Sony Reader Digital Book – Giveaway

I was so excited to get my hands on the Sony Digital Reader, give it a spin and tell you all what I thought of it. When I supervised the media department at a public library after college, we were always talking about the latest technology in video, music and book readers. This was about 5 years ago and digital books were out there in the market but none of them truly felt like you were reading a book. I thought they’d never catch on.

For a few years now I’ve had the scriptures and a few other books uploaded to my PDA and it’s great for quick reference but not particularly enjoyable to use and I don’t want to feel like I’m reading from a computer. I wanted to review the Sony Reader Digital Book so I could tell you how the technology was coming along and all the reasons it wasn’t good enough.
sony
Well, that was a couple of months ago. The reader showed up at my house and I pulled it out of the box and started using it immediately. And it feels like a book. It’s small and lightweight and the screen is such that it looks like paper, truly. The font and spacing feel like a paperback except that you can CHANGE the font size. I like to keep it somewhere between itty bitty Lord of the Rings font and granny-needs-glasses large print.

There’s no backlight, which may seem like a downside, but what book glows? Not this one. It’s really like you’re reading from paper, only it always saves your place, you can fit hundreds of books in one small device, and most importantly you don’t have that lopsided page flipping problem. You know when you’re lying on your side reading and one side is always more comfortable to lay on, depending on how far along you are in the book and whether you’re reading the left or right page? But then you switch to the other page and you have to flip over on your other side or hold the book in some really weird way?

You don’t have to do that with this book. It is never lopsided and there are buttons on both sides to turn the pages.

If you’re looking for an all-in-one digital blog reader and wireless device, this is not the toy for you. But that’s not what I’m looking for. I’m looking for this. It does also have a black and white picture viewer, an MP3 player, and two storage card slots so you can use it to store and use a TON of media. You can even play music while you read.

It has a long battery life and the screen is viewable even in direct sunlight… like… I don’t know… a book!

There are a few negatives. The books do load slower than I’d like because you know, I like it fast. The software interface for downloading and uploading books is not super user-friendly. I fancy myself somewhat of a techie and I had some trouble figuring out how to get the books on the device the first time. There is no way to use the book while it is plugged in your computer to charge and you have to buy the DC power adapter separately, which I would highly recommend. Sony also doesn’t have the greatest selection of books in the world. They have a good amount of classic titles and a lot of new releases but the selection is not as broad as that for the Amazon Kindle.

However, I prefer the Sony reader to what I’ve seen of the Kindle because I want a book, a real book, but better. I hope they continue to grow their inventory of content.

I waited weeks to do this review because I’m so enjoying using it and because of my advertising contract now I must pass it on to one of you. So weighing in at a retail value of $299.00, I give you the Sony Reader Digital Book. It also comes with 100 free classic titles from Shakespeare to George Eliot.

Now does anyone want to give me one? It’s on my wish list. Oh the joys of carrying my entire library around all the time!

If you’re willing to enter this giveaway, even though the reader is lightly used and has my cooties on it, leave a comment listing 2 non-religious books you’d like to carry around with you everywhere. I know you all love the Bible and the Koran. What else do you love? (I’m willing to ship within the US. Anywhere else, I’ll be happy to send it if you pay the postage.)

I’ll randomly choose a winner Sunday night at 10pm PST. Oh, and Sony wants me to let you know that they’re not responsible if you fall and hurt yourself while reading it or if it self-destructs when you disassemble it to see the little men turning the gears on the inside.

Filed under: I can read, Reviews, contests, technology

213 Responses

  1. rebekah Says:

    oh… my hubs wants the sony. :) sign me up. He got me the kindle for my birthday and it’s great for me but it has its little quirks too, but yeah, my hubs would love this, and maybe he’d stop stealing my kindle!

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 2:06 am

  2. AJ Says:

    Oh, how exciting! Please add me to the list of hopeful winners. I couldn’t care less that it was used… almost everything I own is used! Anyway, let me see… 2 non-religious books I carry with me … Persuasion by the one and only Jane Austen, and Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, which I finally just read for the first time.

    BTW, your comment about the LoTR font cracked me up!

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 2:15 am

  3. Junglewife Says:

    Oh boy would I love one of these! Let’s see… what books would I love on there? not sure! I think I would carry… really, I have no idea! I read a LOT and don’t really have favorites… Sorry about that! I do enjoy me some good chick “fluff” every once in a while, though!

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 2:19 am

  4. Dustin Says:

    Two books that I would carry with me where ever I go…. I try to read a new book every week or two, but I absolutely love (and have reread dozens of times) Ken Follet’s “Pillars of the Earth”, and I would love to carry the complete works of Shakespeare (especially in electronic format!), just to flip through.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 2:53 am

  5. Jenn Says:

    Oooh, I’d love to have it!

    Two books: The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitxgerald.

    Please, please pick me! We’re stationed over in Germany (we have a US mailing address though!) and it’s so hard for me to find good books here without it taking a million years to order them from an online book store. Plus, I have a toddler; something that saves my place would be invaluable!

