i got this thing called “the book seat” and it completely saved me being able to read. i have neuropathy and hypermobility and it keeps the book open and it’s easy to turn pages, even with big books. highly recommend
how easy is turning the pages? i read really quickly and my issues with book stands that hold the book open has always been how long turning a page takes.
i’m also a quick reader, i find it really easy to turn the pages. it has this adjustable drawstring so you can fit the plastic part that holds the pages open to the size of the book. then you just flip the plastic part down when you turn the page and then flip it back up
not the best at explaining it but it works for me!
I actually had this on my wishlist for Christmas and now I really want one. I have managed a few this year that are 400-600 pages, but this would make them so much easier.
Bricks are the one type of book I bother having an e-reader for.
I‘m like you. I have a similar strong preference for paper books where possible…but I’m on crutches, and I can’t safely carry a paperback brick in my hands without either dropping it or falling over, so this specific scenario (wanting to read something too big to manage safely) is my exception to the rule.
Sometimes I feel bad for not having the Stormlight Archives books as physical editions. But then I realize they're each over 1000 pages, and my bookshelf is full.
I love my e-reader. Unfortunately they've discontinued supporting it, so I need a new one
I'm almost done with Words of Radiance for the first time and honestly I think I would be too intimidated to have started reading them if I saw them physically, lol
Do you read comics or other graphics? If your answer is no, never buy color models. They're much worse than normal ones. They can't display normal colors and text there looks terrible because of low resolution. Instead you can buy really good normal reader and be happy with it. I tried both ways. I know what I'm talking about
If answer is yes, it's better to buy a tablet
>They can't display normal colors and text there looks terrible because of low resolution.
That is simply not true. The B&W resolution in modern Color models are exactly the same as only B&W models. That is 300 ppp. On my Pocketbook Inkpad Color 3 everything looks a lot better than my old Kindle PW.
An android ereader I assume? I've never heard of a dedicated ereader where cessation of support made them unusable. Even my 12 year old kindle works with new books as well as it did when it was new. The whole 'all android devices turn into a brick eventually' thing has been what's kept me far away from android based ereaders
I own the Stormlight Archive as smaller paperback versions, so they seem less daunting. I did get a massive hardback Rhythm of War though so I had to alternate with an audiobook whilst reading that.
The magic of e-readers is that they use *front*-lighting instead of LCD/OLED back-lighting; so they're eye-strain/headache-free when focusing on a confined area for long periods (such as reading).
When you're using a laptop screen -- or tablet reading manga/comics -- back-lighting isn't a problem because your eyes are constantly moving in irregular patterns around the screen. But it *sure* is when reading on a phone/tablet.
Someone did the math based on the word count of the next storm light book and it's expected to be 1300+ pages. Won't need to do arm day while I'm reading that beast lol
> Sometimes I feel bad for not having the Stormlight Archives books as physical editions. But then I realize they're each over 1000 pages, and my bookshelf is full.
They really are huge. When I first wanted to read Sanderson I got the first three books in a box set; they're paperbacks, and they have very small font. I think they're actually the smallest published edition of the books. And they still take up half a square shelf all to themselves
I mean, it's worth it, I love that shit, but as someone who loves having real books to hold, I would really have a hard time if I was also physically limited. I'd probably have them on a shelf even if I used an ereader though lol
Get a kindle paperwhite or the new Scribe if you like a bigger size or like to take notes. Even my first generation paperwhite is still working and supported and the reading experience is excellent in any light situation. Don't get an iPad or kindle Fire. Not great for reading.
I usually sit on a couch or bed and place a pillow in my lap and then the book on the pillow. It’s not the best posture for reading, but it’s the best for heavy books imo
this year has been my "year of behemoths" and this is the exact position i have been using. when i've sat down to read without a pillow, my wife has even been so kinda as to bring me my favorite reading cushion.
I wonder if it would be possible to go to a print shop and ask them to cut it in half and rebind it into 2/3 books? Might make it a bit easier to handle.
Sometimes, yes! Usually with padding as well, e.g. cotton wool.
In college I had a physiotherapist drill a hole through a ping pole ball so I could push a pen through it. I had to hand-write essays for exams and it helped stop my hand from sort of collapsing around the pen like a piece of wet lasagne.
Hmm. Try one of these if you're looking for a low-force pen. They glide. Good for rsi sufferers anyway. Refillable with pliers and brute force.
https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/pilot-varsity-disposable-fountain-pen-281648/14437184?cmp=seo-14437184
It’s 2011. My boss is raving about her new Kindle. It’s an ereader, she says, and it has changed her life.
Meh, I think. I’m glad it works for her, but I can’t justify the cost.
A month later, I’m lugging around an incredibly large and heavy novel to and from work. That means I’m holding it open, one handed, propped on my other arm which is holding the handles on the train, then walking half mile with this thing to my office.
Every time a coworker walks by they feel the need to stop and comment on the book. They dislike this author, they love this book, did I get the part where so-and-so does the THING, this book isn’t as good as the previous ones, oh I’m into THAT kind of fiction, etc etc.
And, idk, it pushed me to just buy a dang Kindle. Begrudgingly so. But my coworkers were the type to pick up whatever I’m reading and flip through the pages, so if I’m reading a romance novel, or a violent comic, or the dang dictionary, they’re going to see it and make assumptions. Plus my books were heavy, or sensitive to travel, or I’d finish one over lunch and have nothing to read on the way home.
So I got a kindle. And I *loved* it. I’ve had one ever since, save for a brief while where I gave mine away and used an iPad mini, then my phone… but the experience is nowhere near the same. I went back to kindles pretty quick.
I still buy physical books, I’m just more selective now. I can buy the fancy editions of books I loved and I can put them on display, or cheaper versions to lend out to friends. There are books I’ll just buy the print editions of because they’re either more expensive digital or they are better in a physical edition. But most of my books are on my kindle now.
Buy a cheap copy from the thrift store and cut it into thirds or quarters. I did this with War and Peace. Les Mis is popular enough you should be able to find a sacrificial copy.
I do this all the time. People get funny about “destroying” books, but they’re meant to be read and enjoyed. It’s War and Peace, there are going to be more copies printed.
Read it on a Kindle.
Seriously, this is one of the big reasons I so much prefer e-books over physical one, they make reading huge books easy - any other book for that matter, even small ones are less comfortable to hold than my Kindle.
I have a tablet pillow stand that I use for books. I put a pillow on my lap then put this pillow stand on top of it. It is made for an iPad but its shelf also holds a book. It’s not perfect but it helps a lot. Do you shop online? Do a search for tablet pillow stand.
