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“Tsundoku,” the Japanese Word for the New Books That Pile Up on Our Shelves

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Re: “Tsundoku,” the Japanese Word for the New Books That Pile Up on Our Shelves

#21

Post by gjkood »

pan69 wrote: post #20
rickdale wrote: post #17

Since I am assuming readers will look at this page, can someone explain to me how to hold a book without pain? I didn't read too much as a kid and I wonder if I just didn't build up the right muscles, but now, I like to read big books, but my forearm and fingers start to hurt from holding it. I have looked up different ways to hold books, but I haven't found anything yet that I like. This is what I like the ipad for.…

If you love reading books (not tech references) then I would also advice to get a kindle E-Reader (paperwhite).

I wish they make a Kindle Paperwhite in the DX format also. It's a pain to read technical books, with diagrams and code snippets, in the smaller formats.

Yes, there is the iPad, but I like the longer battery life of the Kindle, especially when traveling.

Re: “Tsundoku,” the Japanese Word for the New Books That Pile Up on Our Shelves

#23

Post by gjkood »

skimpycompiler wrote: post #15
gjkood wrote: post #8

I wish my "Tsundoku" could have been an investment that could generate some passive income. But alas my copy of "Sams Teach Yourself Visual Basic in 24 hours" circa 1995 (or so), is still untouched. Just never got the necessary 24 hours to learn it. Maybe I can sell it by the tonnage sometime. I thought that going the Kindle and digital media route would have saved me from adding to my "Tsundoku", but I am back in co…

Yeah, I've noticed that ever since I've got Kindle my collection increased enormously, and there's still a stack of around 300 ebooks I haven't found time to read.

The best part of the Kindle, is the ability to buy collections of the classics for $0.99, which would otherwise have been massive tomes in the physical world.

Now taking the time to read them is another matter...

Re: “Tsundoku,” the Japanese Word for the New Books That Pile Up on Our Shelves

#25

Post by resolutionx »

rickdale wrote: post #17

Since I am assuming readers will look at this page, can someone explain to me how to hold a book without pain? I didn't read too much as a kid and I wonder if I just didn't build up the right muscles, but now, I like to read big books, but my forearm and fingers start to hurt from holding it. I have looked up different ways to hold books, but I haven't found anything yet that I like. This is what I like the ipad for.…

Sorry if this comes across the wrong way, but have you tried building your grip/forearm strength up? It's an easy muscle group to activate.

However I'm not sure many muscles are good at being tensed for extended periods. I've always just shifted around the way I hold the book every few minutes.

Re: “Tsundoku,” the Japanese Word for the New Books That Pile Up on Our Shelves

#26

Post by comrh »

rickdale wrote: post #17

Since I am assuming readers will look at this page, can someone explain to me how to hold a book without pain? I didn't read too much as a kid and I wonder if I just didn't build up the right muscles, but now, I like to read big books, but my forearm and fingers start to hurt from holding it. I have looked up different ways to hold books, but I haven't found anything yet that I like. This is what I like the ipad for.…

I like reading flat on a table. Works best with hardcover books though. Also there is this little gizmo that you wear on your thumb to keep the book open that is pretty useful for one handed reading (http://www.amazon.com/Thumb-Thing-Holder-Bookmark-TPG-TT3/dp...)

Re: “Tsundoku,” the Japanese Word for the New Books That Pile Up on Our Shelves

#27

Post by yrro »

rickdale wrote: post #17

Since I am assuming readers will look at this page, can someone explain to me how to hold a book without pain? I didn't read too much as a kid and I wonder if I just didn't build up the right muscles, but now, I like to read big books, but my forearm and fingers start to hurt from holding it. I have looked up different ways to hold books, but I haven't found anything yet that I like. This is what I like the ipad for.…

Where do you normally read, and how do you sit/lie when you do so?

Re: “Tsundoku,” the Japanese Word for the New Books That Pile Up on Our Shelves

#28

Post by gjkood »

rickdale wrote: post #17

Since I am assuming readers will look at this page, can someone explain to me how to hold a book without pain? I didn't read too much as a kid and I wonder if I just didn't build up the right muscles, but now, I like to read big books, but my forearm and fingers start to hurt from holding it. I have looked up different ways to hold books, but I haven't found anything yet that I like. This is what I like the ipad for.…

If you don't mind bending your neck a little, you can always use these comfortable laptop cushioned desks like the one below:

http://www.amazon.com/LapGear-Classic-Original-Lapdesk-45364...

Re: “Tsundoku,” the Japanese Word for the New Books That Pile Up on Our Shelves

#29

Post by saalweachter »

resolutionx wrote: post #25
rickdale wrote: post #17

Since I am assuming readers will look at this page, can someone explain to me how to hold a book without pain? I didn't read too much as a kid and I wonder if I just didn't build up the right muscles, but now, I like to read big books, but my forearm and fingers start to hurt from holding it. I have looked up different ways to hold books, but I haven't found anything yet that I like. This is what I like the ipad for.…

Sorry if this comes across the wrong way, but have you tried building your grip/forearm strength up? It's an easy muscle group to activate. However I'm not sure many muscles are good at being tensed for extended periods. I've always just shifted around the way I hold the book every few minutes.

+1. Building a little bit of hand/arm strength also isn't a bad idea for a computer profession, to help reduce the risk of RSI.

Are you trying to support the book completely with your hands? I do a lot of reading while laying down with the book on my stomach or sitting with the book on a table or propped up on my knees. The only time I'm holding the book in the air is when I'm walking or cycling.

Re: “Tsundoku,” the Japanese Word for the New Books That Pile Up on Our Shelves

#30

Post by Zolomon »

rickdale wrote: post #17

Since I am assuming readers will look at this page, can someone explain to me how to hold a book without pain? I didn't read too much as a kid and I wonder if I just didn't build up the right muscles, but now, I like to read big books, but my forearm and fingers start to hurt from holding it. I have looked up different ways to hold books, but I haven't found anything yet that I like. This is what I like the ipad for.…

I bought one of these[1] for my university studies, and it has been the best investment I've done so far. Better even than my laptop, and I study computer science.

[1] http://www.ebay.com/itm/ch-Size-M-Portable-Reading-Book-Stan...

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