paper books better

7 Scientific Benefits of Reading Printed Books

In recent years, print books have seen a resurgence, and for good reason—they can be better for your brain, health and the planet. With e-waste’s 15% recycling rate , you can feel good about choosing a print book—with paper having a much higher recycling rate (68%) . Plus, paper comes from a renewable resource!

Here are more reasons to choose a paper book:

1. You absorb more information.

Readers of print books absorb and remember more of the plot than readers of e-books do, according to a study that was presented in Italy in 2014. In an earlier study, print readers also scored higher in other areas, such as empathy, immersion in the book, and understanding of the narrative. Scientists believe this effect is related to the tactile sensation of holding a book in your hands.

Seeing and feeling how much progress you’ve made in the story can help readers feel like they’re unfolding the story—both literally and figuratively. Plus, with a print book, it’s easier to go back and confirm information you may be unsure of without losing your place and having to scroll or click back on your device.

2. They help children become better readers, too.

Another study of young children between the ages of three and five revealed that kids had lower comprehension of the story when their parents read to them from an e-book as opposed to a print book.

Researchers theorize this arises because children get distracted by the electronic device and have a harder time focusing on the story itself.

3. They're easier on the eyes.

Considering that many jobs require you to stare at a computer screen all day, it’s wise to give your eyes a break whenever you can. Electronic books can cause screen fatigue, which may lead to blurred vision, redness, dryness and irritation. With print books, you don’t have to worry about any of that.

4. They can help you sleep better.

In general, though, the engagement and brain activity that come with reading can help you drift off to sleep when you’re having trouble. So if you’re hoping to get a good night’s rest, stick with print.

5. You're less likely to get distracted.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, people who read e-books tend to get sidetracked more easily, but not just because the internet is right at their fingertips. Digital readers tend to spend more time scanning for keywords than actually processing what they’re reading. And with a print book, there’s no chance of getting distracted by links or getting sucked down an internet rabbit hole.

6. Having a library at home is linked to higher academic achievement.

This is especially true for children from disadvantaged families. Researchers believe this is because having books at home encourages children to read for fun and talk to their parents about what they’ve learned, which only stands to benefit them in the classroom.

7. They amplify the joy of reading.

One recent study of college students in the U.S., Slovakia, Japan, and Germany showed that 92% of participants preferred actual books that they can hold and touch and leaf through whenever they please.

In this sense, taking a whiff of an old book is a little like the enjoyment one gets from smelling perfume or flowers. Studies have also shown that books can make us happier, inspire us to travel, and encourage us to make life-changing decisions.

So don’t feel guilty the next time you spend a little more than you’d planned at the bookstore: Science says it’s good for you.

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The Benefits of Printed Books

To make literature more accessible and convenient, eBooks and digital reading tools have been on the rise in recent years. These resources have their benefits – they are a cost-efficient way to access countless titles at your fingertips. Although digital books have their advantages, we should not overlook the benefits of a good, old- fashioned , printed book.

Paper books are linked to stronger test scores

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) conducted an international study in 2018 that investigated the differences in test scores between students who primarily read print vs digital books. The results were overwhelming and showed drastic benefits for students who stuck with printed books.

According to an article about the study by Kqed , “Even among students of similar socioeconomic backgrounds, those who read books in a paper format scored a whopping 49 points higher on the Program for International Students Assessment, known as PISA. That’s equal to almost 2.5 years of learning. By comparison, students who tended to read books more often on digital devices scored only 15 points higher than students who rarely read – a difference of less than a year’s worth of learning.”

Along with test scores, general comprehension has been found to vastly improve with print books. According to Science News Explore, in a study done in 2018 that analyzed over 171,000 readers, reading comprehension was found to be stronger with print books than with digital text.

Print books offer fewer distractions

In general, printed books offer the reader fewer distractions . With eReading , users usually have access to the internet, and therefore, millions of distractions are just a click away. According to this article from Mental Floss, digital readers are also more likely to spend time scanning for keywords instead of comprehending the entirety of the text they are consuming. This article also references a survey that was taken of university students. According to its findings, 67% of students claimed they were able to multitask by reading digitally, while only 41% claimed they could multitask while reading print.