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 3:36 am

  6. Monica Says:

    I remember 15 years ago when my 12th grade English teacher said “In 10 years you will be reading books on computer.” Not a one of us believed anyone they would invent it, much less anyone would have any desire to do that. I sure hope he invested in one of these companies.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 4:28 am

  7. Jeana Says:

    War and Peace and Anna Karenina

    I’m kidding. Whoo boy, I crack myself up.

    I should say a medical encyclopedia and an herbal reference book, because how practical would that be? Instead I’ll say and two Jane Austen books and if the kids get bit or stung I’ll tell them to suck it up until the next chapter.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 4:35 am

  8. Stephanie Says:

    We were just talking about this last weekend and I decided that my two desert island books are To Kill A Mockingbird and Travels with Charley. I’ve re-read both a zillion times already and find something new every time.

    Great giveaway!! Fingers crossed!

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 4:48 am

  9. Mary Says:

    That is so interesting - I have heard of these digital books, but never actually seen one. Huh. Not sure what I think since I do love paper books. I would love to try it out though :)

    Anyway, 2 books I would carry around:

    To Kill a Mocking Bird
    Harry Potter (series, is that allowed?)

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 4:49 am

  10. bunny Says:

    OOooo… cool gadget! I’d love to give this to my dad. I wonder how much international posting would cost though.
    Books I’d love to carry around everywhere? One of Shel Silverstein’s book because I love his poetry and another would be Pretty Little Mistakes because there’s so many stories in that one! :P

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 4:51 am

  11. Stacey @ Happy Are We Says:

    How fun! Just TWO books, huh? Let’s see…anything by Shannon Hale (maybe Princess Academy?) and anything by Dr. Seuss (the Foot Book rules!).

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 4:59 am

  12. Slawebb Says:

    I have to agree with the Harry Potter series. But I’m assuming you’re looking for new reading. So I’ll say Eat, Pray, Love and Life’s Golden Ticket.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 5:08 am

  13. Tina Says:

    Oh, I have so wanted one of these for soooo long! I have it on my Christmas list so we’ll see but if I won it here that would be so much better. Well, I have like 200 books on my To Read list on Good Reads but I would say that right now the TWO books I really want to read are: The Kite Runner and Twilight! Thanks!

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 5:11 am

  14. Stephanie Ferney Says:

    Wow - this sounds cool! Like you, I never thought I would be interested because I love the physical qualities of books, but
    I’d love to try it!
    My book picks would be “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle” by Barbara Kingsolver, and “Eat Pray Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert - I have listened to the CD versions of both books over and over, as well as reading them.
    Thanks - hope you get your own Sony reader for your birthday or something!
    Steph

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 5:35 am

  15. Madame Queen Says:

    Oooh, good question. I would definitely carry around Pride and Prejudice since it’s one of the books I re-read every couple of years. And let’s see….hmmmm….also Heartbreak Hotel by Anne Rivers Siddons.

    I hope I win. :)

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 5:43 am

  16. *mindi* Says:

    oh wow!

    i’m currently reading a big stack of library books that i would love to return and read on this Sony Reader ;)

    so i’ll say “My Life in France” by Julia Child and “The Art of Simple Food” by Alice Waters

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 5:44 am

  17. Liz Brueseke Says:

    I’m going to be the nerd of the group…

    I would carry around Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky. I think I am the only person in my high school English class that actually read (and enjoyed) this book. The discussions were not so, umm, discussing…

    I would also carry, Please Baby Please, by Spike Lee. It’s a children’s book and it’s awesome. One of my toddler’s favorites. It’s the kind of book that we now can recite together even when we don’t have the book, you know the kind… but it’s just a cute story and if it could come on anytime, like toddler on demand, that would be awesome.

    Yay! I can’t wait to hear who wins!

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 5:50 am

  18. Aimee Says:

    What a tough question! One book would definitely be a grammar reference book. The other? Hmmm…I think a book of great short stories to I’d always have something to read while waiting at the Dr. office, etc.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 5:57 am

  19. Ali-kat Says:

    I am a children’s book junkie, and narrowing it down to two was tough. But I guess something from Roald Dahl and anything from the Little House series would keep me plenty happy for awhile. Oh, but “I Sold My Dad for Two Goldfish” by Neil Gaiman is a classic to. BTW, Laylee would love that book, she’d like “Wolves in the Walls” by the same author. Why didn’t those ever wind up on Reading Rainbow?

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 6:00 am

  20. Megan Says:

    Oh my word! I’m so excited! This is so nifty!

    Up until a year or so ago, I was a prolific reader. A little while after I got married and moved 6 hours away from my parents (and my dad stopped handing me book after book to read), I stopped reading new material. I got caught up in sharing my old book loves with my new husband. We’re still working our way through my collection but with the general beat down that day-in, day-out work/life gives us, we haven’t found as much (or any!) time lately to sit down and read.

    I used to carry a book with me everywhere to read during downtime - then I started getting sciatic pain and my husband (somewhat strongly) encouraged me to get smaller and smaller purses. For some reason he was convinced that carrying two tons around at all times was unhealthy. My book companions have been lost in the mix. I would love to have a digital reader that carried all sorts of books at my fingertips, how cool is that!!

    Two books I would personally carry around are probably Songmaster by Orson Scott Card and Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger.

