Give a whiny welcome to Ivy Adams, our pal and the author of the new young adult novel, The International Kissing Club:
Piper, Cassidy, Mei and Izzy are the misfits of Paris, Texas. For sixteen years, they’ve dreamed of escaping the stifling fishbowl of life in their small Texas town. When Piper is the victim of an embarrassing prank, she ends up kissing a pig in front of the entire town. And when the video footage goes viral, the girls decide there’s nowhere in America left to hide. They grab their passports and sign up for an international exchange program in search of life, love and internet redemption.
To make their time in France, Australia and China (or at home, in Izzy’s case) more interesting, the girls launch the IKC fan page where they record each kiss while abroad. Lucky for them, amazing guys abound at every turn. But sometimes fun, flirty vacation flings turn into more serious romances, and sometimes you don’t return the same person you were when you left. Will the girls’ relationships—and their friendships—be able to survive?
I was talking to my mother the other day about the selection of books at Target and Costo(she’s a die-hard romance reader and has been since she had to cross into Canada from Detroit to get Harlequins) and she admitted to being really disappointed with what they carried. Not necessarily with the books out right now at Barnes and Noble, but with the books that the discount retailers were choosing to pick up. The selection is dwindling, in her opinion.
I, too, have noticed the shrinking shelf space allotted to books in recent months, especially in the women’s fiction and romance genre. While my Costco carries an abundance of bestsellers geared towards men, I only have a choice of two or three of my favorite authors. “Why is that?” my mom asked. To me, the answer is abundantly clear, but I’ve been wrong before, so I thought I’d ask all of you.
The answer, in my opinion, is e-readers. A bunch of studies have been done in the last year or so on who the typical ebook reader is. What the studies show is that she is an upper middle class woman between the ages of 30 and 50, who likes to read romance and women’s fiction.
Now we all know that that demographic is changing—the Kindle Fire and iPad are changing it—but the fact of the matter is, the people who read electronically the most are women just like me. And I’m guessing, if you’re a regular at this blog, women like you as well. So, what the writer in me would like to do today, is ask you how you all feel about e-readers? Do you own one? Do you use it regularly, if you do own one? And if you don’t, do you want to own one? Or are you stuck on the feel of a book in your hands?
I have a Nook and I use it regularly, because it’s easy and convenient and I can get a book at three in the morning when my insomnia strikes and Barnes and Noble is closed. But at the same time, I admit that I still love to hold a book in my hands. I love the smell of new books that overwhelms me whenever I walk into a Barnes and Noble and I love trolling up and down the aisles looking for a book that leaps off the shelf at me. Just the other day, my author copies from my latest young adult contemporary release, The International Kissing Club, arrived and I squealed like a little girl when I opened it. I took the books out, poured over every detail of them—including the hot pink foil lettering, the airplanes scooting between the sections and the yellow bellyband at the top of the binding. No matter how convenient my Nook is, it can never give me that same feeling, that same excitement.
So while I understand that e-readers really are the future, I would be lying if I said I won’t miss the print book. How about you? How do you like to read your books? Leave a comment and be entered to win the daily prize and the weekly prize in our Around the World in 80 Kisses tour (listed at tracy-deebs.blogspot.com) and the grand prize of a Kindle Fire (to be announced on Valentine’s Day), so you too can join the e-reader revolution 
. 
[From Julia: Hey! That's TWO Kindle Fires to be given away! All you have to do is leave a comment and be entered to win one of TWO Kindle Fires. Pop over to the address above and leave another comment to increase your chances].
{ 102 comments… read them below or add one }
Hello, Ivy, the International Kissing Club sounds great! As soon as I get this book in the can, I know what I’m reading!
I think you’re spot on about the women readers owning e-readers rather than buying paper. As such, it makes sense that the majority of purchases would be digital for traditional. I have Kindle II, which I like, but do not love, as I loved my original Kindle I (which I would not have sold if I realized how superior it is to the II). I’m thinking a Kindle III, because I want the 3G (ask me about the time I was stuck on the tarmac for three hours, and was on a Lee Child bender. 3G is my BFF.) and I love the battery life of an e-ink display.
