By rethinking how I read, I rediscovered why I love reading.
For many book lovers, joy is found in unexpected places: the thrill of uncovering a vintage edition in a dusty secondhand bookstore, the sentimental value of a signed copy from a beloved author, or the aesthetic pleasure of a perfectly organized bookshelf. For me, joy recently arrived in a form I never expected—through the surprisingly transformative decision to own more than one e-reader.
At first glance, owning multiple e-readers might sound excessive, even unnecessary. After all, they all serve the same basic purpose: to help us read. That was my thinking too—until last summer, when my single-device setup no longer felt sufficient for my increasingly mobile and digitally nuanced reading life. Now, with a small collection of e-readers at my disposal, I’ve come to realize that each one contributes uniquely to how, when, and where I read.
The Evolution of a Digital Reader
My journey with e-readers began over a decade ago with a Barnes & Noble Nook. I was enamored with the novelty of turning pages with a button, the generous storage, and the liberation of not having to carry bulky books everywhere. It was new, exciting, and perfectly functional—until it wasn’t.
Years later, on the cusp of becoming a parent, my Nook began to falter. I upgraded to a Kindle Paperwhite, enchanted by its built-in light—an absolute lifesaver during midnight feedings. This single device turned reading into a daily ritual rather than an occasional escape. I even postponed reading a physical copy of The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest just to wait for an e-book version. At over 500 pages, the weight of the hardcover didn’t stand a chance against the feather-light Kindle.
But eventually, convenience issues crept in. The Paperwhite didn’t fit in my purse. I kept forgetting it at home when running errands. I realized what I really needed wasn’t a better e-reader—it was another one.
One Size Doesn’t Fit All
On a whim, and with Prime Day around the corner, I purchased a smaller Kindle—one that could slip into even the tiniest of bags. This wasn’t just about size. It was about freeing my reading life from unnecessary constraints. This second device meant I always had a book with me, whether I was waiting in a doctor’s office or taking a walk in the park. My reading frequency increased almost overnight, and not because I was reading longer—I was simply reading more often. Those little stolen moments throughout the day added up.
Having two devices also brought peace of mind. My more expensive Paperwhite could stay safely at home while my compact Kindle took on the wear and tear of daily travel. If anything happened to it, replacing it would be far less painful.
The Boox Factor
Just when I thought my e-reader lineup was complete, I stumbled upon the Boox Palma 2. Unlike traditional e-readers, the Palma runs on Android and comes with the Google Play Store pre-installed. This opened up a world of possibilities: I could finally access multiple library apps, buy books from indie sellers, and even support platforms like Bookshop.org. It was like rediscovering the best parts of digital reading all over again.
Of course, no device is perfect. The Palma 2 has quirks—“ghosting” images, a bit of a learning curve, and a premium price tag. But for someone like me, who suffers from joint pain and values lightweight design, its petite form and customizable buttons make it feel tailored to my needs.
More importantly, it brought balance. I no longer had to choose between Kindle’s convenience and broader access to books from libraries and indie stores. With multiple devices, I’ve created an ecosystem that supports all of my reading preferences.
Embracing the Plural in “E-Readers”
Let’s be honest—owning more than one e-reader is a luxury, not a necessity. Plenty of readers get by (and thrive) with just one device or prefer the tactile joy of printed books. But for those who rely on digital formats, whether for convenience, accessibility, or habit, having more than one device can open unexpected doors.
Each e-reader in my collection now serves a specific role: my bedside Kindle, my “purse” Kindle, and my Boox for everything else. They sync effortlessly, so I never lose my place, and each one encourages me to read in different environments and at different times of the day. That’s not just tech; that’s thoughtful design meeting daily life.
I’ve come to believe there’s no such thing as the “perfect” e-reader. Some want styluses, others want color e-ink, and many want a screen the size of a paperback. In the end, the best device is the one that makes you excited to read. For me, having multiple e-readers didn’t complicate my reading life—it deepened it.
If you find yourself limited by a single device or juggling different reading needs, don’t dismiss the idea of adding a second (or third) e-reader to your routine. You might just discover that more ways to read can mean more reasons to read.
And isn’t that what matters most?