Print books are easier on the eyes

For better or worse, our work and learning environments are becoming increasingly virtual each day. During the Covid-19 pandemic, students transitioned to a digital learning environment. More jobs than ever before allow people to work from the comfort of their own homes, primarily working from a laptop computer. As a society, we are spending more time than ever before staring at screens. How is this impacting us?

According to the Mayo Clinic , activities that require our direct attention such as looking at a screen for school or work, causes us to blink less. The less we blink, the drier our eyes become, which can directly impact our vision.

Increased screen time can also lead to Computer Vision Syndrome . According to the American Optometric Association, this CVS can include symptoms such as eyestrain, blurred vision, dry eyes, and even neck and shoulder pain. This syndrome can develop from prolonged usage of computers, tablets, eReaders , and even cell phones.

While reading in poor light may cause eye fatigue, printed books do not offer the same strain on our eyes as digital copies. Because many of us spend hours on a screen all day, reading can be a great time to give our eyes a break with a traditional printed book.

Print books can help you sleep better

Many people turn to reading to wind down after a long day, and to hopefully help them fall asleep. Unfortunately, using digital tools to read before bed may hinder our sleep cycles. In 2014, Harvard scientists conducted a study involving participants reading before bed with either a print book or an eReader. Their study found that participants using the eReader took longer to fall asleep, felt less tired before bedtime, and had more suppressed levels of melatonin than those who read print books. It was also found that the quality of this sleep, including REM sleep cycles, was worse for the people who used digital readers. Digital readers also reported having a challenging time waking up the next morning.

Print books keep it simple

One of the biggest and most basic benefits of print books is that they keep things simple. They can be read in any light, without having to worry about glare from the sun or a reflection. They don’t require batteries, chargers, internet, or any additional resources. The pages can be folded to keep your place in a story and notes can be taken in the margins. Books also off er in stant gratification as you can watch your progress through a story by physically seeing how many p ages y ou’ve read. Because of their simplicity, print books help us focus simply just on what we are reading.

Print books offer an emotional connection

The sentimental aspect or paper books is something that cannot be overlooked. There is a very special feeling associated with lending a friend a novel that you just couldn’t put down. For many people , the library is a safe and comforting space that evokes fond memories. Studies have shown that in general people make more emotional and psychological connections with physical paper books. This can be because of the feel , the scent, the notes they scribble in the margins, the pages they dog ear , and even the store where they first picked up the title . The overall attachment to physical books is undeniable and cannot be replicated or replaced by eReaders .

We are book lovers through and through here at JLG, and are big proponents of the advantages of traditional print books. This is one of the many reasons that we will be discontinuing our eBooks category.

We pride ourselves on bringing the best new books straight to your library. It is our goal to spark a love of literature in your young readers. Let’s see what a JLG membership c an do for you.

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Paper books linked to stronger readers in an international study

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There’s a lot to like about digital books. They’re lighter in the backpack and often cheaper than paper books. But a new international report suggests that physical books may be important to raising children who become strong readers.

An Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) study across approximately 30 countries found that teens who said they most often read paper books scored considerably higher on a 2018 reading test taken by 15-year-olds compared to teens who said they rarely or never read books. Even among students of similar socioeconomic backgrounds, those who read books in a paper format scored a whopping 49 points higher on the Program for International Student Assessment, known as PISA. That’s equal to almost 2.5 years of learning. By comparison, students who tended to read books more often on digital devices scored only 15 points higher than students who rarely read – a difference of less than a year’s worth of learning.

In other words, all reading is good, but reading on paper is linked to vastly superior achievement outcomes.

It's impossible to say from this study whether paper books are the main reason why students become better readers. It could be that stronger readers prefer paper and they would be reading just as well if they were forced to read on screens. Dozens of previous studies have found a comprehension advantage for reading on paper versus screens . But these studies are usually conducted in a laboratory setting where people take comprehension tests immediately after reading a passage in different formats. This report is suggesting the possibility that there are longer term cumulative benefits for students who regularly read books in a paper format.

It’s noteworthy that the 2018 PISA reading test was a computer-based assessment in the vast majority of countries. Paper book readers are correctly answering more questions about what they have read on screens than digital readers!