Welcome Ivy! I am just like you, I love the feel of a book in my hands and there’s something about the smell of a book store. Sadly, so many books stores are closing, our local Borders was the latest victim. Now I have to travel several towns over for the nearest B&N.
I do own a Nook, which I never wanted in the first place. My husband bought it for me for my birthday because he was tired of seeing piles of books all over the house. I have come to love it and I use it regularly. Who would have thought? I can now leave on vacation and have more than enough to read, leaving extra room in my luggage. I even started to have authors sign the cover of my Nook whenever I meet someone. I got a bunch at RWA this past summer.
Love the autographs on the cover idea!
I like the convenience of my e-reader but I still collect the books I love. Looking at, smelling and holding beloved books can never be replaced by an e-reader.
Thank you for the chance to win a Kindle Fire. My son has one and he loves it.
Patty
I am “thinking” about a Kindle Fire but I still love the real thing! Although it would be nice to not have all of them around the house…;)
I fought buying a Kindle. I love turning pages, the feel of the papger–until I borrowed my husband’s Kindle. I can’t return to REAL books!
I have read all of Julia London books and enjoy everyone of them. Cant wait for the next one to come out. I have the basic kindle and love it. Also installed the app on my andriod and can’t live without it.
Hooray! Dottie, I hope you know the next two are coming out in February and March (as if you could have missed it as much as I talk about it)
I bow to Ivy, the mighty triumverate! NOW, to respond to Julia’s comment…YOU are so right. I’m a librarian and I teach English. I like books. I have an e-reader (actually, more than 1) and I download books. And I download books. And I download books. And I play games, word games. And I download books. You may notice that I don’t say that I READ books on an e-reader. The ones I read are the print books that I have on my shelves or that I borrow from the Library. The e-readers are great and I find that I’m promoting them at work, but it’s not my preferred reading format yet…and I’m not convinced it will be any time in the near future!
Welcome Ivy. I LOVE to read!! My favorite thing to do is to curl up on the sofa with a cup of coffee and a good book. There is nothing like holding a book in your hand with the excitement building as you get to the bottom of each page then turning over to a new page.
Hi Ivy! You’re book sounds like a fun read. As for eBooks, I’ve grown to love them. I love the feel of a book in my hands so much that I was resistant at first. But you just can’t beat the instant access and convenience of eBooks. I still love my print books, but I definitely read many more eBooks than print these days. I don’t have an actual e-reader yet, but really want one. I use the kindle app for computers. Much success to you!
Welcome, Ivy! So glad you’re here–and your book sounds terrific!
Like you, I’ve been disappointed with the selection of books at Costco, Sams, Target, etc. but unfortunately the bottom is just that–the bottom line. Their profit margins on books are small, therefore books don’t get a lot of space to begin with. And with limited space available, they’re pretty much only going to carry big name best sellers. Bummer–for both authors who’d like larger distribution and readers looking for a wider selection of books at discount prices.
I don’t have an ereader, but I have the Kindle app on my smart phone and I LOVE it! It’s like having a mini Kindle! But there’s still nothing like the feel of a book in my hands. I have bookcases filled with books in my house and I love them all–definitely not giving them up!
I love to hold the book in my hand. I am looking to buy a kindle in the near future. My hubby bought a camper and I will be needing to take books with me lol
I have a serious book addiction and know I’ll never give the paper editions up totally. There is just something special about holding a book in your hands. But, I’d love to win the kindle too. I’ve been reading books through the kindle app on my iphone while in bed and when I forget to take a book with me to an appointment. It would be nice to have a large screen to read by since I’m getting old! hehe
Keep all the awesome books/stories coming!
DeeAnn
A hearty Whiny welcome to you, Ivy! I don’t own an e-reader. I was a bit of a snob about it for awhile. I was proud to still have my gen-u-ine paper book in my hand. However, the more I watch my friends and family whip out their Nook or Kindle, particularly on a trip, the more e-reader envy I develop.