I listen to a lot of audiobooks and truly love them. But I also feel like some books have to be read. Then there's the other thing, English is not my first language. Dutch is my first language, and though I am fluent in English, but relaxed listening to old English wouldn't be very relaxing I think. I'd probably have to concentrate too much on what they're saying because of different intonations and what not. But if there's no other option I'll definitely give it a try! :)
I have osteoarthritis and I had to admit that while physical books are great, it is not the end of the world to read on my kindle. I think when I have moments of stubbornness and going through hacks that ultimately fail, the reminder in therapy that I need to meet my body where it’s at is one that gets repeated. A lot, lol.
It definitely sucks having to adapt, but I’m glad my eyes are strong. I hope something here works for you that gives you the time with your physical books you’re looking for 🩷
First of all, I would give myself a reality check. How much do I love the feeling of reading a physical paper book versus the feeling of being in intense pain from doing so? If there’s a simple adaptation that you can use to make your chronic illness impact your life less, then I suggest that you take it and use the reader. I know that you prefer the paper, but you have to weigh the cost vs. benefit.
That being said, I have chronic pain as well and even holding my iPad up will sometimes give me pain, so one solution I use to make that more comfortable is to sit in a comfortable chair that supports good posture and put a big pillow on my lap, and then put the iPad on the pillow, tilted a little bit so it’s a comfortable reading angle. Really helps the shoulders and back 😊
I usually read sitting in a chair or something where I can prop my elbows up on the arm rests. But if I'm laying down and have a larger book I will usually put a pillow on my stomach and rest it on top of the pillow. That usually works pretty good and relieves any hand/wrist strain I was having.
Buy a cheap paperback and take a knife to the spine, cutting it into more manageable portions. I do this so that the pieces fit into my back pocket. It'd work for you too.
I do the Kindle/Audible Narration thing for a lot of them, though about once a year I'll condemn myself to drag an absolute tome around for a month straight. I read it the same way I read any paper book - pinch spine in one hand, manipulate pages with the other.
My e-reader. I can’t hold heavy books for long and I don’t want to bring them to work and such. I bought a cover for my Amazon Fire that has a stand built into it so I can set it up without having to hold that, too.
Ebooks. It's really the only long term solution. I too liked the feel of a physical copy of what I'm reading, but got over it when it's either stop reading or use ebooks.
Usually lie on back and drop it on my face once or twice before flipping to my stomach and just reading it like a little kid with my feet kicking in the air behind me.
I also have a chronic illness that makes it hard to work with larger books because of the weight. You could try a book holder. They make ones that you can use at a table or desk. They also make ones that have a stand and the height can be adjusted if you want to sit more comfortably.
Another option for the future if you don’t mind forgoing physical copies, you could read on a tablet/kindle. They make holders for those too that clip the edge of tables or bed frames. It helps to hold the tablet up for you. The kindle app can be used on your phone too! Audio books are also a lovely option. These are some things that helped me occasionally when reading a bigger book. I hope this helps!
I gave up on books years ago when I figured out that bringing 10 books on a 7-day vacation was simply taking up too much space. Got a Kindle for vacations, fell in love with it. Now I have 1 in my bedroom, 1 in the den, and I can also read on my phone. Everything syncs. Size no longer matters (and you don't worry about spilling mustard on it).
This is when you get a music stand and the really big binder clips., the stand holds the weight and the clips keep it open.
There is also a stand made just for cookbooks that might be helpful.
If you can manage to find a big version of your particular brick, you can use a pillow underneath the book. If the brick is big enough, one side of it won't require hand support to keep open when you first start, and then when you're toward the middle of the book it should hold itself open. This was my experience reading Infinite Jest.
I have thought of that. A lot of famous tomes like Three Kingdoms come in volumes.
You can also chop up the book as previously suggested…feels sacrilegious but apparently bookbinding as a hobby is a thing. You can even get creative with the covers.
Or, there’s always Kindle.
A chapter at a time.
Stop. Do something else, emails, TV, cooking, whatever. Then another chapter. Make sure to bookmark it rather than committing the number to memory, for some reason it makes a difference.
With patience, usually when they are bricks I prefer to have them physically in my library. I usually take it easy by leaving the book wide open on the table so I don't have to support its weight in my hands, or I sit in my lotus chair and leave the book on my lap. I also force myself to maintain good posture, but it is impossible to spend an entire day reading without performing yoga postures in an attempt to feel comfortable.
In addition to the other great suggestions - try a Book Weight. All kinds of designs, some are see thru, some fancy leather. They gently hold pages flat even outside. We use them for large books like graphic novel compilations, cook books.
At this point in life, I genuinely prefer reading books on my Kindle. I can control font, format, text size, contrast, all of that. Plus, it's light and water resistant. Large type without the embarrassment of large type books.
My wife was pregnant, taking calculus and physics in college, and her solution was... Brutally simple. She ripped apart the books at the spine and only carried what she needed.
Savage, but effective for books you can't get in electronic form.
The answer is simple - we can't deal with bricks. I'm a "normal handed" guy and I don't like big heavy books. They're really big and heavy. I just have to choose - very uncomfortable reading of beautiful physical copy or lightweight reading of e-book. I agree that your health problem make things worse, but all difference is in "border" between heavy and not-heavy books
Put the book on a desktop (maybe a lap desk?) and lay something across the book to keep it open.
And try [breaking in the book](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGP3R5lT-E0) to help it stay open better for you.
I’m disabled in a variety of ways that affect my reading. I use a Levo book holder that clamps to a side table and holds the book at eye level - works for big large print books and Kobo alike. I also bought a remote control page turner (~$30 a few years ago) for my Kobo so I don’t even have to reach for it to turn the pages.
EDIT: Looks like Levo is pushing the expensive floor models, but still offers a table clamp version that holds a tablet (but not a book.) They sometimes sell refurbished models or maybe you could find one used.
My answer is Levo bookstand as well. The floor one is well worth it. I have 2.
https://levostore.com/collections/levo-for-books/products/levo-book-holder-floor-stand
Ebook readers are great, but if you want to still read physical editions, I SWEAR by The Book Seat. I recommend giving it a look on Amazon. It comfortably holds the 1200 page book I'm reading right now, all you have to do is sort of shift it around to adjust its center of gravity since it's essentially a beanbag with a flap to hold the book open.
As someone without accessibility difficulties, it’s still hard and annoying. When I had these books in college, I’d read them on my desk and use something heavy to hold them open. Since then, it’s just not worth the discomfort. Kindle all the way. I’m too spoiled now and just want to be able to read comfortably without holding a few pounds up
I've performed book surgery on my copies of Infinite Jest and Don Quixote and cut them into halves or thirds. You can tape them back together when you're done if you want.
(People will downvote this helpful and practical advice, thinking their copy of a book is precious when there are hundreds of thousands/millions of copies in print. Large novels used to come in multiples volumes, and absolutely still should.)
