20 Best Books On Amazon Kindle (Jan 2023 Update)

I purchased this to replace a very old kindle that was being lugged around for many years. I have experience from kindle first generation to kindle fire first generations (as well as 3rd gen), to kindle with keyboards and the first paperwhite model. I must say, this is by far the best for reading i have handled. This uses the fantastic e-ink still on a gently backlit screen, easy to read in the dark or sunlight, any setting. It is light and connects quickly to the internet and my library, loads books fast and flipping through books is quick. I habe a case that works with it and when it's closed it puts it to sleep, and when opens it awakens. Battery life is very good, one charge lasts over 30 days of use for me at least thus far, never really let it get all the way dead. Overall, this is a reasonable value and if it lasts as long as my previous versions, and they don't make it software obsolete, i will be a very happy buyer.averageguy

I bought this recently as I grew tired of reading on my iPhone and iPad. The former is too small and the latter too big and both are too heavy. This Kindle is Goldilocks of screens, exactly right. The digital ink actually makes for a reading experience that is both closer to paper than LCD screens and also better as well. Also, in direct light I usually turn off the back light to conserve power as it really isn't needed. This would be ideal for reading poolside on a bright day. The only downside is that the screen has a slight but perceptible delay to it, sort of like computers from the late '90s. It's not bad, really, but just not as instantaneous as an iPhone or iPad. Still, for the purpose of reading books, I believe it is outstanding. Highly recommended.TheRaVen

Oh I’m literally obsessed. I was shocked. I was super anti-kindle it for YEARS because I’m not a screen reader, I like turning pages, I like a physical book collection, yada yada. BUT — I’m not even kidding, I cannot put this thing down. I read 4 books in 7 days because of how much I truly enjoy it & how easy it makes reading. It’s not super “technologically advanced” like an iPad/iPhone & can sometimes be a little slow to get back to your library or shop the kindle store, but honestly I have 0 issues with it & it’s easy to learn how to use. Part of me also wishes the book covers could have some color BUT I think that would mess with the overall “true to paper” style so I don’t mind the black & white. The screen is not your average computer/tablet screen. It’s soft, perfectly lit, & is such a comfortable read. You can set the text to multiple fonts/sizes, change the brightness & warmness, and the charge holds for weeks. I’m now actually searching for the physical books I have ON the kindle because I’d rather read them there. If you’re on the fence, I doubt you’ll be disappointed. It is slightly more expensive but waiting for a promotion/sale made it definitely doable for me!Violet

Overall I really enjoy this e-reader. The physical buttons are very nice to still have. I love physical books, but you seriously can't beat being able to carry around a few chick lit novels with you on vacation. I ordered a very cute case with a stand from another retailer and now I'm rockin'. I went with this version because of the physical buttons. No accidental turning like I did with my paperwhite. This is definitely a luxury not a necessity but it's nice to have. Negatives: Expensive for what it is (honestly). Lack of USB -C charging port. Hopefully the next version they update!BrightMe0w

I've had the Oasis for a little over a year now. It definetly does what the paperwhite does, but better regarding the screen and eye strain. It does seem like the battery doesn't last quite as long, but I can't really give any definitive numbers – it just feels a little shorter. The form factor is going to be a love it or hate it situation – I personally like it. My only wish for this device is that it could fit into my pocket a little easier like my old paperwhite did. Is the price worth it? It depends. A Honda Civic will get you to the grocery store all the same as a Corvette – the 'luxury' features of the device are nice, but in no way needed, so it's really up to you and your finances.Praise

Coming from the last Oasis, I was quite bummed when I bought one for my girlfriend and she had the warm-light feature which is standard on this latest model. It is a night and day difference for night reading! In fact, I traded in my old one and got a new model for myself just so I didn't have to lie in bed jealous. I've always liked the way this one felt in your hands – with the ergonomic side grip and buttons. It's just practical, and makes reading more enjoyable. I recommend the Kindle Oasis to any avid reader!bpanter

If there was a fire, this would be the FIRST item I would grab. Reading is my stress relief. It also refuces my anxiety and is my me time. Either in a chair with coffee, before bed, or in the tub… that's where I find my solace. This item is waterproof so I can take it beachside, poolside, or in the tub. The backlight allows me to read in the dark. Dark mode brings comfort to my eyes, and the warmth light helps reduce that blue light emmitance.stephanie .w

