Archaic medium?

[fbhjr]

I like Iain Banks’ Culture series of books. And, I think they have gotten
better as he has written them. I’m not saying I didn’t like the first few,
but I like the last few much more. As my wife says, they are books good on
concept, but not always execution. And the latter has improved over time.
His latest one of the series has just come out (The Hydrogen Sonata) and
I’ve started reading it.

The problem is, it isn’t really out yet, it officially gets released next
Tuesday the 9th. I preordered it some time ago as a Kindle book. Two
weeks ago Amazon said “we can send you the hardcover now, or do you want to
wait for the Kindle one later?”
I opted for the hardcover then. (I am not a patient person. Stubborn, but
not patient.)

I’m finding it surprisingly hard to read. Not because of the writing, but
because of the medium.
The pages aren’t totally flat or consistently lit. I am finding that
harder on my eyes than I expected.
I didn’t expect this.
I’ve read hard copy books for about 45 years and electronic books for about
2.
Is that really enough to have my eyes get out of shape this much?
I know, I know. I’m getting older. My eye doctor says I’ll need glasses
any year now. Just like I’ve been told for the last 30 years.

I’m torn. Should I go back to ebooks that are easier on my eyes? Or,
should I keep my eyes in shape and read more hard copies?

That iPad is a lot easier to read late at night while my wife is asleep….

Comments

[brickhousewench.livejournal.com]

I suspect it's your old eyes, as we're about the same age, aren't we?

When I hit 45 my eyes started changing a LOT. I hadn't realized how hard it was to read hard copy until I started forcing myself to get back to reading the stack of books on my To Be Read pile. If I wear my contacts, I need to wear cheap reading glasses. If I wear my glasses, I have to scoot them down to the end of my nose to be able to

Last night I was trying to read in bed again. I finally just took off my glasses and read with "naked" eyes. I had to prop the book right up in front of my face, but it was actually clearer than with glasses or contacts.

[fbhjr.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure of your age, but I turn 49 next month.
I have been told to expect changes in my sight for many years. I'm just surprised to see it happening.

And, once I spent some time reading the book, it got better. So, I do honestly think it was a question of exercising the muscles that focus my eyes.