A book is the only place in which you can examine a fragile thought without breaking it, or explore an explosive idea without fear it will go off in your face.  It is one of the few havens remaining where a man’s mind can get both provocation and privacy.  ~Edward P. Morgan

I fell in love with books the day I was introduced to them—the words, the images, the binding … everything. Books have a unique ability to transport us to an entirely new world. We learn, explore, laugh, cry and escape with books.

In today’s world we have more opportunities than ever to read books in new and exciting ways. We don’t have to go to a bookstore or to the library. We can get the book we want by pressing a button on our computer or mobile device and within seconds it’s on our screen.

Today I want to talk about reading eBooks. Why? Because I have found tremendous joy in reading in this format and with that joy comes a sense of peace and gratitude. My hope is to share this joy with you.

Books in print changed the world and allowed so many people to open up their minds and hearts. Digital books took it to a whole new level. There is unprecedented access to all types of books. While accessibility is a good thing, too many choices can overwhelm the best of us.

To take advantage of this technology and availability and avoid feeling overwhelmed or confused, we can focus on the basic formats and choices.

The main eBook formats

Digital reading is not a new concept. It has been around for more than a decade. I remember the first books I read were on my Palm Pilot and I thought that was amazing. Over the years so many formats of eBooks evolved. The main three formats that I use and are popular among book readers are:

1. Adobe PDF

This is the most common format for eBooks that are released by bloggers. This format is used extensively in generating digital reports as well. PDF formatting offers visually stunning designs and realistic layouts with images and tables.

You can get Adobe Reader for free and read books on your computer. Mobile devices also offer a variety of free and paid apps for reading PDF files.

The only drawback to PDF files is that when you increase the font size, you may have to scroll and that can be bothersome when you’re reading a large book.

2. Kindle: AZW/MOBI

Mobipocket (MOBI) is an older format upon which Amazon kindle format (AZW) was designed. The kindle app can read non-DRM MOBI books plus the proprietary kindle formats.

The design of the book is not as important as the text in this format. The focus is on the text size and how it flows on your screen. This makes text easy to read and the pages turn seamlessly.

The downside is that certain tables and images may not come out very clear. Images formatted for digital reading can be enlarged for viewing then closed to continue reading.

3. EPUB

This is a newer technology than mobipocket. It is becoming more and more popular. Apple iBooks, Kobo, Sony, Nook and Google are among the adopters of EPUB format. The apps developed by each company have different features though.

Like the kindle, the book’s layout focuses more on text and ease of reading vs. visual design.

Which format is better?

I think all serve a purpose. The PDF format is useful for books and reports that have a lot of formatting. I prefer to read PDF on a larger screen (on a computer, instead of a smart phone for example).

MOBI is good if you run it through your kindle app. I find it loads faster than ePub and the pages turn quicker. Of course this might be the kindle app and not the type of file.

ePub is good because it is becoming more widely used, which means you will have more options. You can find a lot of books for free in this format.

How to read eBooks: Hardware

There are different ways you can read eBooks. You can invest in a device or just use what you have.

1. Computer: Whether you use a desktop or laptop, you can read eBooks in the main three formats above.

2. e-Reader: These are devices that are specifically designed for reading eBooks. Each device supports its format an PDF files. The most popular are the Amazon kindle, Kobo, Sony Reader, and Nook.

3. Tablet: Tablets are becoming more popular and offer ways for you to read all formats on your device. You can read your books on an Android tablet, BlackBerry PlayBook, or the Apple iPad. In recent months Amazon, Kobo and Nook started offering their own tablets as well.

4. Smart phone: Applications have been developed for most smart phones and can be used to read eBooks in all formats—Android phones, BlackBerry, iPhone/iPod touch, Nokia and Windows 7 all have apps to read books.

How to read eBooks: Software/apps & bookstores

Which apps to use? This is a tough question because each device functions differently and unfortunately certain companies don’t play nice with each other.

For example, the kindle app works differently on an Android device than on Apple because of the latter’s restriction which doesn’t allow users to buy books straight from the app on their Apple devices.