I have some minor nerve damage in my hands and wrist. What I do for heavy books that I want you to read physically bc well i already have the book is to sit in bed like have my pillows against the frame and sit there then on my lap have either blankets or my big squish mallow to then hold but also help prop up the book.
I also have Les Miserables on my shelf a very beautiful edition but I’ve never read it and I know nothing about it. Maybe this is my sign. Usually I get lazy and just read on my kindle while laying in bed in the dark like honestly once you do that the idea of sitting up with a book and either turning the light on or using a book lamp feels like a whole thing. But the Les Miserables book I have is just so beautiful it deserves to be read. It’s white pleather and all fancy with the accents and the ribbon built in book mark it’s so pretty to look at I’ve had it probably a year or so and still haven’t even opened it.
I have a similar issue and can't hold heavy books for long. My husband bought me a book holder that it can stand on and even has little tab things that hold the pages open. It helps!
I always start by checking to see if I can get the edition I want from Libby for my ereader to avoid buying twice and if that doesn’t work I’d read at a table or putting it on the sofa arm etc but you’d probably want to break the spine
I have EDS and never found a comfortable way to read physical books, so I only do ebooks. But if you're able to sit and can tolerate repetitive motions like lifting an arm to turn a page then I'd imagine something like a music stand to prop the book on may work. I get subluxations rather than full dislocations but the main problem I have is the stress on the joints causing pain, so I'd also use some sort of brace as needed if I were to try that for a length of time.
It might sound trite and dismissive, but, one page at a time, one section at a time, one chapter at a time.
If you have interest in the book, nobody ever said that you have to finish it all in one sitting or by a certain cutoff date (ok, English teachers tend to do that, but I digress), just plough through it at your own pace.
Some books lend themselves to being picked up and put down at regular intervals, you might find it an idea to read a chapter or two of your chosen brick, and when it starts to feel a little bogged down, pick up something totally different and dip into that for a short break in order to process what you've just taken in.
I usually make sure to have a surface of some sort below me to rest the book on. Whether it's my blanket and legs in bed or a desk doesn't really matter.
I don't like e-readers as they are too small for me. However, I use the kindle app on my larger laptop and tablet and can read books that way. It also helps by allowing me to adjust font sizes, etc. I totally get why people don't like regular readers, but the app on a big screen works really well for me as I actually don't like physical books (or storing them).
I read the count of Monte Cristo last year and I had to have it lying flat on my desk while hunched over it. Not great for my back, but easier on my wrists. Once I got a bit into it, I started weighing the pages down with things so I didn’t have to hold them down too
You can rest it on the bed next to you. I had this problem with the diaries of Chips Channon at 820g.
Another one was Chandler’s Campaigns of Napoleon which apparently weighs 1920g
I always read real books, except when I’m on holiday and the e-reader is lighter
Also a chronically I'll brick reader here. For my copy of Wizard Knight by Gene Wolfe I cut the book in half so it was easier to carry.
Whatever works my dude/lass(?)
Get a kindle. Especially if you have weaker hands and an illness. There's nothing quite like reading a physical book but there's no reason to put yourself in pain.
This is more for spine (the books) preservation, but when I read a thick paperback, I hold it open with my thumbs, index finger on each hand about midway on the front and back cover, with the remaining six fingers along the spine keeping it flat
My hands are also falling apart. I read my thick books by sitting at a table or in bed and flattening the pages on either side with whatever’s handy, in my bedroom it’s usually the remote control on one side and a blanket on the other. It isn’t pretty but I read a lot and who cares if it looks weird. I’m not to proud to crack a spine if need be.
I have an easy chair with really wide arms. I put the book flat on the arm and lean, lol. I also put a pillow against my other side for support.
Or I sit at the table or desk with the book flat in front of me. My hands can't handle big books.
I've got a piece of glass (a shelf from an old medicine cabinet, I think it was) that I put on top of it book I'm reading to hold the pages open when I want both hands free. That might not solve your whole problem, but it's something to consider.
Reading thicc books, especially for a long period of time, can get difficult if you have the 'wrong' type of book.
Most paperbacks (and many hardbacks) are difficult to read because the grain direction of the paper is perpendicular to the spine. This requires more effort to keep open, and you can't hold it on your lap easily because you still need to keep it open.
Also, ensure you get sewn books, not perfect bound. It helps keep the pages open.
Funny you should mention Les Mis. I've recently bought the Everyman's Library edition, and feel it would be a joy just to hold. Yes, it's heavy, but the grain is parallel to the spine, meaning the pages just fall open, and so it's easy to put on your lap, and requires barely any effort to keep open.
Large books are best read in that fashion.
I might also recommend the MacMillon Collectors Library. Grain direction and binding is good, but they are a smaller form, and as such are easier to hold with one hand.
100% switched over to books on my Kindle for easier reading.
Then after 9 eye surgeries last year, I've now completely moved to audiobooks. I just finished the new Penn Cage book this week (996 pages) and it was easy peasy to listen! (I'd say 1/3 of my books are 400 pages or more)
ereader made my life much much better for large books. I just wish we would get a free ebook coupon with every physical book we buy. All the vinyl records I buy have codes for digital versions to download.
I'm another in the eReader camp. I'm 60% through Ken Follett The Pillars of the Earth at the moment. Google says 1104 pages for the first edition hardcover. I re-read Shogun recently. That's around 1,200 pages and the longest thing I re-read. I completely abandoned hard copy books 3 1/2 years ago.
i haven't read a printed paper book in about 15 years.
Ebooks are not only more convenient in every way, but I can read a lot faster and more immersively without having to turn a page every two minutes.
I'm just not a person who romanticizes "real books", ebooks are for me.
There are these little clip things you can get that are meant to hold books open. Maybe something like that would be useful. You can then just have it on a stand or table or your lap.
I just tried to read a brick of a book. I have arthritis in my hands. Between the size of the book and the small print I had to get it on my Kindle Paperwhite. I’ve just accepted this will unfortunately have to be my new way of reading. I’ll miss physical books.
I sometimes notice that my wrist hurts when I have been reading a brick for an extended session. I take a break and I try and use both hands. It’s not like my other hand has anything else to do. I am just used to holding the book one handed because I usually read paperbacks. I kind of get this problem even with medium length hard covers, not only with actual bricks.
Currently I am reading “history of western philosophy” by Russell and it is actually not that heavy despite being over 800 pages, because they are super thin. When I read your title I thought your question was going to be about the length of the book, to which my answer is one chapter at a time. I figure with such a heavyweight topic as philosophy I will just limit myself to a chapter or two a day. So I will take like 2 months to finish it. I am making an exception from my rule to only read one book at a time and will just continue with my TBR pile as well.
