I’ve always enjoyed reading not just because I love stories and words – particularly how they put form to thoughts, desires, and feelings – but plainly because I love the feel of the pages, the beauty of the print (and illustrations, if any), and even the smell of the ink.

Hence I never considered myself a candidate for audio books, and even the earliest e-book readers did nothing to excite me despite the fact I am the quintessential gadget gal. 

But because I am a diehard APPLE fan, news of the iPad changed my perspective immediately. My interest in e-books was immediately piqued.

I began a frantic research on e-books, e-book readers, and before too long, I bought my first e-book from Amazon, and downloaded the Kindle platform on my Blackberry. I wanted to get used to the idea of reading electronically before the iPad came within reach. I wanted to be ready for it.

During that time of getting acquainted with the e-book world, I began to read OPEN by Andre Agassi.  I had recently bought a hardcover copy of it at Borders. I also got my hands on a copy of the same book in epub format. Since the hardcover copy of the book was large and heavy, I welcomed the prospect of carrying OPEN within my iPod Touch.

A friend, who was feeding my e-book research frenzy, sent me along the audio version as well. Try the audio version as well, he says. “It is great for when you are driving or running.”

Thus begun my odyssey through the OPEN book in three different forms.

I actively engaged all three forms of the book throughout – reading my hardcover copy, by my bedside, feeling the pages, smelling the print; then tuning in to my audio book while in the car clocking the miles as a chauffeur mom; the e-version (using Stanza) in my iPod Touch , was handy when waiting in a queue, or alone having a quick meal or coffee at a café.

In this way, I was able to complete the book in double time, snatching moments of reading pleasure amidst my busy mom-worker-wife schedule.  

Technology and innovations such as these (mobile applications of our life, really) lend well to our on-the-go lifestyle. It is about being available anytime, anywhere.

While I am undecided if this all is really a good thing for us, I have to admit that having my book served to me in multiple formats, styles, and forms did not bother me one bit – in fact, I think it has confirmed my need for that iPad.

Featured image credit (reading ebook) : iStock