You know what kids have so much easier these days? The chance to read.

When we were growing up, my brother and I both read books in bed when we should have been sleeping. Many nights a flashlight and book could be found hidden underneath my pillow. Over the years a bulky flashlight transitioned to a small Maglite that could eventually be slipped inside a headband for fancy hands-free lighting. I had a Mighty Bright clip-on book light at some point, but that was a bit awkward to use while hiding under the covers.

It’s pretty needless to say I lost a couple hours of sleep to reading while growing up, and that hasn’t changed. Now I just don’t have to try hiding it from anyone! The perks of being in charge of my own sleep deprivation are great.

In December 2013 I finally joined the ranks of those who take reading in the dark very seriously. Although I had qualms about reading on a Kindle, the idea of being able to take unlimited books into the field with me was too tempting. Travel via 9-passenger planes, snowmachines, boats, and ATVs is just not conducive to extra weight and bulk, so being able to carry a library in a 6.7″ x 4.6″ x 0.36″ device won my favor. Now I don’t even need to worry about a light because it’s built-in! Seriously, any kids like me have it so easy now.

I have not completely said goodbye to hard copies of books. I’ve always loved turning the pages and monitoring my progress with a bookmark, and so I actually have to confess what happened the first time I cracked open a paperback last summer. After having read strictly on my Kindle for months, I didn’t understand why tapping the bottom right corner of the first page of Cannery Row wouldn’t turn the page. Oh dear, I thought to myself as I likely reddened and realized how quickly technology had changed me. That’s why I won’t be ditching actual books altogether, and it sounds like no one should.

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The Amazon Kindle store is impressive, and there are obviously other places to buy books online, but eventually the cost of books can add up. That’s why I have my Kindle to thank for helping me rediscover the power of libraries.

Through the library, I can read and listen to books for free at any time, in any place – provided I’ve planned ahead. I’m able to check out items, download them, and have family hop on my Amazon account to return them. Never have I appreciated libraries as much as I do now. I do sometimes have to go on a waitlist, but there are so many books out there that it doesn’t really matter. Hopefully the rest of America/the world who had, like me, somewhat forgotten about the power of the library will remember how fantastic of an institution it is.

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As I mentioned, I do enjoy borrowing and reading tangible books. Although I try to avoid acquiring them unless I can trade them in for credit, I admit my favorite book is one that I could never read on a Kindle and will never trade.

Trixie is a retired service dog trained through Canine Companions for Independence, and living with Dean Koontz has given her some fantastic insight into life. I laugh out loud every time I read this book and highly recommend it to any dog lover. (Anyone else think I should go on Reading Rainbow?)

One friend once told me he doesn’t think many people have as much fun as me. I’m very rarely unhappy when I’m living in the field – probably because I think of the jobs I’ve held as adventures rather than jobs – or traveling. I think I have Trixie Koontz to thank.

*hopefully she doesn’t mind I shared so much of her book*