    If you’re asking for us to list 2 books because you want suggestions for reading material that will ignite your imagination and will be difficult to put down then check out the following: Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card, God-Shaped Hole by Tiffanie DeBartolo, Alanna by Tamora Pierce (For younger readers, my guilty pleasure book), Druids by Morgan Llewelyn or Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey.

    Here’s to the possibility of no future paper cuts!

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 6:05 am

  21. Awesome Mom Says:

    It is hard to pick, but I think that I would love to carry around Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion both by Jane Austen. That way I have books that I love with me and I also look smart for picking a classic.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 6:08 am

  22. Melissa Says:

    I’d put “The Stand” and any James Michener book on it. I have re-read The Stand several times and my hands always get tired of holding the book because it is so big!

    What a great give-away! Thank you so much!

    Melissa in FL
    nnisigning@gmail.com

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 6:24 am

  23. Lori Says:

    This device sounds amazing and since I don’t mind cooties, I’ll enter the contest and say that my two books would be Gone With the Wind (amazing book, better than the movie, which was fantastic!) and Catch-22 (life according to the dangerously sane, which describes me). But to be perfectly honest, I couldn’t just carry two books with me all the time.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 6:24 am

  24. JenDub Says:

    Oh how lovely, I have been eyeing these!

    Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls (all time favorite book as a child)

    I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 6:25 am

  25. Lisa Says:

    I’m TOTALLY with you on reading on your side when your either beginning or almost finishing a long book! :)

    I’d have to go with Villette, by Charlotte Bronte, and maybe Pride and Prejudice.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 6:26 am

  26. Candalyn Says:

    I would LOVE to try this out. I’ve always got a book slung into my purse and usually another one in the glove box, too. My two books… Animal Vegetable Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver and probably Pride and Prejudice, too.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 6:27 am

  27. Angela Says:

    At this stage in my life it would likely be “kitty says meow” and “skippyjohn jones.” Can you tell I have kids?

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 6:29 am

  28. Mandi Black Says:

    Books are the best invention….and if I could take all my favorite books with me… and be able to read on my one side while deftly holding my book and then flip over and STILL deftly hold my book…why that would be even better!!
    I would love to be considered for this giveaway. My two (you’re gonna limit me to two?) favorite books that I would have to carry around with me everywhere are: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (I bought this book about 8 years ago, and have the whole series-there are 6 books with at least one more on the way), and Beacon at Alexandria by Gillian Bradshaw (again, I’ve re-read this one about a zillion times)
    Um.. could you enter me 10 times, cuz I really want this :)

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 6:33 am

  29. Jia@ColorMeUntypical Says:

    Oh sign me up! My OCDness would love 100 books in one LOL! 2 non-religious books though . . . umm . . . umm . . . probably Happy Housewives by Darla Shine, and The Surrendered Wife.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 6:42 am

  30. Lynette Says:

    I’ve downloaded books on tape to my mp3 player from my library’s website and thought I was SO tech-savvy, and now this comes along!

    My two books: the Lord Peter collection by Dorothy Sayers (every short story with Lord Peter Wimsey in it), and The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. I go back to both of these every year or so.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 6:42 am

  31. Jana Says:

    Good question. I think I would keep a copy of “The Secret Garden” with me forever. Also, “Rebecca” by Daphne de Maurier. That book has it all.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 6:42 am

  32. Heidi Says:

    I have to delurk for this giveaway, although I’m still hesitating a little because of the challenge of choosing only two books. I think one would have to be The Once and Future King by TH White, and the other a book of poetry, but this is harder to narrow down. Hmm… I don’t know if such a thing exists, but I’m going to choose a possibly imaginary poetry anthology including the likes of Plath, Neruda, Cummings, Angelou, Atwood, Eliot, Whitman, Louise Gluck, Audre Lord, Adrienne Rich, and many others.

    What an amazing giveaway!

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 6:50 am

  33. Kristen Says:

    Ohhhh how to choose!

    I guess I would have to go with Candide and Pride&Prejudice…

    or maybe Anne of Green Gables….or…

    That’s such a tough one. It’s a good thing it holds more than 2 books!

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 6:55 am

  34. Melvyn Says:

    A big book of quotations and The Complete Works of A.A.Milne - something for me to read in short snippets and to always be ready for a quick story time with the kids.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 6:58 am

  35. Jennifer Sandberg Says:

    Oh, what a great thing! Between this and my audiobooks on my ipod I would be set for LIFE! My two books would be Gaudy Night by Dorothy Sayers and The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 6:58 am

  36. Jessica Says:

    I’ve been skeptical about the “feel” of this type of product, but your review sounds great! My two books? Little Women and Anne of Green Gables.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 6:59 am

  37. allysha Says:

    Oh my. Ben is dying to get his hands on some sort of like reader. So if I win, I will be his favorite wife ever! I mean, I am his only wife, of course. But then even if I die and he gets a new wife, she would never be better than me, so, come on big money!!!

    The two books I would carry around are: Pride and Prejudice by Jane, and The Agony and the Ecstasy by Irving Stone

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 7:04 am

  38. Emily M. Says:

    Wow, what a giveaway!!

