My brain is ping-ponging this week. I have ideas, baby. And those ideas are running my life, even though I suspect it should be the other way around? Or should it?
I do not know.
You’ll be thankful, I think, that I came to my senses and deleted most of this post before inflicting it upon you. I was bumbling around, writing about my high school reunion (I don’t want to. Go, that is. Period.), the gigantic bruise on my behind (it’s impressive, but not post-worthy, I don’t think. Or photo worthy, so don’t even ask.), Kindle Singles, and pancakes. I was about to launch into some of the aforementioned life-running ideas and whatnot, when my brain temporarily righted itself.
Maybe we’ll chat about some of those other things another day, but for today I want to tell you about one of my new favorite things: Kindle Singles.
Hold on! Come back!
I can’t make any grandiose promises (what am I, a politician?), but I’m pretty sure this post isn’t total dullsville. If you hate books and reading, then move along. But if you like literature and stuff, hang around. I have recommendations for you. And cookies! (The cookie part is a lie. Maybe I am a politician…)
So here’s the thing. I’m a huge fan of real, hard copy books, and as long as books are printed I will buy them. There’s no denying, however, that electronic reading is an idea with some stickiness.
There was a lot of talk at BlogHer Writers about the future of publishing, specifically around this electronic revolution’s impact on the industry. Nobody has a definitive answer just yet, but it’s clear that we’re looking at boundless possibilities for content, surpassing anything we could achieve in print. Publishers are experimenting with music downloads, video extras, and tie-ins, such as games.
We’re on the precipice here, people.
It’s all pretty exciting, but I was still slow to warm to the eReader, until I spent a weekend on my sick bed, browsing Amazon to entertain myself. Kind of by accident, I discovered that you don’t need a Kindle to get content; you can download an app and get content on your computer, iPad or iPhone. Forty eight hours later, I’d read The Hunger Games trilogy on my computer and I was hooked – on The Hunger Games and on the convenience of an eReader.
We now own an actual Kindle (thanks Mom & Dad!), and by we, I do mean Mark. It was technically his Christmas present, but I borrow it. Often. I like all the free and cheap books Amazon offers, because I’m more willing to take a chance on books that I might otherwise consider risky (don’t you hate it when you pay $25 for a book and hate it? Hate is much more affordable on the Kindle).
But my favorite, favorite thing about our eReader is Kindle Singles. Do you know about these? I am in love. Kindle Singles, according to Amazon, “offer a vast spectrum of reporting, essays, memoirs, narratives, and short stories presented to educate, entertain, excite, and inform.”
Indeed.
I read a single or two each week, sometimes more. The length is perfectly suited to someone with Ping Pong Brain. Lately I’m so sleepy at night that it’s taking a mighty long time to finish reading a book. I’ll continue to plug away at full-length books, but it’s nice to read a single or two, as well, and feel like I accomplished something.
Since I love them so, I decided to recommend a few of my favorite Kindle Singles today (in alpha order, because that’s fair):
:: Cooking Solves Everything: How Time in the Kitchen Can Save Your Health, Your Budget, and Even the Planet by Mark Bittman. There’s a whole post – or two or three – coming about this one. Bittman explores ways we can improve our lives, and so much more, by cooking simple meals at home.
:: The Getaway Car: A Practical Memoir About Writing and Life by Ann Patchett. Writers, this one’s for you. I desperately want to sit down with Ms. Patchett and have a cup of coffee. She seems like a fascinating and perfectly lovely person, full of wise words and a dry sense of humor.
:: The Long Run by Mishka Shubaly. Stunning. This is the story of a man who ran his way to sobriety. The subject of addiction is close to my heart – another post for another day – and I’m drawn to stories of survival. Although Mr. Shubaly’s definition of sobriety varies a tad from my own, his tale is no less riveting. I related to him even though we seemingly share a lot more differences than we do similarities.
What are you waiting for? Go on.. download and read!