Strong readers who had higher scores on the PISA reading test also read on screens at home, but they tended to use their devices to gather information, such as reading the news or browsing the internet for school work. When these strong readers wanted to read a book, they opted to read in paper format or balance their reading time between paper and digital devices.

Every three years, when 600,000 students around the world take the PISA test, they fill out surveys about their families and their reading habits. Researchers at the OECD compared these survey responses with test scores and noticed intriguing relationships between books in the home, a preference for reading on paper and reading achievement. The report, “ Does the digital world open up an increasing divide in access to print books? ” was published on July 12, 2022.

In the United States, 31 percent of 15-year-olds said they never or rarely read books, compared with 35 percent worldwide. Meanwhile, 35 percent of American students said they primarily read paper books, almost matching the international average of 36 percent. Another 16 percent of Americans said they read books more often on screens and 18 percent responded that they read books equally on both paper and screens.

Digital books have become extremely popular among students in some regions of Asia, but students who read books on paper still outperformed even in cultures where digital reading is commonplace. More than 40 percent of students in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan and Thailand reported reading books more often on digital devices. Yet in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Taiwan, students who read books mostly on paper or read in both formats scored higher than those who primarily read digital books. Both Thailand and Indonesia were exceptions; digital readers did better. Hong Kong and Taiwan are two of the highest performing education systems in the world and even after adjusting for students’ socioeconomic status, the advantage for paper reading remained pronounced.

Teens around the world are rapidly turning away from reading, according to OECD surveys. Fifteen-year-olds are reading less for leisure and fewer fiction books. The number of students who consider reading a “waste of time” jumped by more than 5 percentage points. Simultaneously, reading performance around the world, which had been slowly improving up until 2012, declined between 2012 and 2018. Across OECD countries that participated in both assessments, reading performance fell back to what it had been in 2006.

OECD researchers wonder if the presence of physical books at home still matters in the digital age. In the student surveys, students were told that each meter of shelving typically holds 40 books and were asked to estimate the number of books in their homes. Both rich and poor students alike reported fewer books in the home over the past 18 years, but the book gap between the two remained persistently large with wealthier students living amid twice as many books as poorer students.

The influence of books at home is a bit of a chicken-egg riddle. The OECD found that students who had more books at home reported that they enjoyed reading more. Logically, students who are surrounded by physical books may feel more encouraged by their families and inspired to read. But it could be that students who enjoy reading receive lots of books as presents or bring more books home from the library. It’s also possible that both are true simultaneously in a virtuous two-way spiral: more books at home inspire kids to read and voracious readers buy more books.

OECD researchers are most worried about poorer students. Low-income students made huge strides in access to digital technology well before the pandemic. Ninety-four percent of students from low-income families across 26 developed nations had access to the internet at home in 2018, up from 75 percent in 2009. “While disadvantaged students are catching up in terms of access to digital resources, their access to cultural capital like paper books at home has diminished,” the OECD report noted.

As one gap closes, another one opens.

This story about digital readers was written by Jill Barshay and produced by The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education. Sign up for the Hechinger newsletter.

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8 Reasons Physical Books Are Way Better Than eBooks

If you love physical books, this article is for you.

For a long time, I was the kind of person who only read ebooks. I could always be found with my Kindle Oasis, talking about how e-readers enable people to carry their entire library around in their pockets.

Not anymore. Over the last few years, I’ve become the kind of person who hangs out in used bookstores, arms filled with piles and piles of books . And I’m beginning to think all those people who told me physical books are better had it right.

Here’s why:

1. Paper books are cheaper than e-readers and ebooks

When you read ebooks, unless you’re reading on your brightly-lit LCD device (which I don’t recommend if you’re reading regularly), you’re going to need an e-reader. Kindle readers (without advertisements) range in price from $100 to $300, so that’s a few hundred dollars right there.

Then you have to buy the ebooks, which, when you purchase from a traditional publisher, are usually only a few dollars less than the physical copy. This slight discount doesn’t offset the price of a Kindle unless you’re buying upwards of 25 books a year at a brand-new print price.

Which, if you’re a clever book buyer, you are not. The savvy book buyer purchases pre-owned books wherever possible.