    Pride and Prejudice and … I don’t know. Whoever said Persuasion, probably that too. Jane Austen just stands up really well to rereading. I can go back to her over and over, and still enjoy her wit.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 7:14 am

  39. Seastar Says:

    I would love to give this a try. Carry around 200 books, Wow!

    I would say 2 must haves would be…. All the Jane Austen books, maybe some Dickens and Gaskell. Harry Potter is always good. Oh.. Jane Eyre. Anne of Green Gables and anything else written by Montgomery. Oh… I can’t only think of two.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 7:17 am

  40. mhuff Says:

    What two books *would* I want to carry around constantly? Geez. I’ve heard people say that choosing their favorite book is like choosing a favorite child, but since I only have one kid, choosing books is much harder…

    I think I’ll go with the complete Emily Dickinson (the newer one) and something by Michael Ondaatje.

    Thanks for the review–and the giveaway!

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 7:19 am

  41. Josie Says:

    OMG! I love love love Harry Potter. I know that it’s cheesy and they are entirely too big to carry around 24/7 but any of those and also the nicholas sparks books. They make me laugh and cry and leave me a oh so good feeling inside.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 7:26 am

  42. Emilee Says:

    OH, my dh would LOVE this….I think I would want “To Kill a Mockingbird” & “The Hiding Place” by Corrie Ten Boom

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 7:27 am

  43. Nicole Says:

    Oooh I am with Mary, Harry Potter and To Kill a Mockingbird.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 7:36 am

  44. Busy Mom Says:

    I’m outing myself here as a Walgreen’s book reader, but I love anything by James Patterson and with a young teen in the house, I’m enjoying “Mama Rock’s Rules”. I’ve got a lot to learn.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 7:38 am

  45. Sarah Says:

    It is so hard to narrow it down to two. I love books and I love owning books.

    The two favorites that I have read this year are Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time by Greg Mortensen and David Oliver Relin and Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale (one of my favorite young adult fiction writers.)

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 7:42 am

  46. Heather Says:

    This thing looks cool. I read in bed every night and the turning part really gets me :) My two books would be 1) A good cookbook…right now I’m digging the one by Katie Lee Joel. 2) Gorgeously Green. I actually pick it up several times a day to reference things so it would be handy to have it on my person all of the time.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 7:43 am

  47. Jolene Says:

    I was struggling with a book in bed this morning. I like to lay on my side and read as well.

    I have downloaded some books from i-tunes to my i-pod and listened to them for convenience but I miss the pages and the re-reading certain parts. I think one of these handy-dandies would be great.

    I think two books that I could read over and over are Persuasion by Jane Austen and Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 7:56 am

  48. Faith Says:

    I have found myself in some very strange contorted positions while trying to read a book in bed. Reading in one of my favoritest things in the whole wide world, so I always have a book close at hand to read after the kids are in bed… or napping… or playing together peaceably without grabbing toys from each other or poking each other in the eyeballs. Anyway, “At the Back of the North Wind” by George MacDonald and “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte are two of my all-time favorites!

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 7:58 am

  49. Alisha Says:

    I need to read The Blue Sword and The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley every year. And Robin Hobbs books are wonderful too! Hmmmm I think I have a thing for writers named Robin!

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 8:00 am

  50. reshmi Says:

    i’d pick diary of Anne Frank and Pride and Prejudice

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 8:01 am

  51. KD (A Bit Squirrelly) Says:

    Iused to read. A lot. Then I had kids. Maybe a reader will motivate me to read more. I must win it.

    East of Eden
    The Notebook

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 8:03 am

  52. Becky Says:

    Oh, it’s hard to pick just 2 books! I think I’d have to pick a little bit of everything
    1) the Harry Potter series (for the Hermione in me)
    2) anything by Maeve Binchy (for the Irish side of me)
    3) I know this much is true, by Wally Lamb (for the serious side of me)
    4) The Shopaholic series (for the chick-lit side)

    and, finally,
    5) The Secret Garden (for the little girl I’ll always be!)

    Thanks!
    :) Becky
    http://www.stinkylemsky.typepad.com/

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 8:06 am

  53. cchrissyy Says:

    It would be great to have right with me “Mother Nature: on mothers, infants, and natural selection” and “a heartbreaking work of staggering genius”, because I love them and refer others to them so often.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 8:14 am

  54. Jenica Says:

    I would take “Charms for the Easy Life” by Kaye Gibbons and “Cold Comfort Farm” by Stella Gibbons.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 8:16 am

  55. Cami Says:

    Ooh! This is great! I would love this. My two books would be Freakonomics and My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 8:17 am

  56. Carrie Says:

    I hate nothing more than being trapped without reading material. I freak out. Seriously. This would be a lifesaver. Let’s see… two books… 1) The Complete Poems and Stories of Winnie the Pooh (for Ethan, really!) and 2) whatever the newest british chick lit book is. I dont really like re-reading things I’ve already read.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 8:19 am

  57. holly Says:

    Wow - my husband and I were just talking about this last night! He’s reading a 1000-page book with tiny tiny font, and wishing he had something like the ebook, so he could enlarge the font without having to make the book any heftier than it already is. Please add us to the list of potential recipients!

