Kurling up with Kindle

Back in the day when I got my iphone (okay 4 months ago), I downloaded the Kindle app to my phone. I had read a New Yorker article about Kindle that said nice things about the iphone version of Kindle and thought I should try it out. (Plus it was a. free and b. back in the day I was super excited to download new aps.) Then I didn't use it. The thought of reading a book on my phone just seemed weird and awkward. At one point I thought about it, even going as far as downloading a sample of a book that I wanted to buy. But, I merely read the sample chapter then promptly went to Amazon, ordered the book, then ordered a couple other books (spending more but getting free shipping), waited a week for it to arrive, then happily read it.

For some reason a few weeks ago I was thinking about the Kindle app again (probably bored and killing time iphone style). I pulled up the app and did some searching. Quickly I discovered that I could order 'The Girl Who Played With Fire' for seven dollars and spend the day reading. I only wanted TGWPWF because when I took the airplane to Chicago last month, I treated myself to its sister book 'The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo' for the plane ride. Those regular readers will remember that I had an ex mystery/thriller guilty pleasure that it seems can very easily be re-ignited if given any encouragement. Typically, I would control my addiction and only buy TGWPWF at an airport bookstore, but when I'm bored and it's on the Kindle....... Well, I resisted. I am sure I turned instead to some important task on my to do list and spent the day productively busy (okay, probably not but I didn't buy the book).

Then last week I had a hair appointment and as I was entering the salon, I realized I had forgotten reading material. Usually, I bring a New Yorker and try to use the two hours that I'm soaking in chemicals to grow some brain cells. But with no reading material available (except the People and Us magazines at the salon), I suddenly thought KINDLE. And that was it. Two minutes later I had the 'book' in my sweaty little palm and spend the next two hours happily reading crap and absorbing chemicals!

And it's strange. Staring at your phone for hours. I find my eyes get all wonky and when I stand up after reading for a bit I get super dizzy. Yesterday, I spent a bit too much time reading and today my hands are sore from holding the teeny phone (which is effecting my second iphone obsession solitaire). But, all in all, it's not so bad. And not too much different from reading a book. It has made me understand why someone would want an ipad.

But the thing is, it can become your life. Not just Kindle, but the iphone is all you need. It is complete entertainment at all times. I can watch movies, tv shows, buy and read a book instantly - without going anywhere, email, facebook, play games. Shoot, there is even a match.com app if I need to find a little love. Well, actually there are apps for improving your sex life and probably porn too (though haven't actually looked). I could never leave my house. Never speak to a person face to face. This little device could become your life!

Fortunately, that won't happen to me, I have self control......