Pre-owned copies of physical books can be astonishingly cheap . At a bookstore in Knoxville last week, I got a copy of Always Apprentices: Twenty-two conversations between writers for 75 cents .

While that was an astonishing deal, it’s not uncommon for me to find $35 books on sale at my local used bookstore for $7. I’ve snagged copies of expensive bestsellers like Eat, Pray, Love and The Four-Hour Workweek for the change in my pocket.

Even if I can’t find a particular book at my local bookstore, it’s not a problem. Amazon has a “purchase pre-owned” option for all their merchandise, and Half Price Books allows you to order online, making finding a pre-owned copy of the book you want very easy.

The only downside to physical books here is that many self-published books are not available pre-owned because there are not enough in circulation. Here you’re stuck with either the Kindle copy or the brand-new price.

That doesn’t mean it’s not worth it, though. If the price of a bound copy is only $4 more than the digital copy, you would have to buy at least 25 copies before it would have been cheaper to buy a Kindle.

2. You retain more of what you read from a paper book

According to research from The Shallows by Nicholas Carr, readers retain more information when they read a physical book.

According to scientists, the act of turning pages while reading creates an ‘index’ in the brain, mapping information in a book to a particular page. By mapping the information this way, our brains are able to retain more of what we read.

This jives with my experience. Reading a book on my Kindle certainly feels educational, but I feel like I get more out of a book when I read a physical copy. The difference is slight, mind you, and it could be my imagination, but it could also be evidence the research is right.

3. You can review your notes much more easily

One thing that has always annoyed me about the Kindle reading experience is how difficult it is to write notes.

To write a note in a Kindle book, you have to use their “note” function. For the record, the Kindle is an e-ink reader with a refresh rate slower than congress passing a law . Typing on a display with a refresh rate that slow is nearly impossible, and definitely not worth the effort.

Highlighting can be equally problematic. I often have trouble selecting the right text even in the best conditions. If I want to highlight something that crosses over onto the next page, forget about it.

Physical books don’t have that problem. You can pop open your highlighter and highlight what you want. You can write in the margins, on sticky notes, or on entire sheets of paper you fold between the pages if you want.

And when you want to review your notes, it’s easy to crack open your physical book to get a feel for the annotations you made.

The only downside physical books have is that you can’t search a physical book on a keyword. With an ebook, you can open the Kindle app on your computer or phone and search the entire book within a few seconds.

I’m not sure how much that’s worth, since the search function of Kindle doesn’t always turn up what I’m looking for anyway, but it’s something to consider.

4. Going to libraries and bookstores exposes you to new books

Before I became a bookstore person, I found new books via other bloggers. They would recommend a book in an article of theirs and I would read it. This was an all right system for finding books, and I never had any complaints.

But when I started going to bookstores, I was exposed to a lot more books .

Since I’m a self-improvement writer, I have a tendency to only read articles by other self-improvement writers, and by extension only read books other self-improvement writers read.

Going to the bookstore regularly changed that. Now all kinds of books catch my eye, and my reading palette is much more varied.

It’s even better when the book that catches my eye is in the discount section of the used bookstore for the low low price of $2.

It’s very hard to say no to a stack of books when each one is only $2.

5. Going to libraries and bookstores is a lovely way to spend your day

As I’ve said before in my writing, the national pastimes of America appear to be shopping and eating. If you don’t want to spend money on consumer purchases or takeout, there’s not much for you to do.

Bookstores, however, are good places to shop.

Department stores and malls are expensive and promote fast fashion and superficial consumerism. Bookstores, on the other hand, promote learning and intellectual exploration. A much better way to spend your money, I’d say.

Also, the people you find in bookstores are lovely. They are the kind of people who would rather talk about the Roman third century crisis than talk about the latest fashions. They would rather own a library than a walk-in closet .

Bookstores also have wonderful atmospheres. They’re quiet, they’re friendly, and they actively encourage the act of standing around reading.

If you’ve got a lazy Sunday and are looking for something to do with a friend, visiting a bookstore is a great option.

6. You can loan people physical books much more easily

Loaning books via Kindle is an annoying process.