Here are the apps I use.

Amazon kindle

I’m not a big fan of Amazon’s DRM control, but this is overshadowed by its competitive advantage.

Amazon started as an online bookstore. It offers low prices and probably the largest selection of books. Buying a book is quick and easy. Within seconds the book is downloaded to your device. Amazon’s Whispersync technology works in the background to sync your reading on all your devices.

And as mentioned above, the kindle app is available in a lot of formats to support using different devices. Amazon also introduced the cloud reader which allows you to access your library on a web browser instead of an app. This gives you one more way to read your books.

Kobo

If you want to go the ePub route, I think Kobo can be a good choice. Their pricing is reasonable (slightly higher than Amazon sometimes) and they offer a wide range of books.

Kobo also offers a lot of free public domain books which you can download to your app. It also works on different platforms which syncs your books on different devices.

iBooks

I use the app on the iPad and iPhone for reading free books from Apple or DRM free books in ePub format. New books are more expensive than other providers. Unlike kindle and Kobo, the books can only be read on Apple mobile devices.

EPUB Reader

This is a Firefox extension for reading ePub books. It’s a great way to read your books on your computer. You can add bookmarks, change the font size (it can be really large) but you can’t add notes or highlight text.

Other stores

I have not personally used those apps but thought they’re worth mentioning.

Nook: It looks very comparable to Kobo.

Sony Reader: Sony offers a large selection.  The app doesn’t work on all platforms. It works on PCs and Macs and Android devices.

Google ebookstore: Google now offers books at reasonable prices. It has an app that works with Android and Apple mobile devices but not your computer. You can use a web browser to read on your computer.

Practical use, issues and considerations

I have a few notes I want to share with you to make your digital reading experience easier and more enjoyable.

Test before you buy

Don’t buy anything new before you do your research. If you’re just curious about reading books, download the kindle app and the kobo app to your computer and see how you feel. You can also do the same thing on your smart phone.

If you choose to buy a reader or a tablet, do your research about the device and what it has to offer. Consider other uses for your device before you decide on the size. Most tablets are between 7” (smaller and lighter) and 10” (larger with bigger display). Go to a store and test one if you can; check the reading app, enlarge the text, change the font and background to see how it works.

The two tablets that I work with are a 10” iPad and a 7” BlackBerry PlayBook. I enjoy them both.

Don’t buy any books before you feel comfortable with the platform. Most apps provide you with free books. Read the free books or at least flip through the pages and change some of the features to determine if you like it.

Reading app features

The reading apps on your devices have different features. The most common features are: bookmarking, search, dictionary, note taking, highlighting and sharing.

Think of what are the most important to you. Also remember that the same app can have different features on different devices. For example, you can copy text on the kindle PC but you can’t do that on your iPhone app.

DRM

The eBooks you buy through Amazon, Kobo, Apple or most traditional book sellers and publishers come with a restriction or what they call DRM (Digital Rights Management).This mechanism places restrictions on what you can do with the book you buy. In most cases, you can’t move the book, lend it to a friend, or convert it to another format.

The issue of restricting access is controversial. Personally I feel the underlying assumption behind such measures is that people will steal if they’re allowed to. In effect publishers are saying that most of their customers are thieves. What I know of human nature is that most people will do the right thing—a few will steal, but not the majority.

Such restrictions created a motivation to develop DRM stripping software, which may be legal or illegal—depending on the intent of the user.

Alternatives to DRM books

There are sites that provide DRM free books which means you can do whatever you want with them. Scroll to the middle of the page on the link for books without DRM.

Instead of buying eBooks, you can borrow them from a library. This is something I have not done but intend on trying once I’m done with the books I have.

Uploading DRM free books to your app

You can use MOBI DRM free books with your kindle app. On your computer double click on the file; the program will pick it up and open your book. I use EPUB reader (Firefox extension) to read ePub files.

