The Value of Physical Books - 15 Reasons Why They’re Awesome!
I’m not against digital books. In fact, there are times when I’m glad to have them, and even find them advantageous.
However, I am a passionate advocate for reading and using physical books - especially for Christians. Here are 15 reasons why:
You can only read-and-recommend a digital book, but you can read-and-pass-on a physical book.
A physical book is always on hand to give to others at challenging points in their life.
Physical books don’t come with notifications, ads, or the temptation to switch apps, allowing for a more immersive, comprehensive reading experience - which is arguably better for the memory!
Your book shelf sets a visual goal for the books you’re planning to read - and who you'll become through reading them.
Physical books are a visual reminder of what you've read and learned.
Books displayed on a shelf can inspire others and open up conversations.
Physical books provide the sensory experience of turning pages, feeling the texture, and even the smell of the paper, which many readers find deeply satisfying.
Unlike screens, printed text doesn’t cause digital eye strain or blue light exposure, making physical books easier on the eyes for prolonged reading sessions.
Physical books don’t need charging and can be read anytime, anywhere, without worrying about battery life.
Highlighting, underlining, or making notes in physical books feels more natural to many readers, and it creates a lasting record of your thoughts – often not just on the page, but in your mind. (How often I have gone to a book, and recalled a quote, because I remember it’s on the right-hand side, halfway down, two thirds of the way through the book! You can’t do that with eBooks!)
In a technology-saturated world, spending time with a physical book provides a break from screens, which helps reduce overall screen fatigue.
A great sense of accomplishment comes with finishing a physical book. Seeing your progress; watching the pages turn and the bookmark move; adding your completed book to your shelf; gives a tangible sense of achievement.
Physical books don’t rely on technology that may become obsolete. They can last for decades and even centuries when cared for properly.
Physical books make meaningful and personal gifts that can be inscribed or personalized, unlike an eBook link or file.
When gifting to someone, a physical book is much more likely to be read than passing on a file or eBook. It can also go further - even if the recipient doesn’t read it, they may take it to a thrift store. Who knows who may then read it!
Yes, I love physical books! Especially the ones that point to Jesus. As you buy, read and pass them on, remember…you never know whose hands they’ll end up in (and whose lives they’ll end up changing.)