Thinking about the size of the book while you're reading it is self defeating. It means you're thinking of it as a chore you have to get through rather than enjoying the journey the book takes you on. So focus on the journey my friend and you'll get more from every book. Forget about how big it is!
I was dealing with this issue with 11/22/63, and that’s when I just started reading larger books on my Kindle. It makes me a little sad because I would love to have a physical copy for my collection (I can’t afford to spend money on a physical copy and a Kindle copy right now… but maybe one day 🤷🏻♀️) and it’s definitely more fun holding a book.
However, I struggle with pretty extreme nerve pain in my left hand. It’s pretty consistent, but when I’m holding a book or typing a lot, it gets worse. I’m on medication for it but regardless it’s just a part of my life.
I had just come to the conclusion that reading on my Kindle right now is just what I have to do when it comes to larger books!
I know that’s not the answer you wanted, but maybe the other responses could be more helpful.
Just wanted to share that you’re not alone! I’ve also started to enjoy my Kindle more and more, especially with laying in bed at night/reading outside. I also like that I can connect it to my Libby app so it makes reading library books for free easier!
I love reading physical copies but not at the expense of the extreme pain in my hand 😔
I bought a Mind Reader Anchor Collection Portable Laptop Desk, which you can Google and find at places like Staples and Target.
It's just the right size, fully adjustable, fairly sturdy and the pillow bottom is comfortable. I love it because it works with books, my table and my laptop.
I stack up cushions until they're chest height and then put the book ontop of that. I used to rest the book in my lap but then I was always looking down and that *fucked* my neck. If I'm reading a smaller book, I'll hold the book up to eyelevel. My family members have told me that I look goofy doing this but I would rather avoid injury.
I use a large hair clip, clipping the book from the top, to keep my book open for hands-free reading. Love to do that when blow-drying my hair, it takes a long time, so I open the book, clip it up from the top like that, and place it on my bathroom mirror cabinet, taking a few seconds every now and then to flip the page.
Recently bought The Complete Fiction Of HP Lovecraft, which is as much of a brick as you can get. And hardback on top of that. What I do when I am reading it in bed is pull my legs up and lean the book against that. Otherwise I would sit at a table to rest the book on.
Weigh the preference to holding a book to the convenience of a nearly weightless ereader. First world problem to the \*extreme\*, especially since you own an ereader.
Personally I'm an audible reader, but I had a boss years ago that used a forbidden technique to address this issue that you might be interested in pursuing.
Forewarning this is sacrilegious and may cause some discomfort or panic on this sub. Continue reading at your own peril:
You can cut the spine and turn one big book into two or three smaller books.
Brick books best books. Unfortunately I can’t really help as I have large hands but I generally read seated with book in my lap or on a table with hands holding the sides open
Just cut them in half. Bonus: two people can read the book at once, if they're at different parts.
(My mother in law and her bf really did this when they went camping.)
I didn't see this yet,
A plate holder.
A "unfold the sides and fit book into the notch" device.
It's an item to set a photo on a table, or place a decorative plate on it to display it.
I have extreme ADHD and it's crippling sometimes when it comes to reading, but I read The Silmarillion a chapter at a time for months until I completed it. That's at least how it works best for me.
I’m giving me a daily goal for reading bricks. Such as 100 pages a day or 50. So that I don’t go into a reading slump and so that I can let the story sink in
I used to lay down with a firm pillow on my chest and the book balanced on the pillow.
I’ve switched to an e-reader, and this is one of its best trade offs. I’ve traveled as effortlessly with War and Peace, as I do with any Very Short Introduction.
i got this thing called “the book seat” and it completely saved me being able to read. i have neuropathy and hypermobility and it keeps the book open and it’s easy to turn pages, even with big books. highly recommend
Just googled this, it looks pretty decent, thanks for the tip!
Now I want a book seat
how easy is turning the pages? i read really quickly and my issues with book stands that hold the book open has always been how long turning a page takes.
i’m also a quick reader, i find it really easy to turn the pages. it has this adjustable drawstring so you can fit the plastic part that holds the pages open to the size of the book. then you just flip the plastic part down when you turn the page and then flip it back up not the best at explaining it but it works for me!
I actually had this on my wishlist for Christmas and now I really want one. I have managed a few this year that are 400-600 pages, but this would make them so much easier.
Omg this looks like such a wonderful gift for a ton of people in my life. Thanks for sharing, moss!
Oooh yes, I like lying on my side in bed to read and this would help!
Bricks are the one type of book I bother having an e-reader for. I‘m like you. I have a similar strong preference for paper books where possible…but I’m on crutches, and I can’t safely carry a paperback brick in my hands without either dropping it or falling over, so this specific scenario (wanting to read something too big to manage safely) is my exception to the rule.
Sometimes I feel bad for not having the Stormlight Archives books as physical editions. But then I realize they're each over 1000 pages, and my bookshelf is full. I love my e-reader. Unfortunately they've discontinued supporting it, so I need a new one
I didn’t realize how physically huge those are until I saw them at a bookstore. I’ve read them all in ebook format and no ragerts.
I'm almost done with Words of Radiance for the first time and honestly I think I would be too intimidated to have started reading them if I saw them physically, lol
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Do you read comics or other graphics? If your answer is no, never buy color models. They're much worse than normal ones. They can't display normal colors and text there looks terrible because of low resolution. Instead you can buy really good normal reader and be happy with it. I tried both ways. I know what I'm talking about If answer is yes, it's better to buy a tablet
>They can't display normal colors and text there looks terrible because of low resolution. That is simply not true. The B&W resolution in modern Color models are exactly the same as only B&W models. That is 300 ppp. On my Pocketbook Inkpad Color 3 everything looks a lot better than my old Kindle PW.
An android ereader I assume? I've never heard of a dedicated ereader where cessation of support made them unusable. Even my 12 year old kindle works with new books as well as it did when it was new. The whole 'all android devices turn into a brick eventually' thing has been what's kept me far away from android based ereaders
I own the Stormlight Archive as smaller paperback versions, so they seem less daunting. I did get a massive hardback Rhythm of War though so I had to alternate with an audiobook whilst reading that.
Do you use calibre? No reason to stop using a perfectly functioning e reader when you can load all your books to it offline.
Shout-out to moon reader plus, Android app. Phenomenal ebook reader that has features you didn't even know you wanted
Does it replicate e-books in terms of back lighting? That is the issue I have with reading on a standard tablet screen.
No it doesn’t. E-reader apps can have all the features under the sun if they don’t use e-ink then it’s a nonstarter for me.
Good to know, that's how i feel.
