I have always been passionate about print. Under the covers with a torch reading an Agatha Christie mystery was my idea of heaven. A little bit naughty but safe!

I love reading and the internet has opened up a whole new can of letters in which I can indulge my obsession. But, there is nothing like a book. The feel of the cover and aroma which emanates from within the pages is enticing and breathtaking.

For as long as I can remember I have kept a record of the books I have read with a synopsis of the story and my thoughts on the story. There hasn’t been a book that I haven’t read to the end; even the dire ones have to be finished. What would have happened if I’d stopped reading Captain Corelli’s Mandolin by Louis De Bernieres? What a disaster!

Could I ever have imagined being involved in a love triangle between myself, my books and my e-reader? I have to admit to have fallen victim to the pull of the Kindle. If I want a book, I can have it, instantaneously – how cool is that?

If I was on Desert Island Discs, I would need nothing more than my e-reader. Oh, and a power cable. Oh, and wifi!

Recently I read by an article by an e-reader critic who considered her books called to her and they couldn't do that if they are ‘in the ether’ so to speak. I disagree. My books are constantly shouting out to me,

“Read me, read me.”

My will power is found to be non-existent and another story is underway. It is a mystery that I can get any work done at all but there is always time to be had for another chapter.

The bouquet of my Kindle can’t compare to that of a book and there is no romantic sensation in its texture but it gives me the books I crave, and it gives them to me NOW.

I have been a teacher for a large part of my adult life and one of the most frustrating things for me was seeing a child who could find no enjoyment in reading, even a comic. Maybe it is time for a change and give these children the opportunity to enjoy text with an e-reader. It isn’t to replace ‘books’; it’s to enhance the experience for those children being brought up in a technological environment.

I hear about parents who are struggling with the decision of whether or not to buy their off-spring the latest e-reader. I would highly recommend it especially if the choice is between a hand-held game console and an e-reader.

Books will always be around (I hope!) but without reading skills many of today’s children will miss out on the extraordinary experience of ‘getting lost in a book’. If e-readers help the reluctant reader, then I believe they should be given that opportunity.

Oh, I do believe someone is calling me, yep, it’s George R.R. Martin.

Good reading