First, you need the loanee’s Amazon email address. Then you need to log on to Amazon via your desktop environment and navigate to their well-hidden “loan” button for ebook content. Then you put in their email address. This sends your loanee an email link they must click, whereupon they receive the loaned book for thirty days.

If the ebook is available for loan, of course. Many publishers restrict this option, making it impossible for you to loan your ebook even if you want to.

Physical books, on the other hand, are much easier to loan. You pick up the book and you hand it to them. Tada! Book loaned.

7. You can sell physical books once you’re done with them

In the vast majority of cases, once we have read a book, we are never going to look at it again. This is how things should be; books are meant to hold information, and once you have the information in your head, there’s no need to keep the book around.

When you own a physical copy of a book, you can recoup some of your cost by selling your book back to the used bookstore you bought it from. The proceeds can be used to buy yet more books!

When you buy an ebook, though, it just sits there on your Kindle account, forever.

8. You legally own your physical books

When you purchase a physical book, you are the legal owner of that book.

When you purchase an ebook, though, you’re technically only purchasing a license for that ebook. Amazon is the owner of that ebook, and you’ve purchased a single-use license to use it.

This is why you can’t sell ebooks. This is also why publishers get to decide if you’re allowed to loan ebooks or not.

Legally speaking, this also means Amazon withholds the right to revoke your access to your ebook at any time.

I don’t think this is a major problem, since all digital content is sold as licenses only, but it’s something worth knowing.

None of this is to say I’m never going to read an ebook again. There are still advantages to having a Kindle. The digital library service Libby makes my library’s books free as digital rentals, and I love reading those rentals too much to give up that luxury. I also like reading self-published books by indie authors. But these days, I’m reading a lot more physical books than in the past.

If you’re feeling a little bored and looking for something to do, I recommend visiting your local used bookstore.

(They all promote mask-wearing, have low occupancy, and everyone inside is speaking quietly, so it’s not likely you’ll get COVID, either.)

"For there is only one great adventure, and that is inward toward the self." -Henry Miller

Six reasons why paper books are better than e-books.

I’m a great supporter of paper books: I love everything about them. And as such, I aim to show the world why they are so much better than e-books.

So, here are my top six reasons:

1. THE SMELL.

Whenever you talk to a bibliophile, there is one thing you can be sure they’ll bring up: the smell of books. As a reader myself, I can say that I love the smell of new books and smelling its pages is the first thing I do when I buy one. Some will tell you that the smell of old books is much better. You try that and let me know, but be careful to dust it before putting your nose near it!

2. BATTERY WILL NEVER DIE.

Has it ever happened to you that your e-reader’s battery died in the thick of the story? Well, when reading on paper, this is never an issue. Some might tell you that e-books can be read in the dark. Well, just get a book light and you’re all set!

How many times has it happened to you to read on the beach, near the pool or in the bathtub? When enjoying an e-book you always need to be extra careful: just a little splash of water means saying bye-bye to your e-reader. Not much damage when there is a book instead – a little water on the pages will only make it look more interesting, as it had been on an adventure.

4. HOME LIBRARY.

Yes, e-readers contain many books in one. But how can it compare to home libraries? Looking at your books filling up your shelves is one of the most satisfying things to do. And they also are a beautiful piece of furniture for your home!

5. BOOKSHOPS.

Do I need to say more? Wandering around a bookshop is one of the most relaxing and fulfilling activities I can think of. When going through the door, the whole atmosphere makes you feel like you just entered another dimension, when problems, stress or anxiety are not a thing and nothing can ever touch or disturb you. Don’t believe me? Go see for yourself.

6. GIFTING.

Let’s be honest: books make an amazing gift. You just need to wrap them up with a little red ribbon and voilà, you’re done. You can even write a dedication on the inside: can you see your friend opening it after 20 years and immediately thinking of you? On the other hand, e-books. Can you imagine going to a friend and saying “Hey, I bought you an e-book. Check your e-mail”.

Have I convinced you to leave our e-reader in your drawer and go to a bookshop?