Bonus for me would be the adjustable font! Some days, these aging eyes could really use the help. Also, some authors that I’ve been late to discover only offer their earlier books electronically.
I love to read from a book but there is no replacing the Kindle when you are away from your stash of books. Love it when we are camping. I never run low on reading.
We have some serious campers showing up today! I think you are the fourth person to mention it.
I read a lot on my iPhone – both Kindle and iBooks but I LOVE a real book!
I have always loved the feel of books, the look of them, even the smell of them, and thought I’d never use an e-reader. Wrong, wrong, wrongetty wrong! I was given a Kindle 3G at retirement by a friend. I take it everywhere, and if I finish a book when I am away from home, I have a huge selection of new ones to choose from–without the added bulk. I would love to have a Kindle fire merely for the fact that I could read children’s stories in color to my grandsons when we are on the go, and we could watch videos together. I’m a cover artist, and I love seeing that cover in full color. It’s amazing the depth of art that goes into a good, attractive cover. The cover of The International Kissing Club is so cute, upbeat, and totally geared toward your reading demographic. Your cover artist did a bang up job!
But, however much I like my Kindle, I am like you. I still love the feel, look and smell of real books. My guess is that I always will.
I love holding a book in my hands. There’s one thing that an e-reader cannot replace, that is the smell of new books!
so true! (she says, sniffing a new one right this minute)
I have a Nook and I use it along with my paper books. I am that demographic (except I’m not really upper middle class yet). Along with Emily McKay, I’m a story slut. Hell, I’ll even read them on my phone once I get it figured out. =] The Nook has been good at getting me to read new authors. I buy a gift card and use that for my Nook and I love the bargain books. I’m more likely to read a new author if their book is $1.99 then if I have to pay full price. My favorites I don’t mind paying for. But, if I’ve started a series in paper, it stays in paper so I can find them all together in my library.
I have a nook and an ipad. Love reading books on both. I never thought I would say that. I do miss holding a book but the convenience is so nice. I love reading books.
I am a reader. From the time I learned how to read, I always have a stack of books at the ready. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find my favorite authors in stores. The book section in the discount stores near my home are not well stocked, nor maintained. The only B & N nearby has to be one of the smallest stores I have been in, with a very limited selection. I haunt the local library every few days as well for backlist books. I do not own an e-reader, but I think I would like one. Instead of wasting time and fuel to go from store to store, I can satisfy my book cravings imediately with an e-reader.
There is a much larger selection of books online and they are at your fingertips. And a lot of authors have taken to releasing their backlists in e-reader format – sometimes with a promotional price of $2 or $3. I do love the convenience of my Nook, but it will never totally supplant my paper books.
I love my books! I am never without a book. I carry one in my bag, have an extra in the van, I have even have a stash at the office. I have not tried the e-readers yet. Both of my daughters have an e-reader and love them. I am just reluctant to switch!
It’s easier to transport the e-reader everywhere without losing your place. And, if you get bored with one story you can switch while you’re at home without having left that book at your office.
I have a Kindle and I am coming to love it but I will always prefer print books. What I do is, take advantage of freebies and special offers to check out new authors and if I really like them I’ll buy their books. I also think e-readers are much more convenient for travelling.
I don’t have an actual ereader, just the kindle app on my computer. Would love to have an ereader! I will still buy actual books too because well electronics and bubble baths don’t mix.
LOL, very good point about the bubble baths.
I just plain love to read. However, my preferred format is an e-reader. It is just so easy to have all the books you own in one little device. Not to mention the less chance that while reading laying down and changing pages you drop the book on your nose. Used to happen to me all the time!
