E-way to go!

Manav Mander

With the lockdown for COVID-19 pandemic in place,ebooks are gaining popularity. Instead of flipping pages, booklovers are now scrolling on the screen of their e-readers.

All you need for putting up a reading corner is your favourite armchair or couch; a view if possible, and lastly, a coaster for your cuppa. Once settled, browse the titles in your e-reader’s library and you’re good to go!

Digital bliss

Books are ShallyAggarwal’s first love.But busy juggling her roles as an entrepreneur and a homemaker, she was left with very little ‘Me Time’, which meant less reading. But this lockdown has given her the much needed opportunity to catch up with all that she has missed over the years.

Shally, co-founder and academic director of Pinnacle Institute of Fashion Technology, says, “I bought a Kindle long ago but hardly got any time to use it. The lockdown gave me the opportunity to familiarise myself with my Kindleand now I am loving my e-book gadget.”

Shally wakes up at 5.30 am to read. “I have been reading books related to spirituality as well as on management skills, all thanks to my Kindle. Initially, I thought reading on Kindle will increase my screen time but my perception is slowly changing. My experience so far has been great as I can select the font size and brightness of the screen. I can read till late at night without disturbing my partner. The best thing is, we can get audio books which is just a click away,” says Shally.

Book my corner

Nomita Khanna, an author, cannot think about herlife without books. Hard copy or digital, she has no qualms.

The lockdown gave Nomita an idea, “why not set up a reading corner” and this is where she is spending most of her time these days, with books for company. “It is not the time to complain, so just make the most of it. Some say that they like the smell of paper or love turning pages, but the lockdown has taught us a lot.One lesson is that ebooks save resources and minimise the contact with outsiders.So, if you want to read a book, pick up your e-reader or your phone and get started,” suggests Nomita.

Nomita’s own book, a psychological thriller called Rose’s Bent Stem, has seen a spike in downloads since the lockdown. “It hit the best-seller ranking in India in February and early March and again yesterday,” shares Nomita. “Now, if you’re wondering what I am currently reading, here’s a clue: Sweet summer nights are here, Camino winds are blowing… Mmm! Yes, you guessed it right.Life’s sorted as I’m reading Camino Winds by John Grisham,” quips Nomita.

Befriending Kindle

For Harleen, a medical student, her Kindle is her best friend now. “I brought back my books from my hostel for self-study, but could not pack my fictions. I borrowed theKindle from my brother and my life is sorted now. Evenings are spent with theKindle while mornings I have kept for my medical assignments,” says Harleen.