This is a guest blog by Lucrezia Marcantonini

In recent years, print books have seen a resurgence, and for good reason—they can be better for your brain and health, according to science. Here are just a few of the reasons why:

1. YOU ABSORB MORE INFORMATION.

In other words, seeing and feeling how much progress you’ve made in the story, by virtue of the waxing and waning pages on either side of the book, can help readers feel like they’re unfolding the story—both literally and figuratively. Plus, with a print book, it’s easier to go back and confirm information you may be unsure of without losing your place and having to scroll or click back on your mobile device or tablet.

2. THEY HELP CHILDREN BECOME BETTER READERS, TOO.

Another study of young children between the ages of three and five revealed that kids had lower comprehension of the story when their parents read to them from an e-book as opposed to a print book. Researchers theorize this arises because children get distracted by the electronic device and have a harder time focusing on the story itself. In another study, students who had read a short story on a e-reader were less engaged and had a harder time remembering the exact order of events.

3. THEY’RE EASIER ON THE EYES.

Considering that many jobs require you to stare at a computer screen all day, it’s wise to give your eyes a break whenever you can. One survey of 429 university students revealed that nearly half had complained of strained eyes after reading digitally. Electronic books can cause screen fatigue, which may lead to blurred vision, redness, dryness, and irritation. With print books, you don’t have to worry about any of that.

4. YOU’RE LESS LIKELY TO GET DISTRACTED.

According to one survey, 67 percent of university students were able to multitask while reading digitally, compared to 41 percent of print readers. But if your goal is to fully grasp and comprehend the text in front of you, that isn’t necessarily a good thing.

5. THEY CAN HELP YOU SLEEP BETTER.

When you’re winding down for the night, reading from a screen or scrolling through a social media app on your phone are bad ideas. Study after study has shown that the blue light from your screen can toy with your melatonin levels and circadian cycles, making it harder for you to fall asleep and making you feel groggier when you wake up. In general, though, the engagement and brain activity that come with reading can help you drift off to sleep when you’re having trouble. So if you’re hoping to get a good night’s rest, stick with print.

6. HAVING A LIBRARY AT HOME IS LINKED TO HIGHER ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT.

Students who have books at home are more likely to score higher on tests, according to a study of readers from 42 countries. It doesn’t matter how many books you have, but each additional book helps children perform better in school. This is especially true for children from disadvantaged families. Researchers believe this is because having books at home encourages children to read for fun and talk to their parents about what they’ve learned, which only stands to benefit them in the classroom.

7. THEY AMPLIFY THE JOY OF READING.

One recent study of college students in the U.S., Slovakia, Japan, and Germany showed that 92 percent of participants preferred actual books that they can hold and touch and leaf through whenever they please. Students cited fewer distractions and less eye strain as a couple of the reasons why they prefer printed materials, but other explanations were related to how books make them feel.

Slovakian students in particular said they enjoy the smell of books. Indeed, scientists who have analyzed the chemical composition of old books found that the pages contain hints of vanilla (from lignin, a similar-smelling component in paper) as well as grassy notes. In this sense, taking a whiff of an old book is a little like the enjoyment one gets from smelling perfume or flowers. Studies have also shown that books can make us happier, inspire us to travel, and encourage us to make life-changing decisions. So don’t feel guilty the next time you spend a little more than you’d planned at the bookstore: Science says it’s good for you

Reading on paper books can enrich the entire experience, but it’s not the only amazing feat that paper can pull off. Learn more at howlifeunfolds.com/learn .

Sources: The New York Times , PHLabs , The New Republic , GQ , Mic , Good , Wonderopolis , PS Mag , LA Times , Mental Floss , Huffington Post .

5 Reasons Paper Books Are Still More Popular Than E-Books

The first e-reader was released in 1998, and it looked like the beginning of the end of the printed page. But today, paper books are just as popular as ever.

According to the Association of American Publishers , e-book sales haven’t diminished the popularity of paper books. Today, e-books comprise just 20–30 percent of book sales . In fact, e-book sales declined 4.9 percent in January 2019, compared to the same period in 2018.

Paper Books Remain Popular

Here are five reasons people still choose paper books over their digital counterparts:

How do you feel about paper books versus e-readers? Take our survey .

The New York Times

The learning network | are paper books better than e-books.

Are Paper Books Better Than E-Books?