    I would put “Under the Tuscan Sun” on it, because that’s what I’m reading now, plus “Atlas Shrugged” (the 1000-page book my husband is reading), and Barbara Kingsolver’s “Small Wonder”, because it’s full of thought-provoking essays that would be nice to have on hand while waiting in line, etc. And I’d probably be a dork and put a reference book or two on there, because that’d be handy. The Grapes of Wrath and the Secret Garden, because I love them. And maybe a Spanish book, so I can practice, and a humorous book, for rough days, and… good heavens, what Wouldn’t I put on there?! It’d be great!

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 8:20 am

  58. The Wiz Says:

    I would LOVE to carry Persuasion and Pride and Prejudice. Also most things by Orson Scott Card. Also Little Earthquakes by Jennifer Weiner. Also Ballet Shoes.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 8:24 am

  59. Lindsay Says:

    I’d have to pick Secret Garden and anything Jane Austen. I’ve taken quite a liking to CS Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia of late also.

    Tough choice. If I won I would need to get a few storage cards so I can select more than two options. :)

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 8:29 am

  60. Amy Says:

    Hmmm. Two books.

    The Diamond Age by Neal Stephenson
    and
    The Book of Stones by Robert Simmons and Naisha Ahsian

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 8:30 am

  61. Pat Says:

    Isn’t funny that when you try to think of something like this your mind goes blank!? Or maybe that’s just me. The titles that jump into my head right now are The Accidental Tourist (or any other Ann Tyler book), and The Bone Setters Daughter (or anything by Amy Tan).

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 8:31 am

  62. Keryn Says:

    Do they have to be fiction? Because although one of my books would be LotR (sorry, but I truly love love love those books), the other would be my fabulous Readers’ Digest Book of Facts that was published back in…um…1988. Yes, it’s old. But it truly is one of my favorite books in the world, because it is full of interesting, two paragraph (at most) tidbits of random facts that I find FASCINATING. I would pour over it as a child, spouting off odd things to my mother (marvelous for her, I’m sure), and even now as a mama myself, I still love to get it out and browse through it.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 8:31 am

  63. Amanda Says:

    I would definetly have to go with A Steadfast Surrender by Nancy Moser and The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. I could re-read both of these books all the time. I’m also writing down all the other suggestions to put on my book list! Great giveaway

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 8:31 am

  64. Annette Says:

    I want to win! :)

    I’m going to cheat a bit and say The Norton Anthology of British Literature (because that thing has so much great stuff in it–books and books).

    For the second . . . maybe the complete Jane Austen or the complete set of Anne of Green Gables.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 8:32 am

  65. Nikki Says:

    The techie family paves the way for us again! Thank you for always being the first one in the family to test everything out so we know what to buy. All Hail Rock Band and Guitar Hero! Hip Hip Horray!

    “Twilight” by Stephenie Meyer
    “Success Principles” by Jack Canfield

    …a true teenage, love sick, self-help junkie.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 8:40 am

  66. Hillary Says:

    Definitely Pride and Prejudice, since I read it about once a year. Also, the Count of Monte Cristo, the unabridged version, of course. I LOVE that book.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 8:45 am

  67. Sarah Says:

    I would carry around Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and my Betty Crocker cookbook. It would be amazing.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 8:54 am

  68. Mrs. F Says:

    I do not like to think too hard when I read, so I am really in to chick lit.

    I absolutely adore all of the Stephanie Plum books by Janet Evanovich and could read them over and over, so that would definitely be on my reader. Fearless Fourteen is the new one that I want really bad.

    Second choice? Any one of Jennifer Weiner’s books, but I would really like to read the newest one, since it has been over a year since I have read one of her books, and I am only pretty sure that there is a newer book. I do not even know the title. Oh jeez, let me go google it…be right back.
    OK, I’m back, it is called Certain Girls.

    So there you have it, my two non-religious choices. Now pick me to win…PLEASE!!!! And thank you! What a cool giveaway!

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 8:56 am

  69. Kateastrophe Says:

    I would have Les Miserables and Count of Monte Cristo in there right away. My two most favorite books of all time.

    Followed shortly by East of Eden :)

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 8:59 am

  70. Sheila Says:

    I am delurking to enter this contest too! Your blog always makes me smile!
    Okay, my books are . . .

    Any of Jane Austen’s work! Especially Persuasion or Emma (which, I was happy to see, is the book in the picture!).

    Also, I’m on a C.S. Lewis kick. I re-read Prince Caspian recently to prepare for the movie, and then went back and re-read the rest of the Chronicles of Narnia. Good times!

    Thanks!

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 9:04 am

  71. Lori Says:

    Hmm…only two books? How to decide? Probably Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead or Atlas Shrugged and Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina. If I do get picked, please know that I am on vacation and won’t be back for a week from when you choose your winner! So please don’t give it to someone else!

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 9:19 am

  72. Rachel Says:

    Wow, I didn’t even know those existed. My husband and I are book junkies for sure, so it’s good to know if we don’t win we’ll have to buy one when they get cheaper :)

    My books are this AWESOME book called, A Return To Modesty by Wendy Shalit. She’s incredibly intelligent while funny and thought provoking - I learned so much, it really changed the way I viewed modesty. Would be great for your new calling if you need a good new read! Plus she was stinking 24 when she wrote the book, which blows my mind.

