You might think that ebooks are superior to physical books in every way, but you’d be wrong. I learned this the hard way when I read a physical book for the first time in years and realized what I was missing out on. I used to be an avid ebook reader, but a recent experience with a physical book made me rethink my reading habits. Here’s how reading a physical book helped me gain more insights, improve my memory, and enjoy the process more.
Reading books is one of the best ways to learn new things, expand your perspective, and improve yourself. But not all books are created equal. And neither are all reading methods.
I used to think that ebooks were the ultimate way to read books. They are convenient, portable, and easy to access. You can read them on your phone, tablet, or e-reader anytime. You can also highlight, bookmark, and search them with a few taps.
But then I read a physical book for the first time in ages, and everything changed.
The book was Stilness is the key by Ryan Holiday. It was recommended to me by a friend who knew my love for self-help books. I decided to take it with me on a long train journey from Amsterdam to Frankfurt.
And so, on the train journey, I read around two-thirds of the book. It took me around 8 hours. And like a true connoisseur of self-help books, I decided to take notes in the margins with a real-life pencil, and highlight sections that resonated with me with a real-life highlighter.
And boy, did it make a difference.
Here are some of the benefits I noticed from reading a physical book instead of an ebook:
I gained more insights
An insight is a realization that changes the way you think or behave. And this book was full of them. But what made these insights more impactful was the way I read them. Unlike my usual blitz-reading on Kindle, I read Ryan’s book fairly slowly, in physical form, with a physical pen and highlighter to take notes. The slowness of the reading, combined with the tactile feedback of writing and highlighting, made me pay more attention to what I was reading. It also made me reflect more on how it applied to my own life.
I improved my memory
One of the drawbacks of ebooks is that they don’t provide many spatial or visual cues to help you remember what you read. You don’t see the cover, pages, or text layout as clearly as you do with a physical book. You also don’t feel the book’s weight, size, or texture in your hands.
These sensory details help create associations in your brain that enhance your memory. They also help you navigate through the book and recall where you saw something. For example, when I wanted to revisit Ryan’s insights, I could easily find them by flipping through the pages and looking for my pencil marks.
I enjoyed the process more
Reading a physical book was more fun than reading an ebook for several reasons. First of all, it felt more special and rewarding to hold a paperback copy of a book that was not yet released to the public. It felt like I was part of an exclusive club that got access to something valuable before anyone else.
Secondly, seeing my progress through the book as I turned each page felt more satisfying. It gave me a sense of accomplishment and motivation to keep going. Thirdly, reading without distractions from notifications or other apps on my device felt more relaxing and immersive. Reading without straining my eyes from staring at a screen for too long was more comfortable.
Finally, reading a physical book that Ryan himself had written felt more personal and intimate. It made me feel more connected to him and his stories.
Reading a physical book again changed my reading and note-taking habits in many ways. It made me gain more insights, improve my memory, and enjoy the process more. It also made me appreciate the value and beauty of physical books.
Don’t get me wrong, I still love ebooks and will continue reading them. They have their own advantages, such as portability, affordability, and accessibility. You can carry hundreds of books in your pocket or bag without feeling the weight. You can also buy ebooks at a lower price than physical books and download them instantly. And you can access millions of ebooks from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.
But what I realized from reading a physical book on this train journey is that there are some things that ebooks cannot replicate. The tactile feedback of turning pages, the smell of ink and paper, the sound of the spine cracking, and the visual cues of seeing your progress through the book can all enhance your reading experience and make it more memorable.
So my advice is to not limit yourself to one format or method of reading. Try different formats and methods depending on your mood, purpose, and environment. If you’re on a long train journey or a lazy afternoon at home, consider reading a physical book and taking notes by hand. If you’re on a short commute or waiting in line, consider listening to an audiobook or reading an ebook.
The important thing is to keep reading and learning. And to enjoy the process as much as the outcome.