Penguin Random House last year doubled the size of its distribution center in Crawfordsville, Ind., to speed up book distribution. <a href="//www.nytimes.com/2015/09/23/business/media/the-plot-twist-e-book-sales-slip-and-print-is-far-from-dead.html">Related Article</a>

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Analysts once predicted that e-books would overtake print by 2015. After all, they’re lighter to pack on a trip; they don’t clutter shelves; they don’t weigh down backpacks. Yet, e-book sales have slipped lately, and there are signs that even e-book adopters are returning to print.

Are paper books just better than e-books?

In “ The Plot Twist: E-Book Sales Slip, and Print Is Far From Dead ,” Alexandra Alter writes:

Five years ago, the book world was seized by collective panic over the uncertain future of print. As readers migrated to new digital devices, e-book sales soared, up 1,260 percent between 2008 and 2010, alarming booksellers that watched consumers use their stores to find titles they would later buy online. Print sales dwindled, bookstores struggled to stay open, and publishers and authors feared that cheaper e-books would cannibalize their business. Then in 2011, the industry’s fears were realized when Borders declared bankruptcy. “E-books were this rocket ship going straight up,” said Len Vlahos, a former executive director of the Book Industry Study Group, a nonprofit research group that tracks the publishing industry. “Just about everybody you talked to thought we were going the way of digital music.” But the digital apocalypse never arrived, or at least not on schedule. While analysts once predicted that e-books would overtake print by 2015, digital sales have instead slowed sharply. Now, there are signs that some e-book adopters are returning to print, or becoming hybrid readers, who juggle devices and paper. E-book sales fell by 10 percent in the first five months of this year, according to the Association of American Publishers, which collects data from nearly 1,200 publishers. Digital books accounted last year for around 20 percent of the market, roughly the same as they did a few years ago. E-books’ declining popularity may signal that publishing, while not immune to technological upheaval, will weather the tidal wave of digital technology better than other forms of media, like music and television.

Students: Read the entire article, then tell us …

— Are paper books better than e-books?

— Do they offer a richer, more satisfying reading experience because you can physically hold them and turn the pages?

— Are they better because they are free from technical problems, like low battery power and glitches?

— Do print books carry more emotional or sentimental value because you can touch them and see them on the shelf?

— Or is the story not over yet — and e-books will still take the place of paper books in the long run?

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Assignment English : Are E-Books Better Than Physical Books?
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COMMENTS

7 Scientific Benefits of Reading Printed Books
In recent years, print books have seen a resurgence, and for good reason—they can be better for your brain, health and the planet.
The benefits of printed books
Paper books are linked to stronger test scores ... For better or worse, our work and learning environments are becoming increasingly virtual
9 Reasons Printed Books Are Better Than Digital
9 Benefits of Printed Books · Learning capabilities. Readers absorb information better from print books versus digital. · Printed books have
Paper books linked to stronger readers in an international study
Teens who read more paper books scored higher on reading assessments. ... paper books are the main reason why students become better readers
8 Reasons Physical Books Are Way Better Than eBooks
1. Paper books are cheaper than e-readers and ebooks · 2. You retain more of what you read from a paper book · 3. You can review your notes much more easily · 4.
Six reasons why paper books are better than e-books
Six reasons why paper books are better than e-books. · 1. THE SMELL. · 2. BATTERY WILL NEVER DIE. · 3. WATER. · 4. HOME LIBRARY. · 5. BOOKSHOPS. · 6.
10 Reasons Why eBooks Are Better Than Paper Books
10 Reasons Why eBooks Are Better Than Paper Books · 1. eBooks Are Instant · 2. eBooks Are More Portable Than Print · 3. There Are No Late Fees for
7 Scientific Benefits of Reading Printed Books
Readers of print books absorb and remember more of the plot than readers of e-books do, according to a study that was presented in Italy in 2014
5 Reasons Paper Books Are Still More Popular Than E-Books
Paper Books Remain Popular · Better Sensory Experience — The feel of paper matters when reading a book. · Better for children — Studies have shown
Are Paper Books Better Than E-Books?
Yet, e-book sales have slipped lately, and there are signs that even e-book adopters are returning to print. Are paper books just better than e-