On your mobile device, the best way I found is to email the book to myself, then open the email on my tablet. From there I can choose to download the book to kindle if it’s MOBI or to iBooks or Kobo if it’s in ePub format. This may not work on all devices.

eBook library management and conversion

I personally rely on the kindle app for most of my books. When I download free public domain books, I delete them after reading. So I don’t need a library.

The most popular software to organize your digital book collection is Calibre. It picks up most formats. It also can convert eBooks to different formats (DRM free only). You can convert MOBI to ePub or vice versa. You can also convert PDF to MOBI or ePub. This is a very useful feature if you want to read a text based PDF without having to keep scrolling.

Another useful conversion tool is on the web. 2EPUB is an awesome tool to convert different documents into eBook formats. And the best part is that you don’t have to download an app.

I hope you find this article useful. You don’t have to use all the tools or consider all the things written here. Just pick one or two options that you feel will work for you.

Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book.  ~Author Unknown

Books are one of humanity’s best gifts to itself—they are a resource of wealth that keeps on giving. The value of a book is derived from application, or from the enjoyment of escaping on an adventure where words and imagination dance on paper (or digital screen).

Give yourself some time this holiday season to enjoy a book. Let the words capture your imagination and take you to another world. Happy digital reading!

Photo courtesy of Tristan

May 2010 marks the eighth month since I started One With Now. It is time for me to reflect on this journey and share with you my experience.

First of all, I’m so grateful to each one of you my beloved readers. A lot of you are friends and fellow bloggers whom I respect and admire. I am truly thankful for the time you spend reading and sharing your views in the comments.

My Journey

I started this blog to express my thoughts and views on inner peace.  My philosophy is that inner peace is a result of awareness and surrender (accepting what is in this moment). Through writing I express my own awakening to what is and reflect on life’s gifts and challenges.

My hope

My goal is to inspire you to be at peace and to enjoy this moment as it unfolds. If the message inspires one person,  then mission accomplished.

As I previously mentioned in the about page,  I’m no more qualified than you, or any other person for that matter, when it comes to how to live our lives. I only share my perspective and experiences which you may find useful and inspiring in your own journey.

There are as many perspective as there are people. I believe expressing and sharing our views is what helps us grow.

My own transformation

Interestingly, some of what I wrote about helped me tremendously. Writing has helped me uncover some beliefs and emotions, and find ways to channel them positively. You could say I’ve had therapy sessions in written format .

So in my desire to inspire others, I grew as a person from writing and reflecting on certain experiences. I have also gained insight from your comments and the viewpoints you have shared.

My connection to all of you gets stronger with every post and comment. I see more of our commonalities and desire for a peaceful life.

Your journey

If you ask me what I wish for you, it would be that you have all of the above: inspiration, insight and growth.

In your journey with this blog, I hope that it helped you, even in the smallest of ways, to be in a better place in your life, to have more peace and joy.

I also wanted to write about interesting topics that spark a healthy discussion and evoke different views.

Did I accomplish my goals and desires? I would love to hear your own views and why you read this blog. It will be of great help to me.

Wishing you peace, inspiration and joy.

Photo courtesy of -Gep-

Living in the Northwest has its advantages. In general the weather is not too cold and the winters are tolerable.  The downside is:  it can rain non stop for days on end. The gray skies, lack of sunshine and short days usually drag me down. I feel scattered and have low energy levels. My mood changes and my motivation goes downhill.

Image by: .craig

The tips below are the things that I do to cope with the long rainy fall.  This list is not exhaustive but can be a starting point.