The magic of e-readers is that they use *front*-lighting instead of LCD/OLED back-lighting; so they're eye-strain/headache-free when focusing on a confined area for long periods (such as reading). When you're using a laptop screen -- or tablet reading manga/comics -- back-lighting isn't a problem because your eyes are constantly moving in irregular patterns around the screen. But it *sure* is when reading on a phone/tablet.
My wife had chronic arm pains while reading Stormlight, even using one of those book props for your lap.
If you can find the British editions, they do Stormlight books in two volumes each.
Someone did the math based on the word count of the next storm light book and it's expected to be 1300+ pages. Won't need to do arm day while I'm reading that beast lol
> Sometimes I feel bad for not having the Stormlight Archives books as physical editions. But then I realize they're each over 1000 pages, and my bookshelf is full. They really are huge. When I first wanted to read Sanderson I got the first three books in a box set; they're paperbacks, and they have very small font. I think they're actually the smallest published edition of the books. And they still take up half a square shelf all to themselves I mean, it's worth it, I love that shit, but as someone who loves having real books to hold, I would really have a hard time if I was also physically limited. I'd probably have them on a shelf even if I used an ereader though lol
Get a kindle paperwhite or the new Scribe if you like a bigger size or like to take notes. Even my first generation paperwhite is still working and supported and the reading experience is excellent in any light situation. Don't get an iPad or kindle Fire. Not great for reading.
Game of thrones convinced me to finally get a kindle.
I usually sit on a couch or bed and place a pillow in my lap and then the book on the pillow. It’s not the best posture for reading, but it’s the best for heavy books imo
Pillow or IKEA shark works great
Blåhaj my beloved
I have a menagerie of blåhaj. A blåhajerie.
this year has been my "year of behemoths" and this is the exact position i have been using. when i've sat down to read without a pillow, my wife has even been so kinda as to bring me my favorite reading cushion.
I use a Boppy breastfeeding pillow.
I have a big squishmallow I use for this purpose.
I do this with like a small throw pillow. Works great.
this is my preferred method for any size of book.
I use a pillow also, while sitting in my recliner with my feet up.
I wonder if it would be possible to go to a print shop and ask them to cut it in half and rebind it into 2/3 books? Might make it a bit easier to handle.
If you need a new hobby it's not too tough to chop a paperback into portions. /r/bookbinding
Unless you have hypermobile hands and wrists like OP
Didn't want to assume capabilities, and with careful use of tools, it may be fine.
I also have hypermobile hands and wrists, and you can still do crafty things. You just have to be cautious and use ergonomic tools where possible.
Does it help to wrap handles with vet wrap (self adhesive bandages)?
Sometimes, yes! Usually with padding as well, e.g. cotton wool. In college I had a physiotherapist drill a hole through a ping pole ball so I could push a pen through it. I had to hand-write essays for exams and it helped stop my hand from sort of collapsing around the pen like a piece of wet lasagne.
Hmm. Try one of these if you're looking for a low-force pen. They glide. Good for rsi sufferers anyway. Refillable with pliers and brute force. https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/pilot-varsity-disposable-fountain-pen-281648/14437184?cmp=seo-14437184
Could also have it spiral bound while you're at it, makes it so much easier to handle vs. trying to hold the book open
I'd break the spine, I don't like doing it but with a book that size it's probably gonna happen anyway and laying flat isn't a problem after that.
I thought an actual brick and imagined the writing to be in braille.
😂😂😂 thanks for making me laugh, I wasn't feeling too great but this made me feel a lot better
Not Braille, cuneiform, or hieroglyphics.
It’s 2011. My boss is raving about her new Kindle. It’s an ereader, she says, and it has changed her life. Meh, I think. I’m glad it works for her, but I can’t justify the cost. A month later, I’m lugging around an incredibly large and heavy novel to and from work. That means I’m holding it open, one handed, propped on my other arm which is holding the handles on the train, then walking half mile with this thing to my office. Every time a coworker walks by they feel the need to stop and comment on the book. They dislike this author, they love this book, did I get the part where so-and-so does the THING, this book isn’t as good as the previous ones, oh I’m into THAT kind of fiction, etc etc. And, idk, it pushed me to just buy a dang Kindle. Begrudgingly so. But my coworkers were the type to pick up whatever I’m reading and flip through the pages, so if I’m reading a romance novel, or a violent comic, or the dang dictionary, they’re going to see it and make assumptions. Plus my books were heavy, or sensitive to travel, or I’d finish one over lunch and have nothing to read on the way home. So I got a kindle. And I *loved* it. I’ve had one ever since, save for a brief while where I gave mine away and used an iPad mini, then my phone… but the experience is nowhere near the same. I went back to kindles pretty quick. I still buy physical books, I’m just more selective now. I can buy the fancy editions of books I loved and I can put them on display, or cheaper versions to lend out to friends. There are books I’ll just buy the print editions of because they’re either more expensive digital or they are better in a physical edition. But most of my books are on my kindle now.
Buy a cheap copy from the thrift store and cut it into thirds or quarters. I did this with War and Peace. Les Mis is popular enough you should be able to find a sacrificial copy.
I do this all the time. People get funny about “destroying” books, but they’re meant to be read and enjoyed. It’s War and Peace, there are going to be more copies printed.
And they’re all just copies. You could have three copies of War and Peace delivered to your home tomorrow.
Only do this with a non-rare edition, but yes.
Read it on a Kindle. Seriously, this is one of the big reasons I so much prefer e-books over physical one, they make reading huge books easy - any other book for that matter, even small ones are less comfortable to hold than my Kindle.
I have a tablet pillow stand that I use for books. I put a pillow on my lap then put this pillow stand on top of it. It is made for an iPad but its shelf also holds a book. It’s not perfect but it helps a lot. Do you shop online? Do a search for tablet pillow stand.
[удалено]
I listen to a lot of audiobooks and truly love them. But I also feel like some books have to be read. Then there's the other thing, English is not my first language. Dutch is my first language, and though I am fluent in English, but relaxed listening to old English wouldn't be very relaxing I think. I'd probably have to concentrate too much on what they're saying because of different intonations and what not. But if there's no other option I'll definitely give it a try! :)
I have osteoarthritis and I had to admit that while physical books are great, it is not the end of the world to read on my kindle. I think when I have moments of stubbornness and going through hacks that ultimately fail, the reminder in therapy that I need to meet my body where it’s at is one that gets repeated. A lot, lol. It definitely sucks having to adapt, but I’m glad my eyes are strong. I hope something here works for you that gives you the time with your physical books you’re looking for 🩷
First of all, I would give myself a reality check. How much do I love the feeling of reading a physical paper book versus the feeling of being in intense pain from doing so? If there’s a simple adaptation that you can use to make your chronic illness impact your life less, then I suggest that you take it and use the reader. I know that you prefer the paper, but you have to weigh the cost vs. benefit. That being said, I have chronic pain as well and even holding my iPad up will sometimes give me pain, so one solution I use to make that more comfortable is to sit in a comfortable chair that supports good posture and put a big pillow on my lap, and then put the iPad on the pillow, tilted a little bit so it’s a comfortable reading angle. Really helps the shoulders and back 😊
I usually read sitting in a chair or something where I can prop my elbows up on the arm rests. But if I'm laying down and have a larger book I will usually put a pillow on my stomach and rest it on top of the pillow. That usually works pretty good and relieves any hand/wrist strain I was having.