    The second I’d have to say “And There Was Light” by Jaques Lusseyran, arguably one of the best books of the 20th century. He was a blind French man who led an underground resistance against the Nazis. Inspiring, is an understatement.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 9:22 am

  73. Margaret Says:

    Pick me! Pick me!

    The Blue Sword, by Robin McKinley

    and

    Step-Ball-Change, by Jeanne Ray

    What a fun giveaway! :)

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 9:29 am

  74. dagmar Says:

    As a voracious reader since age 5, I’d LOVE this… and I’d love to *finally* read “Life of Pi” and “Quicksilver” on this cool li’l unit.
    Thanks for the opportunity!

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 9:38 am

  75. Radish Says:

    Time and Again, Jack Finney
    Stori Telling, Tori Spelling

    :-D

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 9:38 am

  76. Stephanie Says:

    I’ve seen it and it’s beautiful!

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 9:39 am

  77. Marian Says:

    It’s been so long since I’ve been able to take time to read fiction, so mine would probably be related to autism, homeschooling or parenting. Right now I’m reading “Captivating” by John and Stasi Elderidge, so perhaps a SONY reader would speed up my targeted finish date of 2014!

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 9:43 am

  78. Isabel Says:

    If I win, I promise to drive to your house to pick it up!

    My two books:

    1- “The Drifters” by James A, Michener (read it. You’ll love it and you’ll be all “how did a mormon girl from Utah fall in love with this book?)

    2- “Lonesome Dove” by Larry McMurthy (read it. You’ll also love it and you’ll wonder “why does a girl as hip as Isabel love a book about cowboys so much?”)

    (and did the commenter above me really choose a book by Tori Spelling?!)

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 9:44 am

  79. Greg Says:

    Well, these are not classics, as some are suggesting, but more of good, entertaining reference tools, especially for men. The first is “How to Iron Your Own Damn Shirt: The Perfect Husband Handbook Featuring Over 50 Foolproof Ways to Win, Woo & Wow Your Wife.” This is really a great book for any man, single and married alike. The second book would be “The Ultimate Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” because 1) it’s hilarious and 2) you never know if/when the Earth might be obliterated to make way for an intergalactic space highway and whose gonna be the guy with the towel? This guy.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 9:46 am

  80. Eve Says:

    Oooo ! Pick me! Pick Me!

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 9:49 am

  81. Becca Says:

    I’ve been racking my brain trying to come up with just two books. Two?? It’s like trying to decide which of my children is the favorite!

    I’ll have to go with Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Kingsolver, and anything written by Anne Fadiman.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 9:50 am

  82. pokeyann Says:

    Oooohhh, you got me. I have to try for this one; to think I could lay however I want to and read, what a novel idea. Only another book junkie could describe the woes of reading while lying down. My two favorites are both series, dare I say it: Harry Potter and it’s religious but truly one of my favorites: The Work and The Glory. I’ve read both series many, many times. I’m a huge book geek *sigh*. Which is also why I’m glad to learn about this software anyway, it’s going on the wishlist, just in case my book karma is not strong enough to win this. But please oh please karma let me win! hehe

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 9:57 am

  83. Kim Says:

    What a fun toy, I have been tempted by the Kindle for a while, but this sounds even better. I think my books would be Poisnwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver, I have purchased it three times and still never read it, and the Thorn Birds, which I have read every summer since I was in high school.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 10:01 am

  84. followthatdog Says:

    Just two?
    Ok, “Even Cowgirls Get the Blues” by Tom Robbins
    and “On the Road” by Jack Kerouac

    or maybe “High Fidelity” by Nick Hornby and “Generation X” by Douglas Coupland

    wait, no…

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 10:02 am

  85. Susan Says:

    Don’t you just love and hate the dilemma of choosing favorite books?! It can make me just sit and ponder all day, all the wonderful books I have read. I get to cruise along my bookshelves admiring and reminiscing.

    Choose two…the betrayal of all the others…choose two…taking sides…it’s like someone pointing to my two daughers and commanding “pick a favorite”…Pride and Prejudice and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall…there I chose…I’m a dreadful book lover. I took sides. Now I need a digital book to store all my other books and keep them with me forever to make up for abandoning them in that one single moment of decision…

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 10:04 am

  86. Mona Says:

    My choice would be:

    1. Any book of Alice Munro’s short stories

    2. Anne of Green Gables.

    What a fantastic contest and I am crossing my fingers!

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 10:05 am

  87. Danielle Says:

    Oh I would LOVE one of those for my frequent trips back and forth from Salt Lake to Denver! (The Host is far too big and heavy to lug back and forth.)

    If I could carry two books with me at all times they’d be Twilight ( I know so typical but so easy to pick up and read anywhere) and anything by Jodi Picoult.

    So without sounding desperate…PICK ME! PICK ME!

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 10:06 am

  88. jk2boys Says:

    The Princess Bride by: William Goldman
    Sink Reflections by: Marla Cilley

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 10:08 am

  89. Erin Marie Says:

    Hmm… Little Women. And some cookbook by Rachel Ray. Because I’m always at the store wanting something new for dinner, but I never know what to get. That would be nice.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 10:14 am

  90. Azucar Says:

    Just two books?