1. Get enough sleep. You don’t want to wake up feeling tired and cranky. If you are well rested, chances are you will have more energy and clarity. Get enough sleep but no more. Don’t oversleep; it will have the opposite effect.
2. Take a vitamin D supplement. Sunshine is the main source of vitamin D but in rainy areas you will probably need a vitamin D supplement. It is essential for your health and will help your mood.
3. Work Slowly. Do one thing at a time and give it the attention it needs. If you feel scattered, stop and take a break. Embrace your sluggishness and let it lead the way.
4. Enjoy the rain. Watch it as it flows and cleanses the earth. Listen to the drops and how nature responds.  Rain can be purifying to the soul.  If you feel like getting wet, do it. Go outside and play in the rain. It is such fun.
5. Have a hot chocolate. Or any hot beverage you enjoy. Sip slowly and savor the taste. Listen to the silence in between rain drops.
6. Meditate. Close your eyes and take a few minutes to focus on your breathing. Become one with your body. Feel each inhalation and exhalation. If nothing else, you will relax and get a boost of energy.
7. Read a book or an article. Even better read aloud with a friend or a family member. It is fun and will keep you engaged.
8. Cuddle up by the fireplace. If you have a fireplace, enjoy it. Look at the fire and be inspired by its warmth and light. Share the space with your family. Warmth multiplies when shared.
9. Listen to music. Dance if you’re up to it. Music is a very powerful uplifting tool. Listen to the music you enjoy. If you are in a relaxed and calm state, listen to soft or classical music. If you have energy, crank it up and go for something upbeat. Sing and dance to your heart’s content.
10. Take a nap. Napping will relax you and give you more energy. But just like sleep, don’t over do it.
11. Watch a black and white movie. Nothing is more fitting for a rainy day than a classic, old movie.  Don’t ask me why. It’s just is.
12. Play games. Play board games, video games,  or mind games if you want.  Just have fun with your family and friends.
13. Exercise. Depending on your energy level, you can do cardio or lift weights. I personally prefer yoga and stretching. Any activity you do will help your body.
14. Communicate. Have a conversation or write an email or a letter to someone you’ve been meaning to connect with. Alternatively, write in a journal about your feelings and experiences.  This can free your mind and lift your spirits.
15. Start a hobby or work on yours. If you are doing something you enjoy, you will be fully immersed in it and won’t pay attention to the weather.
16. De-clutter, organize or clean your home. A clean uncluttered space will give you some peace and calm. Cleaning as a  physical activity will get your blood flowing and raise your energy as well.
17. Laugh. Or smile. If you can’t laugh at daily life situations, watch a sitcom or a movie.  You will feel  better.
18. Count your blessings. Saving the best for last. Chances are if you are reading this, you have shelter; you can read; you have heat and electricity; you have food, and more importantly, you are alive. Gratitude is the best antidote for negative emotions. It connects you with everything good that is in you and around you. You are more blessed than you imagine.

Most of these actions can be taken to feel better any time. But I think they are more important when nature decides to keep us indoors and out of its way.

What do you do to cope with the weather, or when you’re not up to par?

“I’m lazy. But it’s the lazy people who invented the wheel and the bicycle because they didn’t like walking or carrying things.”
- Lech Walesa

Today I am very lazy in a good way. We had friends over last night and spent hours talking, laughing, eating and drinking. Today is alone, recharging time.

The sunshine was amazing today. The entire house was filled with warmth and brightness.

Enjoying the Mellow Sunday evening. Browsing online, reading Twitter and being ok with not doing more. Doing nothing can be very productive.

Earlier today I bought some books and movies, then donated some funds to a charity supporting Multiple Myeloma Research in Canada. Sending well wishes and healing thoughts to everyone who has any sort of ailment. With the pace science has been advancing, we are closer than ever to finding cures.

As I write this the words that come to mind are: peace, joy, smile, relax and be. So I’m being here and now beginning the first entry in this blog. It is a lazy, relaxed beginning.

Promise to Self
They say to start is half done. I say keeping at it is the other half. I’m making a lazy promise today that I will keep writing even when I don’t think I have something to write about. If there is a positive thought, then it is going to show up somewhere on this blog.

Anticipation
Sunday night is one of my favorite TV nights. I’m waiting for: Drop Dead Diva, Mad Men and Dexter. A trio of of creativity and brilliance: a resurrected superficial model/ talented lawyer, a bunch of advertising crazies bringing sixties back, and a vengeful yet adorable serial killer. What more can we ask for?

Thank you universe for TV. While it can be mind numbing sometimes, some shows (like the ones mentioned above) can be very entertaining and thought provoking.