I was skeptical at first when the new technological sensation of e-books came along. I wondered how looking at a dull, electronic screen could be better than fanning through pages of paper and getting a whiff of ink.

Despite such doubts, I still eventually fell into the group of e-reader owners. Now, it’s been easier to understand the benefits that e-books provide. I appreciate my Nook for several reasons.

First off, it’s so light and conveniently sized. Whenever I’m lying down in bed, holding out a book straight above me, trying to get the right angle, there’s a high chance that it will plummet down on my face. However, there is no such problem with e-readers because they are easier to carry.

Secondly, e-readers have the capacity to hold hundreds of books all on one SD card. There’s no need to lug around a set of hardcover books or even a single one-thousand-page book to wherever you want to go to while reading. The storing capabilities of technology really is quite amazing to think about.

Lastly, one important thing that I appreciate about e-books is that they are still books. Reading stories is beneficial no matter what medium you carry. We’re at an era now where the enjoyment of reading is somewhat faltering, so, of course, I would welcome anything that allows for a higher availability of books in the world.

Even while embracing such new innovations, I still don’t want anyone to dismiss the old rituals of walking into a library or bookstore with the spontaneity of finding a book that catches your eye. I don’t want anyone to forget the preciousness of paper and ink. It’s not good to forget about one’s own heritage – likewise, it won’t be good to forget the history of books.