I too am deeply saddened by the lack of books available at discount stores/super stores. They have closed many bookstores in my area and the nearest is a 1/2 hour away. I often pick up a romance novel from the local Drug Mart, Target, Walmart or Costco, but have noticed many of my favorite authors are not even available at those stores. I am hesitant to buy any ebooks, I do own a Kobo, which was the Border’s version, but now that they are out of business I feel their book selection is very little and that many of the sale books or specials that authors and publishers offer are not available to the Kobo owners. So how do I select another ereader and how can I ensure it too won’t be replaced in 4 years by the latest and greatest “newer” version. I feel every ebook I’ve purchased is going to be lost when I do upgrade. I’m truly sad by the lack of available paper books, but feel I need to step into the next generation. A tangible book for me can never be replicated by the ebooks promoted today, but to find my favorite books and authors it appears I too must conform…*sigh*
If you do upgrade, you should be able to side-load your book onto your computer so that you don’t lose them. Just hook the Kobo up to your computer and drag and drop the books into a file. When you get a new reader you just do the opposite. I think that the companies that have survived this downturn will be around for a while. Barnes and Noble and Amazon are still doing quite well I believe, so you should be safe. Buy one of the basic readers instead of the tablets and, if it does get outdated or the company goes under, you won’t be out as much money!
Received an iPad for Christmas, and it is fun (and dangerous) to go shopping. Bazinga! A new book. Bazinga! Another new book. New and interesting titles pop up on my virtual bookshelf with a touch of my fingertips. Magic.
And yes, I do channel Sheldon Cooper from time to time, when my inner nerd comes out to play.
At the same time, I have so many paper and ink books on my shelf, and took on a reading challenge this year. Two challenges, if you count my sign up at Goodreads. Is the iPad handy? Is the iPad fun? Resounding yes. But I will always love the sound of a fresh crackle of the spine (the book’s spine, not mine) when I open a new read.
you made me giggle!
I’m a printed book girl but I have a horrible feeling that they will be going by the wayside just like rotary phones, vinyl records and calling and actually talking to someone instead of sending a text.
I don’t own an e-reader yet…I’ve been holding off, avoiding it actually. I’m rather conflicted about the e-readers. However, my defenses are cracking and I’m actually considering it. I actually like browsing in a book store (or my local Walmart or Target book section) I bring a book along everywhere. I’m like Linus with his blanket on Charlie Brown with my books. I also dream of having a library in my home with all my favorite romance authors. Rarely do I get rid of or sell my books. If you think about it, they are an investment (have you checked ebay lately? Book series bundled together can go quite high).
I love to read, so it doesn’t matter if its paper or e-reader. I so enjoy walking through a bookstore or a library looking at all of the beautiful covers. With an e-reader (except for a Fire or ipad, I guess) you can’t see the gorgeous covers, but you can hold tons of books right in your handbag, or shop in the middle of the night! I too have seen how much smaller the selection of books has gotten at my Costco. That’s a shame because their prices make it easier to buy lots of books! Whatever the future brings, I’m reading!
I would love to win a Kindle fire. I don’t think it would ever replace my love for an actual book .
)
It’s interesting to me how many of us here like both paper and kindle. So many think that the kindle means the death of the paper book, but I think it will shake out to a good mix of both. Because there are just too many of us who are not willing to forego one or the other.
I do not have an e-reader because I love to read a book I can hold in my hands. That doesn’t mean I wouldn’t love to win one, tho.
I have a tablet with Kindle and Nook apps, but I LOVE the feel of a book!!! I have a bunch of books waiting to be read and and entirely enjoying them!! That said, I feel less guilty about keeping my husband awake with the light on when I use the tablet as it doesn’t keep him up. If I could pull my head out of my story (hahahahahaha!!!!!), I would probably read 2 books at a time.
I have not used a e-reader. I do love my books. Infact I take a book to buy a purse. If it does not fit easily I do not buy it
I do that too! My first criteria for buying a bag is to see if a book and my calendar will fit.
My last purse I bought just so that my Nook would fit in it.
I love my Kindle! I have carpal tunnel, so not having to hold a book open has helped tremendously. I got my first Kindle when the original came out and rediscovered my love of reading!
I agree that the decline of books in stores is because of the E-Readers. I still prefer a book, but do have a Kindle Fire. I had a Kindle, left it on a plane. For Christmas was given money to replace the Kindle and I upgraded to the Kindle Fire. 2 weeks later I get a phone call that the original Kindle was found. I picked that up at the airport, and gave it to my Mother. She has been using it, but she also prefers to hold a book.
