Ode to my PRS-350

I feel like I should start with my e-reader since without it, I would not be doing this blog. I work for a laboratory that tests soil and water for toxins so I've seen how horrible people can be to the planet. I try to do one thing each year that is a permanent change that helps the environment. A couple years ago, I decided to buy an e-reader and never buy a paper book again. I had purchased a good number of large books and series that took up a lot of room and a lot of HEAVY boxes every time we move for my husband’s naval career.  I debated between buying a Kindle and a Sony PRS-505. The Kindle was still in its first generation and Sony was on its second. I hated the way the Kindle looked and there were mixed reviews about buying books through Amazon. I had read that the Sony e-readers did not do well in Japan like they had expected, but they were selling much better in the US. Sony was going to be focusing on increasing its available books in the US and everything looked good to me. So I found a bargain e-reader (on Amazon of all places), tricked it out with a pretty skin from Decal girl, and started my love affair. Books are easy to buy from the Sony website and load from my computer. I really like the screen, and I found that I missed reading from traditional paper books less and less. Years later, I still LOVE my e-reader! I read so much more and faster than I did with paper books. One surprising perk is that I found free books through Sony. They say they have a ton of books available for free download through Google Books. They do, but are OLD books, that are full of errors. Whole sentences are missing in the beginning of chapters; words have missing or incorrect letters. Not cool! I’d rather pay for a cleaner, more complete version. They have released free books that are not through Google that are often the first book in a series. Hook you on one free book so that you buy five more, smart! Some have been awesome, and some have been HORRIBLE. Over time, I will discuss all of the good, bad, and grotesque. Yes, there is one book that I considered grotesque, and I’m being nice… Now they also have free books through smashwords and wattpad.com. Please stop it!! They are not real books, just horrible attempts at writing. Stephanie Meyer made a ton of money writing about vampires, because she is a good writer. You might not like the story line, but she knows HOW to write. YOUR novella about a vampire boyfriend is not literature, just a bad self-indulgence stemming from too many, “you’re super talented sweetheart, and I’m so proud, even though you got C + from Lit class.” All of these free books make it almost impossible to find the real free books like I used to enjoy discovering. Sigh. One great feature is that you can build wish lists and check the prices periodically for sales. So, go out there check them out, cause e-readers are awesome! There are Kindles, Sony PRS’s, and Nooks to choose from. One will probably fit your personality, budget, with multiple sizes for your reading pleasure.  Last month, i decided to upgrade to a Sony PRS-350 as a wedding present to myself. I got another skin from Decal Girl and couldn't be happier!