Story: Meaning of reading a book in 2025
Reading is the process of interpreting written or printed text to gain information, understand ideas, or experience stories and emotions conveyed through words.
At the end of the year, there’s often an abundance of information about books—lists like The Best Books of 2024, NYT Bestsellers, book reviews, and holiday book recommendations. I check some of them and occasionally ask others for recommendations, which helps me choose a book.
Although I’m not currently a member of a specific book club, I think book clubs can be a great social experience and a helpful way to develop a reading habit.
I’ve been an Audible subscriber for a few years now, with 90 titles in my library. I listen frequently and enjoy the convenience. When I returned to my country this autumn, I borrowed physical books from the community library, primarily bestselling novels and manga. It was fun—there’s definitely a reason why certain books become bestsellers.
After retirement, I’d like to spend more time reading books and watching movies on Netflix. While I can’t dedicate much time to movies right now, I don’t want to wait until retirement to enjoy books.
To cultivate my reading habit heading into 2025, I’ve purchased the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition. I’m looking forward to enhancing my reading environment and sharing my experiences in 2025.
Amazon
Amazon, founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994, is a global technology leader that began as an online bookstore and has since evolved into a powerhouse in e-commerce, cloud computing, digital streaming, and artificial intelligence. Known for its customer-centric approach, Amazon offers an extensive range of products and services, including its flagship e-commerce platform, Amazon Prime, Kindle devices, Audible, and Amazon Web Services (AWS), a leading cloud computing provider. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, the company continues to redefine industries, delivering seamless shopping experiences, groundbreaking technologies, and global convenience to millions of customers.
I’m not sure how many people primarily buy books on Amazon, but the company began as an online bookstore. Now, Amazon sells almost everything—even cars. I’ve discovered a wide range of Amazon’s book-related services and have started utilizing them to enhance my reading habits.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (32 GB)
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (32 GB) is a premium e-reader designed for avid readers who want a seamless digital reading experience. With a sleek, waterproof design and a glare-free 6.8-inch display, it mimics the feel of reading on paper, even in bright sunlight. The Signature Edition offers enhanced features, including wireless charging, an adjustable warm light, and an auto-adjusting front light for optimal brightness in any environment. With 32 GB of storage, it can hold thousands of eBooks, audiobooks, and documents, making it perfect for extensive collections. Integrated with the Kindle ecosystem, it provides easy access to millions of titles, ensuring readers can enjoy their favorite books anytime, anywhere.
I had been thinking about getting a Kindle for a while. I wanted to reduce the clutter in my room, so I decided against hardcovers. I also considered an iPad, but I can only read books on the Kindle. With the iPad, I can watch movies, but I’m not sure if the display is comfortable for long reading sessions. Anyway, I bought the Kindle during the Black Friday Sale.
Kindle
Kindle is an e-reader service by Amazon that allows users to purchase, download, and read eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines on Kindle devices or the Kindle app. It offers a vast digital library, personalized recommendations, and features like adjustable font sizes, lighting, and syncing across devices. Kindle services also include Kindle Unlimited, a subscription that provides access to a wide range of eBooks, and Amazon’s Audible integration for audiobooks.
Audible
Audible is an audiobook and spoken-word entertainment service owned by Amazon. It offers a vast library of audiobooks, podcasts, and original content that can be streamed or downloaded for offline listening. Users can subscribe to Audible for a monthly fee, gaining credits to purchase audiobooks and access exclusive content. Audible is available on multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers, providing a convenient way to enjoy audio content on the go.
Libby
Libby is an app that allows users to borrow eBooks and audiobooks from their local library for free. By linking the app to a library card, users can browse their library’s digital collection, borrow books, and read or listen on their Kindle device or Kindle app. After borrowing, the books automatically expire after the lending period, so there’s no late fee. This service provides a convenient way to access a wide range of books without purchasing them.
Bookclub
A book club is a group of people who meet regularly to discuss a book they have all read. Book clubs can be in-person or virtual, and they offer a platform for readers to share their thoughts, insights, and interpretations of a book. Members often choose the books together, and discussions typically explore themes, characters, plot, and the overall impact of the book. Participating in a book club can enhance the reading experience by providing different perspectives, fostering a sense of community, and encouraging a habit of regular reading. Book clubs can focus on specific genres, author collections, or a variety of themes, making them versatile for different interests.
Amazon book related service lists
Book Purchasing and Delivery
- Amazon Books: A vast collection of physical books available for purchase with quick delivery options.
- Amazon Kindle Store: A marketplace for eBooks, including bestsellers, classics, and self-published works.
Subscription Services
- Kindle Unlimited: A subscription service offering access to millions of eBooks and audiobooks.
- Audible: A platform for audiobooks and spoken-word entertainment, offering subscription plans and à la carte purchases.
Digital Reading Platforms
- Kindle Devices and Apps: Hardware and apps designed for reading eBooks, syncing progress across devices.
- Amazon First Reads: Early access to new books for Amazon Prime members.
Book Recommendations and Reviews
- Goodreads (Owned by Amazon): A social platform for book lovers to discover, rate, and review books.
Publishing and Author Tools
- Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP): A self-publishing platform for authors to publish eBooks and paperbacks.
- Amazon Publishing (APub): A traditional publishing division that works with authors to publish and promote books.
Physical Bookstores and Community
- Amazon Books Stores: Physical retail bookstores offering curated selections of books and Amazon devices.
- Book Clubs and Community Features: Online tools for readers to create and join book clubs.
Library and Rental Services
- Prime Reading: A rotating selection of eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines included with Amazon Prime.
- Book Lending: Allows Kindle users to lend eligible eBooks to others for a limited time.
Conclusion: Infrastructure we are provided
In 2025, society faces many challenges, such as economic uncertainty, environmental concerns, and social inequality. Even so, we are fortunate to live in an age where entertainment is easily accessible. We can travel anywhere, connect with others when we feel lonely, and enjoy countless activities.
Reading is one of those simple pleasures—its cost is almost nothing. While reading for learning can sometimes be challenging, it’s also important to enjoy light-hearted reading, like bestsellers or novels such as Harry Potter, where time seems to disappear.
Freelancing can be tough, and work isn’t always easy, but remember not to give up on life. Living is a duty (suicide is not a choice), and finding happiness is something we all deserve. Keep going, and make the most of every day.
