"This will come as a surprise to absolutely no one who knows me, but I love reading. It’s my favorite way to escape whatever real-world thing is currently stressing me out. I read before bed, when I wake up, and on my lunch break. You get the idea. So when I fell into a three-year-long reading slump, I missed it immediately. I’d pick up a book from my shelves, read a few chapters, and put it back, bored and disappointed. Every so often, I’d actually finish a book but then felt no motivation to read another one. I’m proud to announce this reading slump is long behind me. For the past several years, I’ve completed my reading goal with several months to spare. How? I owe it all to one thing: my Kindle.
I spent a lot of time comparing models and landed on the 16 GB Kindle Paperwhite. That 16 GB amounts to thousands of books, so I know I’ll never be without something to read. The adjustable screen and lighting options also mean reading has never been easier on my eyes.
Sale price: $124, including 3-month Kindle Unlimited Subscription After sale: $149
How my Kindle helped me achieve my goals
I know, I know. The idea that an e-reader can help someone read more sounds ludicrous. But when I look back at the year so far, I’ve read 29 books, which is more than I’ve read during my reading slump combined. The only thing that changed between then and now is that I’ve now got my emotional-support Kindle by my side wherever I go. I’m so attached to this little thing that if anything ever happened to it, I would immediately have to replace it. Lost luggage? Purchase number one is a new Kindle. Left it at the coffee shop, and someone else claimed it? New Kindle. My house burned down? You guessed it: new Kindle. Still skeptical? I’ve narrowed it down to three key ways the Kindle has resuscitated the former reader in me:
1. It makes reading easier
There’s no getting around it: Reading on a Kindle is easier than reading physical books. Because I’m downloading e-books rather than purchasing or renting hard copies, I’ve got my entire TBR list at my fingertips whenever I have my Kindle. So, when I finish a book, I don’t have to go to the bookstore or library for my next pick. It’s right there waiting for me.
If having your entire reading list at your fingertips isn’t convenient enough, you can’t deny that having a single small, lightweight device is a million times easier than lugging around a book. I can toss my Kindle in my purse, backpack, or carry-on and barely even notice it’s there. Bonus: There’s no need to choose just one book to take on a trip with you. If you don’t like whatever it is you chose to read, you’ve got endless alternative options.
Probably the biggest selling point for a Kindle is the built-in technology that makes reading easy on your eyes. Because all of the settings are adjustable, I can make the screen brighter or the text bigger if needed. That moody bedside reading nook or bath? With my Kindle, I no longer have to sacrifice ambiance for safe reading light. As someone who loves nothing more than a candlelit evening bath with a book and a glass of wine, this was probably the biggest selling point. As a bonus, I no longer have to worry about getting my books wet. Reading with a Kindle is a game changer all around.
2. Kindle Unlimited gives me an endless library of books to choose from
I’m going to let you in on a little secret: Kindle Unlimited has some really great deals. In fact, I’ve maxed out the amount of Kindle Unlimited books I’m allowed to rent at one time—on more than one occasion. The options are that good. Kindle Unlimited has introduced me to so many books I might not have looked at otherwise. And because there are always deals for this subscription, I get access to hundreds (maybe thousands, I haven’t counted) of books for literal pennies. I never have to worry about not having something to read now.
3. It tracks my books for me
I’m a numbers gal through and through. My Kindle links up automatically to my Goodreads account and tracks the books I’m reading without me having to give it a second thought. So, when I log into Goodreads to check my Reading Challenge progress, my Kindle has already done all the legwork for me by uploading what I’ve read and my ratings to my profile.
Tracking books isn’t the only way my Kindle provides me with crucial information. While I’m reading books, Kindle learns how fast I’m reading and can tell me how long it will take me to finish a chapter or even the entire book. As a kid, I was the self-appointed queen of “just five more minutes.” And this is really the adult equivalent. When I’m lying in bed and fighting sleep off to get in just a few more pages, my Kindle is right there with me, telling me just how much farther I have to go. I really can’t stress this enough: I would be absolutely lost without my Kindle.
Shop my Kindle and Kindle accessories
I spent a lot of time comparing models and landed on the 16 GB Kindle Paperwhite. That 16 GB amounts to thousands of books, so I know I’ll never be without something to read. The adjustable screen and lighting options also mean reading has never been easier on my eyes.
Sale price: $124, including 3-month Kindle Unlimited Subscription After sale: $149
Kindle girlies know, clear cases are the move. Not only can you show off your Kindle’s pretty color, but you can add stickers to the back without actually sticking them to your device, allowing for endless personalization options.
Sale price: $8 After sale: $20
A popsocket and Kindle are a match made in heaven. Kindle e-readers are already super convenient, but the addition of a popsocket makes it downright unputdownable.
The faux suede finish of this Kindle sleeve is, in my humble opinion, extremely chic. Of course, it also keeps your device safe while you’re out and about.
Sale price: $13 After sale: $23
For the girlies who love to read in bed, this Kindle stand is the perfect way to upgrade your setup. Paired with a bluetooth remote, it allows you to read handsfree for ultimate coziness.
Sale price: $25 After sale: $30
Paired with a Kindle stand, this bluetooth remote allows you to read completely handsfree. It’s perfect for reading in bed or in your favorite reading chair underneath a warm blanket.
Sale price: $24 After sale: $33