A backlit screen would be like reading on a computer screen for long periods of time and can really tire your eyes - it does mine. You can get a clipon light (I love mine) that attaches to the cover, has LED bulbs, and the intensity of light can be changed to one or both bulbs (some might have 3). The clipon light is great for reading in bed; doesn't disturb my partner as the light is flexible and I can shine it directly on what I'm reading. I've heard these lights work well for regular books, too.

May I suggest:

Through some of the discussion forums for professional librarians and library managers, I am aware some of the big city libraries are experimenting with loaning out e-book devices. There might be a limited number if your library system has them since it's new. Keep in mind, the library budget is covering the licensing access to those e-novels, etc.

Thank your library..please.

From a librarian.

I was surprised by some comments that people never re-read a book. Not even your favorites? I have several that I've reread MANY times - Gone with the Wind, And Ladies of the Club, September, Shellseekers, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, and many more. For me, it's like enjoying a vacation place and wanting to return. Plus, as a writer, I want to reread and develop more understanding of the author's ability to draw me in.

Carolyn

I'm not saying I never re-read a book........but not often. Most of the books I read get passed along to friends then come back to me so I can take them to a used book store where I trade them in. When it comes to books, I guess I'm a big believer in passing it on. My friends and I have some great conversations about books we've read (and if I'm the first one to read it, I NEVER EVER tell them what happens before they get to it -- I hate when someone ruins the story for me and I won't do it to anyone else). I love the idea of a Kindle or the other similar readers for travel and whatever but at this point in my life it just doesn't work for me. Althought this morning I'm lugging a pretty hefty hardback book (The Help) to a doctor's office so I have something to read while I wait for my aunt to have her appt and a Kindle would sure be more convenient! For now I'll stick to hardbacks and paperbacks. Even this book I'm reading is already spoken for by one of my friends as soon as I finish it.

I know many ladies in this area pass their reads along to each
other. One "Marlie and Me" was read by 20 ladies. In these economic times, people can't afford to spend lots on money so
they share their loves! Oops, not guys, just books and stuff like that!

Ladies,
Thanks so much for your thoughts on this subject. I rarely re-read fiction, but frequently refer to non-fiction books that I use for reference. I am interested in an e-reader for travel because back in the olden days, before the airlines charged for luggage, I'd always bring several books with me. Now it's a question of how many books and how many pairs of shoes can I realistically expect to bring? I can lighten the weight considerably by bringing an e-reader along in my carry-on. I know that I'll miss holding a book in my hands, but if it means I can bring more shoes, well.....it's definitely something to consider!! I always say, "There's no such thing as having too many books or shoes!"

I often re-read books. (Okay, I'll admit that sometimes it's because I forgot I already read it!) But seriously, I do read some books over and over because they are so rich in content I have to keep reading to see what I missed the first few times.

Mary Anne, I was talking with my stepdaughter about the difference between different e-readers. She has a Sony reader and prefers that one because in her opinion it has a wider platform/format capability. She says that when she did the research, she found the Kindle too proprietary (she would have had to buy everything from Amazon). With the Sony, she's able to purchase ebooks from a much wider variety of sources, including the public library, which is where she gets 99% of her books now.

I don't have one, I do like the feel of a real book in my hands, but can see the benefit of having one because we travel so much and it would be much handier than packing books.

And on the other branch topic of rereading books, yes, I reread because my memory is so bad, I can't remember having read it before. Same with movies. I've read the Narnia Chronicles about 20 times, and the Harry Potter series about 8 times, if not more, and still can't remember huge patches of either series. But my memory has improved lately, and now I find it less enjoyable to reread some books. Which is a good thing.

There are sites that offer free e-books including for Kindle. Admittedly, most of the books are out of copyright, but I also remember seeing other sites where you can buy books formatted for the Kindle. So Amazon isn't the only option.

I do like the feel of a book in my hands, so for my Kindle I bought a book cover. It's a good idea, from simply the viewpoint of protecting the Kindle, but I found it also satisfies my 'need to touch'.

I told my family, I still welcome gifts cards from Barnes & Noble, etc., because while the Kindle is great for books that are mostly text, there will still be books (I love travel guides) that will have lots of pictures, that I'll want in the regular book form.

Carolyn