My first e-reader. The screen is very good, as is the battery. From day to day it uses only about 8% of its charge. You can sideload pdf files but it's tricky to scroll the pages. Better to convert them to mobi format first. Surprisingly the Kindle doesn't read epub files. They too have to be converted to mobi. I've loaded 2.8G of files without any issues. I like this device because it is dedicated to reading and doesn't distract me with access to the internet. This is a refurbished, older model of Kindle but works well. No problems.curzio19

I love to read so although i do prefer a “real book” the kindle is a better option for me as I never find myself without a book. I can electronically check out e-books from my library. There are many sites to “buy” free e-books. At night if I cant sleep, I dont even need to turn on a light since the screen is backlit. I appreciate that I can change font and light settings to make it easier for me to read. The battery has a decent life. One downside is that sometimes the screen can be pretty dark despite increasing the setting. It does seem with use that the screens brightness does diminish but other than that Ive had no problems.joey.f

What Leslie Jordan did (acting and writing) always made me laugh and had everyone who saw or heard him laugh, smile and feel happy. Will miss him…truly was a gifted person and talent. Walmart had the book in stock, priced reasonably and was delivered quickly.Lynne

Bästa boken jag läst i år! Fin och sorlig vänskapshistoria. Kul att de är spelutvecklare och väl dokumenterat vad det innebär och spännande för den icke gamern.Adam

This book just stole my heart. It's been a long time since a book made me sob, but this did it. Character-driven narrative about love and friendship and the ways they can be tested over time. A beautiful book that I would recommend.Ellen

I absolutely adored this book. It's the story of the relationship between these two people, Sam and Sadie who met in a hospital when they were kids and end up making games together when they grow up. It's a wonderful exploration of the deep, messy and yet incredibly strong relationship between the pair of them, which is not a sexual one, and I found it fascinating. It is not always a smooth relationship, but it's one where it's so clear to the reader how much they mean to each other and it makes the rough times tragic, especially when you jump from one of their perspectives to the other. I also felt that it was interestingly told, too. For example, for the first section of the book it is constantly jumping between them as kids in the hospital and them 8 years later when in uni, while also throwing in some quotes from them in the future about this time period that they give in a Kotaku interview. It's a book so full of love and struggle and I just found such it a wonderful read. It made me cry.Alexandre T.

I loved Louna's romantic relationship with Ethan and her evolving relationship with Ambrose. These three characters and (discovering if) my hopes for their futures were the only things that made me continue reading the story. Although the plot to the story wasn't enjoyed by myself, I think many others would like it. My favourite part of the storyline was the ending, not because the story ended but it was what I hoped for and envisioned.S.E.N

A little slow at first, didn't see the Sarah Dessen spark, but I tell you what: She HITS you with it there at the end. Another complete hit.Court

I LOVE Sarah Dessen. I will read whatever she comes out with no matter how old I am. What I really love about her books is I am immediately taken back to 16 with every one. I thought this was a perfect summer read and very relevant to today's culture. I don't really understand why no one really liked this book, I think it is one of my favorites. Also let's talk about the names in this book because they are kind of strange Louna, Ambrose, Jilly, Michael Salem??? However, I did feel toward the end the book was dragging on. You already knew what was going to happen and were literally just waiting for Louna to stop being such a baby, but I understand. All in all, I really did like this book and I will continue reading Sarah Dessen even as a twenty-something female.brittany.r

Wow. This book made me laugh, cry, scream, and tear up with happiness all at once. That is so rare in a book, and Laurie Frankel captures it all in this book. It was so engaging, even when I didn't have time to read, I was thinking about the book. Incredibly written and so very important to have such a book for people to read. Loved every minute.Rach C

Nothing I say could do this novel justice: it is the first book I've read in years that I want to hand out on street corners and force all my friends and family and neighbors to read IMMEDIATELY. It is profound and hilarious and uplifting and thought-provoking and page-turning. I fell in love with the entire family: parents, five kids, and grandma. The writing made me laugh out loud and stay up late for just one more chapter. The story made me think about society and gender in a way I never had before, impressing upon me how absurdly preoccupied we are with what happens to be in other peoples' pants (or skirts). There are fairy tales and horror stories, parenting tips and transformations. Read it!!!!Becca