    The last book in the Wheel of Time series.

    I’ve been carrying The Emperor’s Children around with me in the vain hope that I have time to read it.

    This would be so fun!

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 10:19 am

  91. angela Says:

    Oh my husband would love this–he could easily take it on deployments without having to lug around a bunch of heavy books sent to him!

    Two books I have loved: The Kite Runner by Khalid Hosseini and The secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 10:23 am

  92. Honey Mommy Says:

    Ooh! I’m a Librarian, and would totally love to try that thing out!

    PICK ME!

    It’s hard to choose just two books… but I would like
    1) The Host by Stephanie Meyer
    2) The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley

    Thanks!

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 10:37 am

  93. laughing mommy Says:

    Oh, I want one of these so bad!
    I’d carry around these books…

    Operating Instructions by Anne Lamott
    Waiting for Birdy by Catherine Newman

    Thanks for entering me in the contest. I’m so excited!

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 10:39 am

  94. AngieMc Says:

    This is SO cool!!
    The Stand by Stephen King
    The Other Bolyn Girl by Phillipa Gregory

    fun fun stuff!

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 10:40 am

  95. Christi Says:

    Wow, looks pretty cool. I would carry any books by Beverly Lewis. Can’t get enough of her books and can hardly wait for the next one to come out. Also, any mystery by Kristen Heitzman.
    Christi

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 10:44 am

  96. ABL Says:

    I am a devoted reader of your blog, but an undevoted leaver of comments. You got me with this one.

    I second all of the thoughts about trying to choose 2 favorites. At the moment I’d probably say Tess of the Durbervilles (Thomas Hardy) and Peace Like a River (Leif Enger).

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 10:45 am

  97. Carrie Says:

    OMG! This is like my own personal wet dream!! I have SO many books piled up around my house that I can’t find my own kids half the time. The idea of being able to carry hundreds of books around with me without loosing any children is awesome!

    Hum… only 2? Take them with me anywhere? That’s tough. I’d have to go with:

    Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
    Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 10:45 am

  98. Jason Hansom Says:

    I can only pick two books…such a decision…I think I would pick Fahrenheit 451…and War and Peace…I have always meant to read W&P but it was way too big to carry about…this could give me the lift that I need to read it finally.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 10:51 am

  99. Carriem Says:

    What an awesome giveaway!. . .Maybe

    A Room With a View EM Forster,
    and
    Cry the Beloved Country Alan Patton

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 11:03 am

  100. elliespen Says:

    Well, considering that I have the Jane Austen works practically memorized (and it looks like everyone on here has already chosen them anyway so I could just borrow a copy from one of them), I’m gonna have to go with my [other] nerdy side and say Enchantment by Orson Scott Card and Spindle’s End by Robin McKinley.

    And Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems. (Just like a Pixar movie, you’ve got to allow a short before the main feature!)

    Backup nerdular nerdance-type reads would include The Host by Stephenie Meyer, The Lord of the Rings, the rest of Robin McKinley’s books, and Book of a Thousand Days and Austenland by Shannon Hale. Okay, and Sense and Sensibility and Mansfield Park (since all of my neighbors are carrying copies of Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion).

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 11:08 am

  101. Pops Says:

    You seriously know how to attract traffic to your website, eh?

    Here’s two:

    Great Expectations (Dickens)
    Human Action (Ludwig von Mises - the last great liberal)

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 11:16 am

  102. Wendy Says:

    Pick me!!! :D

    Books:
    1. Love in the Time of Cholera
    2. Puget Sound Birds (so I can ID any birds while I’m out and about! bird geek that I’ve become!)

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 11:19 am

  103. stacey Says:

    Gifts from the Sea
    Cry, the Beloved Country

    All the best!!!

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 11:21 am

  104. Casey Says:

    I would love this!!! I would have to have East Wind, West Wind by Pearl Buck and the entire collection of Jane Austin (who could choose just one).

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 11:29 am

  105. Baby B Says:

    Two books I’d carry around with me everywhere…
    The Secret History by Donna Tartt
    One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 11:33 am

  106. Kimber Says:

    Please add me to the hundreds of other interested fans. I would like to add my two books…

    “The Princess Bride” (yes, the movie was based on this book and like most cases the book is WAY better…you’re asking yourself if that is possible…it is)

    Le Petit Prince ( a great book for contemplating about our place in the world)

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 11:37 am

  107. falwyn Says:

    I really don’t know if I could pick just two. Seriously.

    But The Last Unicorn is a perennial favorite of mine. And maybe the Winnie the Pooh stories for amusing my children.

    Good to hear that they’re improving digital readers. Still, I LIKE books. Though now in the throes of packing, I think, my whole library on a disk, maybe not such a bad thing…

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 11:45 am

  108. Elizabeth Hosto Says:

    I would have to agree with the rest of the commenter’s, two books is too few books! The Harry Potter series, anything by Nora Roberts or David Eddings, the Twilight series, Lord of the Rings, Dracula, and the list goes on and on. I should probably limit myself to classics since that is where I am least read, but I love fluff. I was wondering about these devices, my husband tried to explain them to me when the Kindle was released but I didn’t quite get it so I would love to be able to see one in person and try it out!