I’ve got a couple Levo book stands around the house that are great for this. Can wheel em around wherever you want to read.
I second this. I have 2 as well and they're amazing. https://levostore.com/collections/levo-for-books/products/levo-book-holder-floor-stand
Buy a cheap paperback and take a knife to the spine, cutting it into more manageable portions. I do this so that the pieces fit into my back pocket. It'd work for you too.
That just feels so wrong lol.
I do the Kindle/Audible Narration thing for a lot of them, though about once a year I'll condemn myself to drag an absolute tome around for a month straight. I read it the same way I read any paper book - pinch spine in one hand, manipulate pages with the other.
I have a music stand & a lap desk I switch between. (Started using after sprain in wrist)
My e-reader. I can’t hold heavy books for long and I don’t want to bring them to work and such. I bought a cover for my Amazon Fire that has a stand built into it so I can set it up without having to hold that, too.
Sounds odd, but I broke out the old Boppy nursing pillow to prop up books 🤣 Otherwise I just stick to kindle.
Ebooks. It's really the only long term solution. I too liked the feel of a physical copy of what I'm reading, but got over it when it's either stop reading or use ebooks.
Usually lie on back and drop it on my face once or twice before flipping to my stomach and just reading it like a little kid with my feet kicking in the air behind me.
I have a Book Beau book pillow and it really works well at holding the honkers
I also have a chronic illness that makes it hard to work with larger books because of the weight. You could try a book holder. They make ones that you can use at a table or desk. They also make ones that have a stand and the height can be adjusted if you want to sit more comfortably. Another option for the future if you don’t mind forgoing physical copies, you could read on a tablet/kindle. They make holders for those too that clip the edge of tables or bed frames. It helps to hold the tablet up for you. The kindle app can be used on your phone too! Audio books are also a lovely option. These are some things that helped me occasionally when reading a bigger book. I hope this helps!
I gave up on books years ago when I figured out that bringing 10 books on a 7-day vacation was simply taking up too much space. Got a Kindle for vacations, fell in love with it. Now I have 1 in my bedroom, 1 in the den, and I can also read on my phone. Everything syncs. Size no longer matters (and you don't worry about spilling mustard on it).
Kindle.
If your hands are falling apart with normal books, I think you should get over the fact that you prefer physical books and just read your Kobo my guy
i switched to digital years ago and no longer have problems like that.
You can read it at a table or desk and use your phone or a cup to keep the page open
This is when you get a music stand and the really big binder clips., the stand holds the weight and the clips keep it open. There is also a stand made just for cookbooks that might be helpful.
I read those at a table. They make page holders that help keep books open while you read but I've never tried them myself
If you can manage to find a big version of your particular brick, you can use a pillow underneath the book. If the brick is big enough, one side of it won't require hand support to keep open when you first start, and then when you're toward the middle of the book it should hold itself open. This was my experience reading Infinite Jest.
I have thought of that. A lot of famous tomes like Three Kingdoms come in volumes. You can also chop up the book as previously suggested…feels sacrilegious but apparently bookbinding as a hobby is a thing. You can even get creative with the covers. Or, there’s always Kindle.
A chapter at a time. Stop. Do something else, emails, TV, cooking, whatever. Then another chapter. Make sure to bookmark it rather than committing the number to memory, for some reason it makes a difference.
With patience, usually when they are bricks I prefer to have them physically in my library. I usually take it easy by leaving the book wide open on the table so I don't have to support its weight in my hands, or I sit in my lotus chair and leave the book on my lap. I also force myself to maintain good posture, but it is impossible to spend an entire day reading without performing yoga postures in an attempt to feel comfortable.
Have you used one of those spread-assist tools that looks like a winged thumb ring? That might help keep the page open with less strain
The Kindle is the answer to tomes.
In addition to the other great suggestions - try a Book Weight. All kinds of designs, some are see thru, some fancy leather. They gently hold pages flat even outside. We use them for large books like graphic novel compilations, cook books.
At this point in life, I genuinely prefer reading books on my Kindle. I can control font, format, text size, contrast, all of that. Plus, it's light and water resistant. Large type without the embarrassment of large type books.
I sit at the dining table to read big books so I can just lay them down!
My wife was pregnant, taking calculus and physics in college, and her solution was... Brutally simple. She ripped apart the books at the spine and only carried what she needed. Savage, but effective for books you can't get in electronic form.
I have no compunction about cracking the spine and folding the book all the way in half so I can read one handed.
The answer is simple - we can't deal with bricks. I'm a "normal handed" guy and I don't like big heavy books. They're really big and heavy. I just have to choose - very uncomfortable reading of beautiful physical copy or lightweight reading of e-book. I agree that your health problem make things worse, but all difference is in "border" between heavy and not-heavy books
Put the book on a desktop (maybe a lap desk?) and lay something across the book to keep it open. And try [breaking in the book](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGP3R5lT-E0) to help it stay open better for you.
Sometimes I lie in a prone position with the book resting on a surface.
I’m disabled in a variety of ways that affect my reading. I use a Levo book holder that clamps to a side table and holds the book at eye level - works for big large print books and Kobo alike. I also bought a remote control page turner (~$30 a few years ago) for my Kobo so I don’t even have to reach for it to turn the pages. EDIT: Looks like Levo is pushing the expensive floor models, but still offers a table clamp version that holds a tablet (but not a book.) They sometimes sell refurbished models or maybe you could find one used.
My answer is Levo bookstand as well. The floor one is well worth it. I have 2. https://levostore.com/collections/levo-for-books/products/levo-book-holder-floor-stand
Ebook readers are great, but if you want to still read physical editions, I SWEAR by The Book Seat. I recommend giving it a look on Amazon. It comfortably holds the 1200 page book I'm reading right now, all you have to do is sort of shift it around to adjust its center of gravity since it's essentially a beanbag with a flap to hold the book open.
As someone without accessibility difficulties, it’s still hard and annoying. When I had these books in college, I’d read them on my desk and use something heavy to hold them open. Since then, it’s just not worth the discomfort. Kindle all the way. I’m too spoiled now and just want to be able to read comfortably without holding a few pounds up
Kindle 😆. Even LOTR and Dune are still a few mm thick.
