Book scoffers - why don't you get a Kindle?

It is currently 2 am, and I can't sleep. So here I am.

Bonjour!

I was book shopping today, and, as usual, I was indecisive about which books to buy. There are just so many that I would love to own. I was paying with a gift card I had been given, so I could only buy two because that was all the balance on the card would allow. Also I have spent plenty on books recently anyway. I am sure lots of you can relate to that.

So, there I was. Trying to decide which book would be the perfect one for me in that particular moment, when my brother, who is two and a half years my junior, said to me:

"Why don't you just buy books on your Kindle, it's so much cheaper. I don't understand why it matters so much to you."

I am sure you have encountered these kinds of people. The ones who just don't understand the magic of purchasing of novel. Of taking it home and placing it on your bookshelf; of being proud of your collection. Yes, Kindles are convenient and I do use mine a fair amount. I have acquired many books for free through the Kindle store, which is brilliant. How do you explain to people though that e-readers just aren't the same, without sounding like a lunatic?

I try to put into words the inexpressible amount of joy that comes from holding a book, from smelling the pages. Those particular tiny folds that make the book the one that you read. That lovely well thumbed look that shows how a novel has been fully appreciated. People think I'm mad. Frequently in school I get asked the same questions:

"How do you read so much?"

"What is it about books that you enjoy?"

"Is reading all you do? Do you do anything else?"

Excuse me, are you suggesting I don't have a social life? It would be alright, if these people were kind and well-meaning. But the fact of the matter is that the only time they talk to me is when there might just be a juicy bit of gossip. That's why it bothers me.

I guess this whole discussion could come under the 'real book vs. e-book' category, but I shall do another post on that sometime in the future.

Let me know your thoughts on this topic and how you feel about e-readers,

I need to catch some sleep,
Au revoir,
Emile :)