Free books for Kindles?

As I haven't got a bath this is unlikely to be a problem. But I will be very careful to ensure that I don't let my grip slip in the shower! I felt very much like your daughter until the first time I actually handled one. The first I got my hands on was one which opened like an actual book, which was a great idea but felt a little clunky. I prefer the Kindle and it's surprisingly how booklike it actually feels when you're looking at it. I've got a couple of books on my laptop which I really must transfer over and actually read. I find reading on the computer very tiring on the eyes, not to mention falling asleep with the laptop balanced on my knees potentially expensive, so the Kindle's lack of backlighting is a rather pleasant surprise. It's actually so light that my major concern is finding some sort of protective cover for it for when it's in my bag. I'm sure it's stronger than it appears but with my track record for mobile phone screens I really don't want to take the risk. Thanks so much for the Project Glutenburg pointer. I've been straining my brain since last night trying to remember the name of the project and failing dismally! An acquaintance had been involved in the project and I was going to email her as googling was getting me nowhere, but I couldn't remember her name either

Were you someone whose mother complained that she read under the covers at night instead of sleeping? If so, the Kindle saves the hassle of holding the torch as well whilst you keep warm under the covers!

That sounds like me! She also used to complain that if I was barred from reading my book at the dinner table I would just read the sauce bottle instead

Absolutely... and it's nice to have options to read something else if a particular book just isn't resonating with you one day. You have a whole little library to choose from all the time. One of the reasons I was interested in e-readers is for their potential with school textbooks. They are SO expensive and, with my second daughter entering college in the fall, I know the book fees will be heavier. My older daughter was unable to get textbook formats for her e-reader for this current winter semester but we all feel they are just around the corner. At present, she did find websites that allow her to rent some of her textbooks (she'll just ship them back, postage already paid, at the end of the courses) and, for one or two others, she was able to pay for an online version - so no matter where she is, if she has an internet connection, she can pick up and read from her textbooks. It pretty much cut the book expenses in half for this semester, which I completely appreciated. Both girls are chomping at the bit for the point where they can carry all their school books on their e-readers -- their backs will love it too!

I tend to carry some weighty reference books, and I'm hoping that I'll manage to find those as ebooks in time. Their popularity has grown so quickly that I think the choice of titles will mushroom soon, although it's already pretty impressive. I've never heard of a textbook rental service. That's such a good idea.

It's only since I posted this discussion that I've realised just how much material is actually out there. It's a whole new world :) Thanks! Like your daughters, I doubt it'll take the place of real print books as I just like the feeling of them in my hands. But it will make travelling so much easier, particularly as some of the books I carry are big hardbacks.

You are very welcome! Enjoy using your kindle.

It had never even dawned on me that the library might offer ebooks. I only got my Kindle last night so I've not really checked out much at all so far. I've promised to pop some books back in for my Mum later, so I will check that out. Thanks very much indeed for the pointer! I'm a big fan of libraries so can't imagine why it didn't cross my mind!

I felt pretty much the same until I actually tried one out and realised how ungadgetlike it feels. I doubt I'll use it to replace print books entirely, but it's certainly easier (and potentially less expensive if I fall asleep!) than balancing my laptop on my knees in bed to read ebooks.

Since I posted this discussion I have been astonished by the wealth of material available. I hadn't realised that Amazon have free ones on their site. A classic case of not checking out the obvious before posting!

I've never heard of a Nook, but I'll pass that onto my Mum. She carries around lots of scores. I have this rather amusing vision of lots of people with instruments crowding around one tiny screen though. It's perhaps not quite as practical for playing from!

I've no idea to be honest! It was bought for me as a completely surprise present, and I really haven't yet had a chance to get to grips with it. It's my mission for today as i have lots of travelling to do over the coming weeks.

I hadn't realised quite how many free books were available on the Amazon site when I posted this topic to be honest. I was so excited at getting my new Kindle that I kind of jumped in with a discussion before I checked it all out! I felt very much like you do about how a physical book has to be better than a gadget, but I think I'm turning into a convert. It's certainly easier than having to balance my laptop on my knees in bed in order to read an ebook!