I wonder…
:: Were you an early adopter of eReaders or are you still holding out?
:: If you’re a Kindle Singles fan, what are some of your favorites?
***
NOTE: Once again, I feel the need to tell you that I am not an Amazon affiliate, nor am I receiving any compensation from Amazon or these authors. I’m just sharing this info because I like you.
Lapsed homemaker. Looking to hire a full-time housekeeper who will work for the sheer joy of a job well done and free coffee. Interested parties, DM please. 
I haven’t explored the world of Singles yet. I probably should. I have deleted four different posts this week. And published only 2. Sigh…
I read on my iPad, both in iBooks and a Kindle App. But, good golly Miss Molly, I had no idea about singles. I’m signing off now so I can go read an Ann Patchett single before picking up the kids!! And if you haven’t read Bel Canto (Ann Patchett) or Truth and Beauty, consider downloading both.
I’m still totally hooked on books- real books. Well, I guess they are all real, but you know what I mean… I love, love, love The Hunger Games!!! Can’t wait to see the movie in March.
I refuse the kindle.
I love paper. The smell. All of it.
Won’t. Succomb. To. Kindle.
Ps. I wanna hear about the bruise…did you get it on Valentines Day? Wait..that was weird
I like you too! And I totally want to read the Cooking one. Sounds right up my alley!
i love real books, and when it comes to my favorite authors and my favorite series, i still buy the hardback copy when i can. buttttt……. i recently upgraded my craptastic little Sony EReader Pocket Edition to a Kindle Fire, and i am IN LOVE. it’s connected to my wifi, and i can log into my library’s e-book site, download a loan directly from there and read it immediately. it’s bloody fantastic. (no, i’m not british, but my excitement level definitely deserved a well placed british exclamation) i also love being able to sit in my comfy chair, browse the Kindle store (or find the sequel to the book i just finished) download, and read it all within minutes. it makes a book-addict like myself quiver with joy. books i pre-order are delivered the second they come out. i can even check my e-mail and facebook from my Fire. it’s just…. amazing.
yes, i love paper books- i just had my husband cover my entire living room with wall-to-wall bookshelves. (he built them himself) but my kindle? IS AMAZING.
plus, i no longer need an annoying reading light at night. i can sit in a pitch black room and still read a book because my Kindle Fire glows with its own inner awesomeness. ;0)
Still. Holding. Out.
(But mostly because I have a friend who buys books all the time then gives them to me to read because she’s too busy so I read them first and tell her which ones are worth her time. Really. It’s like being a free book-reviewer for just one person and it rocks. Steady.)
Anyway.
I am a fan of words in any way shape or form. So when I say I prefer real books, it’s with the caveat that I’ve never used an eReader even once.
So. Grain of salt?
Perhaps.
Missy,
Ann Patchett is one of my favorite authors and I thank you for informing us about her e-essay. It was an intelligent and practical read.
I’m still holding out too, mainly because I buy most of my books for $1-$5 from Half Price Books. And I do love the bookiness of books. My dream house includes a study with an entire wall of books. But I know the day will come when I’ll get an eReader. And I’ll love it., I’m sure.
I have been a fan of books for as long as I can remember. I love everything about them, the feel, the look, the smell. And for the longest time I refused to give in to the reader craze… until this Christmas and I got a Kindle Fire and I love it.
Kindle Singles… I haven’t heard of them but you can be sure that I have 4 new tabs open right now to check every link out you posted.
I got a Nook after my second son was born so I could read one-handed while nursing, and I fell in love with it. Since getting the iPhone, though, I tend to just read on the Nook app there or on my laptop, but have yet to try the Kindle app (even though I am a huge Amazon customer)! I thought I would miss the feel of a book in my hand, and occasionally I do, but the convenience totally outweighs it. I read books about five times faster if I have the ebook versus the printed one. Incidentally, I read the last two books of the Hunger Games trilogy on my phone and computer, too! I love this idea of Kindle singles. May have to check them out!