I would love to win another Kindle Fire, as a backup. I love to play games on it as well.
Wow! I can’t believe you got that kindle back!
I bought my son a kindle for christmas and after seeing his, I REALLY WANT ONE! lol They are the best thing ever invented
I love having a book in hand. I am always flipping it over to look at cover or read back cover. I would like an ereader for travel when it is hard to lug a bunch of books with me or for those books that are not in print.
I like having a physical book in my hand so I can see the actual progress I’m making, but I like the idea of an e-reader. It means when I travel, instead of taking a mountain of books in my luggage, I’d only have to take the slim and trim e-reader. Nice idea.
I have an e-reader but I also love the books themselves so I do both. Lately I’ve been using the e-reader for books that are coming out exclusively e-books, why I have no clue because I’d really rather have the book but I love the feel of a book in my hands and seeing all the pretty covers. I always said that once I move back out on my own I’m turning my apartment into one big library with bookshelves all around me and all my pretty books on display where I can see them all of the time.
I miss print books too, but I can’t always load up 20 books to carry with me to read while camping. I think e books are just easier to handle. I always bookmark the cover though, because I love to always go back and stare at it.
I love to hold a book and flip the pages. I love to read although don’t always have time. If I won this Kindle Fire first I would have to hide it from my 9yo son who also has caught the reading bug. But maybe I could actually finish a book–seems convenient:)
Welcome Ivy!!!! It just so happens I own a copy of The International Kissing Club … kindle edition. So you can guess what my answer will be. I prefer to read electronically. I love the portability and ease. But at the same time, I could spend hours wandering bookstores and libraries and I always walk away with hard copy books that fascinate and excite me. At home, though, when I’m picking something to read, if all things are equal, I’ll turn to one on the kindle.
Thanks for whining with us today! And congrats on the release!
Welcome, Ivy, to Whine central. Feel free to bitch about something while you are here.
I have one of the first generation kindles with dozens of books on it. I like reading on it and I especially like traveling with it. But sometimes, I have to have paper. Recently, I bought a slew of books in paper.
I also had a First: I bought a paper book of a book I already had on my Kindle. Unintentionally. I’ve done that a few times with paper books, but this is a first with a digital and paper copy.
E-readers are an easy way for me to discover new authors, but if I really love the book I’ll go out and buy a print copy to have and to hold.
Doesn’t that defeat the purpose of having the ereader? j:-)
I own a Kindle and love it. We are retired and travel a great deal so a Kindle is wonderful. It doesn’t take up any space in the 5th Wheel, I can download a book 24 hours a day, and if I find a new to me author, I can buy her backlist of books. You usually can’t do that at bookstore. I still buy and read real books.
I just got my Kindle over the holidays and I’ve gotta say, I’m loving it. I’ve only read one book with it so far, but it didn’t take long to get used to reading with it instead of having a book in hand.
I had no idea that the majority of ebook readers were women. And those who read romance no less. Interesting…
The majority of readers — period, just readers — is women
Me, I’m a story slut. I’ll love anything that brings a book to me. I love physical books, but I also love the convenience of my Kindle. I love being able to make the font huge at the gym and being able to lay in bed and flip through page after page without moving more than a finger. But I also love the smell of the paper and being able to physically press a book into a friend’s hands and say, “Read this. Please. You’ll love it!”
story slut. LOVE IT!
Me too, Emily. I love both mediums.
I confess to loving the convenience of ebooks and it’s been a while since I’ve picked myself up a print, but the physical book in my hand is still the best thing. It’s really the best of both worlds.
Welcome, Ivy! The International Kissing Club sounds like a fun read. Thanks for coming by today.
I LOVE holding a book in my hands. I’ve read books on readers and enjoyed the convenience of it but there is something about holding a book in your hand. To me it is like eating off a paper plate and a dinner plate–both hold the food but there is difference you notice consciously & subconsciously. I hope we never have to give up holding books in our hands as we read.
I love the convenience of e-readers but I also opt for print books sometimes. It would be a sad world without them.
Good description!