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 11:53 am

  109. Lady of Perpetual Chaos Says:

    This time of year I would probably say…..

    Canning & Preserving for Dummies
    and
    The Star Garden (it’s the last book in the series I need to read)

    Maybe an “Organization for Dummies” if it exists……

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 11:58 am

  110. Kate Says:

    Alright, alright, you got me! I’ve been lurking for months and this is the post that finally made me break down and comment.

    I would love that Sony! I would hug it and pet it and call it George. Seriously. :^)

    My two books would have to be:
    Anne of Green Gables (a favorite from childhood)
    &
    To Kill a Mockingbird (because it is just awesome)

    Also, I just want to thank you for your blog(s). I swear, sometimes you say things that I was sure no one else thought but me. And you make me laugh, which is pretty dang cool.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 12:05 pm

  111. Keri-Ann Says:

    Hmmm… Sherlock Holmes collection and Mistborn (or anything really) by Brandon Sanderson

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 12:08 pm

  112. Kate the Great Says:

    I’d like this. If I won it, I would say I’d pick Creatures of Light and Darkness by Roger Zelazny and Wit: A Play by Margaret Edson. Because the idea is to pick books that I don’t already have and haven’t read. I could pick my favorites, but I already own those in book form.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 12:15 pm

  113. AMinTX Says:

    This would be so handy, because right now we are literally pakcing up pretty much all of our books and putting them into storage to make way for baby #2. I would love HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY by Richard Llewellyn and SONG OF YEARS by Bess Streeter Aldrich on hand at all times.

    Great idea for a give-away :)

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 12:36 pm

  114. Carolyn Says:

    Man, I would so use this!
    Two books I’d love to always have on hand: The Oxford English Dictionary and the Joy of Cooking - both totally amazing references that I just don’t have around when I need them. These are not my desert island choices (Complete works of Oscar Wilde and AA Milne), but that’s not what you asked.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 12:42 pm

  115. rebekah Says:

    sorry I was jet lagged in my eager first reply. my two books that I would take everywhere are roses for mama (janette oke) and little house on the prarie (first “chapter book” I ever read on my own. Sadly unavailable in digital format at this time)

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 1:20 pm

  116. Heffalump Says:

    The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley is my favorite book, so that would have to be one of the two…and…The Complete Chronciles of Narnia (I have seen them all in one volume) so I would have something to read to my kids…

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 1:23 pm

  117. Dona Says:

    I would love to have an e-reader, who wouldn’t . I am a big fan of
    David McCullouch “John Adams” and “” He really bring American history to life.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 1:25 pm

  118. Shalee Says:

    Man I’m late. Time Traveler’s Wife and Grasshoppers have been in my hands more times than I can count!

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 1:29 pm

  119. Dr. Maureen Says:

    I’d like to try this out! As for what two books I carry, that’s a tough question. How about: Whatever two paperback books I am reading at the time.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 1:37 pm

  120. Stephanie Says:

    A Tale of Two Cities and Pride and Prejudice for sure.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 1:38 pm

  121. Bailey's Leaf Says:

    I would love to re-read the Diary of Anne Frank and The Collector. I think I remember the title right! I read it in a college Great Books class. Actually, it was the only book that I read without faking it out with Cliff’s Notes.

    Sign me up, please! We’re cool with recycling!

    :)

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 1:42 pm

  122. Camille Says:

    Tough question! I would put “The Hiding Place” by Corrie Ten Boom and “Pride and Prejudice” because, hey, it’s a classic.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 1:44 pm

  123. Sara Says:

    I would carry To Kill a Mockingbird and On the Road by Jack Kerouac. It’s hard to pick just two, good thing it comes with a lot on it already.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 1:56 pm

  124. Joni Says:

    What the heck?

    Hands down?

    Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery (because I already have four copies of this book and a fifth one would round things out nicely - five is my favorite number)

    and. . .

    Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson (because that’s a kind of book that you would want to take with you if you had one of these things to travel with. . . )

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 2:09 pm

  125. Nancy R. Says:

    Wow - it sounds cool, even if it does have your cooties…

    Only two books? I’d have to choose ‘A Room of One’s Own’ by Virginia Woolf. I read this whenever I need some feminine inspiration. I also love the Lord of the Rings and read it whenever I need some soul food (not the Southern cooking kind) of the non-religious variety.

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 2:19 pm

  126. erinbeth Says:

    love the time traveler’s wife, and the wolves of willoughby chase

    [Reply]

    Posted on July 10th, 2008 at 2:30 pm

  127. seven Says:

    Ooh, I’d love to have one of those. I am always tossing and turning and trying to avoid the awkward book-holding positions.

    I don’t know about two specific books that I would carry around… maybe Pride & Prejudice (popular choice, I know) and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (because it’s funny).

    One of my friends has carried around a copy of Fahrenheit 451 for (seriously) years. Like 5 or 6 years. He keeps it in his jacket pocket, which I guess means that he gives it a rest in the summer. But still.

    [