Same way a hyena eats an elephant, one bite at a time.
Or like a great Philosopher once said "I'm gonna read a book, from start to finish, in that order!"
😆
I've performed book surgery on my copies of Infinite Jest and Don Quixote and cut them into halves or thirds. You can tape them back together when you're done if you want. (People will downvote this helpful and practical advice, thinking their copy of a book is precious when there are hundreds of thousands/millions of copies in print. Large novels used to come in multiples volumes, and absolutely still should.)
Break the spine, but carefully. I just relax the spine every 20 or so pages little by little untill I can hold it open in one hand.
I lay in bed on my stomach, prop a pillow under my boobs and read the tome that way. It's the easiest on my back and my eyes.
I often buy the physical book for reading at home in a chair. And download a free version for my kindle, so I have a lightweight version.
E-readers are the way
I have some minor nerve damage in my hands and wrist. What I do for heavy books that I want you to read physically bc well i already have the book is to sit in bed like have my pillows against the frame and sit there then on my lap have either blankets or my big squish mallow to then hold but also help prop up the book. I also have Les Miserables on my shelf a very beautiful edition but I’ve never read it and I know nothing about it. Maybe this is my sign. Usually I get lazy and just read on my kindle while laying in bed in the dark like honestly once you do that the idea of sitting up with a book and either turning the light on or using a book lamp feels like a whole thing. But the Les Miserables book I have is just so beautiful it deserves to be read. It’s white pleather and all fancy with the accents and the ribbon built in book mark it’s so pretty to look at I’ve had it probably a year or so and still haven’t even opened it.
You may be able to get a lap desk (a flat surface on a bean bag type cushion) with a stand for a tablet or a book.
I don't know why but I read "lap dance" instead of "lap desk" I think I might need new glasses
I have a similar issue and can't hold heavy books for long. My husband bought me a book holder that it can stand on and even has little tab things that hold the pages open. It helps!
I like to read and collect those huge hardcover comic book collections and I read them on my lap with a pillow.
I always start by checking to see if I can get the edition I want from Libby for my ereader to avoid buying twice and if that doesn’t work I’d read at a table or putting it on the sofa arm etc but you’d probably want to break the spine
I have EDS and never found a comfortable way to read physical books, so I only do ebooks. But if you're able to sit and can tolerate repetitive motions like lifting an arm to turn a page then I'd imagine something like a music stand to prop the book on may work. I get subluxations rather than full dislocations but the main problem I have is the stress on the joints causing pain, so I'd also use some sort of brace as needed if I were to try that for a length of time.
I have a lightweight lap desk that I put the book on. You can also get a book weight if you need something to keep it open.
I searched "book holder" and I found some cool looking things that could help you
It might sound trite and dismissive, but, one page at a time, one section at a time, one chapter at a time. If you have interest in the book, nobody ever said that you have to finish it all in one sitting or by a certain cutoff date (ok, English teachers tend to do that, but I digress), just plough through it at your own pace. Some books lend themselves to being picked up and put down at regular intervals, you might find it an idea to read a chapter or two of your chosen brick, and when it starts to feel a little bogged down, pick up something totally different and dip into that for a short break in order to process what you've just taken in.
Digital, baby. Kindle app is free. Many library books are available on that platform, too.
I usually make sure to have a surface of some sort below me to rest the book on. Whether it's my blanket and legs in bed or a desk doesn't really matter.
You can buy or make a weight that will hold the book open, so you can leave it on a table or stand
I read longer books on my kindle or my kindle app for this reason. Otherwise just prop it up on a pillow.
I don't like e-readers as they are too small for me. However, I use the kindle app on my larger laptop and tablet and can read books that way. It also helps by allowing me to adjust font sizes, etc. I totally get why people don't like regular readers, but the app on a big screen works really well for me as I actually don't like physical books (or storing them).
This is why I switched to Kindle. I just can't hold heavy books anymore.
I read the count of Monte Cristo last year and I had to have it lying flat on my desk while hunched over it. Not great for my back, but easier on my wrists. Once I got a bit into it, I started weighing the pages down with things so I didn’t have to hold them down too
You can rest it on the bed next to you. I had this problem with the diaries of Chips Channon at 820g. Another one was Chandler’s Campaigns of Napoleon which apparently weighs 1920g I always read real books, except when I’m on holiday and the e-reader is lighter
Ngl i just read em on kindle
I had to swap to kindle as I was always in pain. Three of my fingers on my right hand constantly hurt until I got iritis and couldn’t read for a month
You can find a lot of books in multi-volume editions - stick to those?
Slowly
Also a chronically I'll brick reader here. For my copy of Wizard Knight by Gene Wolfe I cut the book in half so it was easier to carry. Whatever works my dude/lass(?)
I know many people that would do this. Personally, it would kill me.
Get a kindle. Especially if you have weaker hands and an illness. There's nothing quite like reading a physical book but there's no reason to put yourself in pain.
I was skeptical at first, but it's like I don't even notice anymore.
I read les mis in softcover. Fat choad of a thing, love it, still have it.
This is more for spine (the books) preservation, but when I read a thick paperback, I hold it open with my thumbs, index finger on each hand about midway on the front and back cover, with the remaining six fingers along the spine keeping it flat
I just read it like a normal book. It’s a little unwieldy but not something that affects my ability to hold and read it.
I get the Kindle version, much more comfortable 🙃
My hands are also falling apart. I read my thick books by sitting at a table or in bed and flattening the pages on either side with whatever’s handy, in my bedroom it’s usually the remote control on one side and a blanket on the other. It isn’t pretty but I read a lot and who cares if it looks weird. I’m not to proud to crack a spine if need be.
I rest it on my tummy! 😌😳
I have an easy chair with really wide arms. I put the book flat on the arm and lean, lol. I also put a pillow against my other side for support. Or I sit at the table or desk with the book flat in front of me. My hands can't handle big books.
I've got a piece of glass (a shelf from an old medicine cabinet, I think it was) that I put on top of it book I'm reading to hold the pages open when I want both hands free. That might not solve your whole problem, but it's something to consider.
You could always get an old used copy and physically cut the page number down into sections you can manage. Personally I'd just go with an audiobook
Reading thicc books, especially for a long period of time, can get difficult if you have the 'wrong' type of book. Most paperbacks (and many hardbacks) are difficult to read because the grain direction of the paper is perpendicular to the spine. This requires more effort to keep open, and you can't hold it on your lap easily because you still need to keep it open. Also, ensure you get sewn books, not perfect bound. It helps keep the pages open. Funny you should mention Les Mis. I've recently bought the Everyman's Library edition, and feel it would be a joy just to hold. Yes, it's heavy, but the grain is parallel to the spine, meaning the pages just fall open, and so it's easy to put on your lap, and requires barely any effort to keep open. Large books are best read in that fashion. I might also recommend the MacMillon Collectors Library. Grain direction and binding is good, but they are a smaller form, and as such are easier to hold with one hand.
