyone had a lovely holiday!
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