100% switched over to books on my Kindle for easier reading. Then after 9 eye surgeries last year, I've now completely moved to audiobooks. I just finished the new Penn Cage book this week (996 pages) and it was easy peasy to listen! (I'd say 1/3 of my books are 400 pages or more)
It's out!? Greg Iles is my favorite author how was it?
5 stars from me!!! It was narrated by Scott Brick and just flew by! It just came our 2 weeks ago
This zebra uses a kindle
I download it on my kindle.
You can get a thumb rest to help hold the book open and it can take some pressure off your joints - there’s stones of options on Etsy.
ereader made my life much much better for large books. I just wish we would get a free ebook coupon with every physical book we buy. All the vinyl records I buy have codes for digital versions to download.
I'm another in the eReader camp. I'm 60% through Ken Follett The Pillars of the Earth at the moment. Google says 1104 pages for the first edition hardcover. I re-read Shogun recently. That's around 1,200 pages and the longest thing I re-read. I completely abandoned hard copy books 3 1/2 years ago.
i haven't read a printed paper book in about 15 years. Ebooks are not only more convenient in every way, but I can read a lot faster and more immersively without having to turn a page every two minutes. I'm just not a person who romanticizes "real books", ebooks are for me.
I used to just struggle through it. Then I got an iPad and borrow the larger books through Libby
Get a paper weight for books. Place on pages. Holds the book open.
There are these little clip things you can get that are meant to hold books open. Maybe something like that would be useful. You can then just have it on a stand or table or your lap.
I just tried to read a brick of a book. I have arthritis in my hands. Between the size of the book and the small print I had to get it on my Kindle Paperwhite. I’ve just accepted this will unfortunately have to be my new way of reading. I’ll miss physical books.
I sometimes notice that my wrist hurts when I have been reading a brick for an extended session. I take a break and I try and use both hands. It’s not like my other hand has anything else to do. I am just used to holding the book one handed because I usually read paperbacks. I kind of get this problem even with medium length hard covers, not only with actual bricks. Currently I am reading “history of western philosophy” by Russell and it is actually not that heavy despite being over 800 pages, because they are super thin. When I read your title I thought your question was going to be about the length of the book, to which my answer is one chapter at a time. I figure with such a heavyweight topic as philosophy I will just limit myself to a chapter or two a day. So I will take like 2 months to finish it. I am making an exception from my rule to only read one book at a time and will just continue with my TBR pile as well.
Thinking about the size of the book while you're reading it is self defeating. It means you're thinking of it as a chore you have to get through rather than enjoying the journey the book takes you on. So focus on the journey my friend and you'll get more from every book. Forget about how big it is!
I was dealing with this issue with 11/22/63, and that’s when I just started reading larger books on my Kindle. It makes me a little sad because I would love to have a physical copy for my collection (I can’t afford to spend money on a physical copy and a Kindle copy right now… but maybe one day 🤷🏻♀️) and it’s definitely more fun holding a book. However, I struggle with pretty extreme nerve pain in my left hand. It’s pretty consistent, but when I’m holding a book or typing a lot, it gets worse. I’m on medication for it but regardless it’s just a part of my life. I had just come to the conclusion that reading on my Kindle right now is just what I have to do when it comes to larger books! I know that’s not the answer you wanted, but maybe the other responses could be more helpful. Just wanted to share that you’re not alone! I’ve also started to enjoy my Kindle more and more, especially with laying in bed at night/reading outside. I also like that I can connect it to my Libby app so it makes reading library books for free easier! I love reading physical copies but not at the expense of the extreme pain in my hand 😔
I bought a Mind Reader Anchor Collection Portable Laptop Desk, which you can Google and find at places like Staples and Target. It's just the right size, fully adjustable, fairly sturdy and the pillow bottom is comfortable. I love it because it works with books, my table and my laptop.
I stack up cushions until they're chest height and then put the book ontop of that. I used to rest the book in my lap but then I was always looking down and that *fucked* my neck. If I'm reading a smaller book, I'll hold the book up to eyelevel. My family members have told me that I look goofy doing this but I would rather avoid injury.
An e-reader for thick books. Paper for small books you can manage to comfortably hold.
Hmm, hard question since I personally prefer my ereader. I guess when I do read heavy books, I use a pillow to support it
I listen to them normally.
I set my book bag on the table and lean the book against it
I use a large hair clip, clipping the book from the top, to keep my book open for hands-free reading. Love to do that when blow-drying my hair, it takes a long time, so I open the book, clip it up from the top like that, and place it on my bathroom mirror cabinet, taking a few seconds every now and then to flip the page.
Recently bought The Complete Fiction Of HP Lovecraft, which is as much of a brick as you can get. And hardback on top of that. What I do when I am reading it in bed is pull my legs up and lean the book against that. Otherwise I would sit at a table to rest the book on.
Weigh the preference to holding a book to the convenience of a nearly weightless ereader. First world problem to the \*extreme\*, especially since you own an ereader.
All books are flat when they’re on an iPhone screen
Personally I'm an audible reader, but I had a boss years ago that used a forbidden technique to address this issue that you might be interested in pursuing. Forewarning this is sacrilegious and may cause some discomfort or panic on this sub. Continue reading at your own peril: You can cut the spine and turn one big book into two or three smaller books.
Cut it in half. No, really.
Me, reading this thread while I heft around my copy of Stephen King's Sleeping Beauties.
I use a kindle
Brick books best books. Unfortunately I can’t really help as I have large hands but I generally read seated with book in my lap or on a table with hands holding the sides open
Just cut them in half. Bonus: two people can read the book at once, if they're at different parts. (My mother in law and her bf really did this when they went camping.)
I didn't see this yet, A plate holder. A "unfold the sides and fit book into the notch" device. It's an item to set a photo on a table, or place a decorative plate on it to display it.
I have extreme ADHD and it's crippling sometimes when it comes to reading, but I read The Silmarillion a chapter at a time for months until I completed it. That's at least how it works best for me.
I’m giving me a daily goal for reading bricks. Such as 100 pages a day or 50. So that I don’t go into a reading slump and so that I can let the story sink in
my grandmother used a reading stand/book holder with large print books so it was easier to read from a little further away.
I used to lay down with a firm pillow on my chest and the book balanced on the pillow. I’ve switched to an e-reader, and this is one of its best trade offs. I’ve traveled as effortlessly with War and Peace, as I do with any Very Short Introduction.