This book is so honest and real and deals with being different in today's society. It's so raw and definitely a book I couldn't put down. I would read it again. And again.Kadybug

This is probably the best Kindle for just reading – less distracting than a Kindle Fire (which I also own), and lighter to hold. Nicely backlit, smooth page turns, plenty of memory for lots of books, responsive touch screen, fast Wi-Fi connectivity for syncing with other devices. The screen is clear and very readable. The auto-brightness feature is very nice. The screen size is slightly larger than earlier Paperwhite devices so a bit more text fits on the screen – it seems more natural than previous Paperwhites, more like a paper back book. It claims to be water resistant but I have not had need to test this. I use it without a cover and it has been rugged for travel. A charge will last a VERY long time, so it's perfect to load up with books for an off-grid vacation. Cordless charging works as expected, and the C port is a welcome upgrade – no more fussing with which way the cord goes in. I've not used the Bluetooth feature for listing to audio books. It's a nice touch but it's far easier to use my phone for this. Downside – They put the power button on the button, and every so often you'll turn off the device unintentionally if it's resting on a table. It IS pricey but I expect this will last for quite awhile – my first paperwhite did.360Guy

This kindle is amazing! My daughter absolute loves it! My daughter has a book addiction lol . When we moved her into her dorm last year for her freshman year the amount of books was doable.. Trying to move her out was absolutely insane. We ran out of room between the truck and car and had to donate the pretty newly purchased refrigerator. Now she will buy one here and there because she loves the feel of them while reading lol .The free trial membership was amazing and we will continue that! Thanks so much for lightning my load for sophomore year!! 🙂Carebear3

First Kindle I've owned and purchased second as a gift. Gift replaced very old Kindle–big benefits: screen size, screen light and adjustability, battery life–87% after 3 weeks of use and not turning off, IPX 8! 32 G is huge amount of space but I always say more is better. Don't use wireless charging but do like it's usb-c. Much easier reading books with Kindle than iPad 12.9. Could be improved by having handle and maybe a stand. Purchased a case with a handle per recommendation from other Kindle readers but it is light enough without the handle. The case does protect the screen. Handle gives fingers a rest.k9erthlvr

Every day I use something within this book. Greg's examples resonate with me, and have empowered my approach to my personal and professional time management and understanding of how to tackle life.Ruth

This is an incredible book for all ages. If you really want to focus on the things that matter, this book provides you with very practical tools to start implementing it in your every day life. This is must to read. I loved the book!Mekishkojin

I love this book! I’m usually not a big fan of memoirs or non-fiction in general but her story was so engaging. You can tell right off the bat how intelligent and aware she is and she further proves this by her successes throughout her life. I’m so glad she wrote this book. It’s not boring at all and the writing is absolutely beautiful. I feel lucky to have read this book and it’s definitely going to be one of my top reads this year.Keke

I chose to listen to the book instead of reading it. I believe I got so much more out of it when listening to the author's voice. With her reading it, it gave me the tone that I would have thought she would wanted the readers to hear. It brought the book so much more alive to me. I have raved about this book to so many, some excited about the book and some not but willing to read it. Michelle made her life especially as the former First Lady raw and real. Doesn't matter what political side your on I highly recommend reading or listening ( very highly recommend) this book to get an insiders view on what it's like to be a strong woman who supports her husband in a ( I would say ) very stressful position. Striving to stay a wife, mother, and individual Michelle brings to the reader an amazing story of her journey thus far.Kacey

“For me, becoming isn’t about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self. The journey doesn’t end.” 4.5 stars. Sometimes I'll do this thing where I don't read/watch something because it's overhyped. I'm not sure what it is. I think it may be that I see it so much on my feed/dash/everywhere that I just … can't bring myself to approach it because I feel like it's in my face too much as it is. I wait for the hype to die down so I can make my own judgement or just … quietly approach it. That's what this book did. It quietly approached me and just … wow. I'll admit, I had no plans of picking this book up, seeing wildly mixed reviews and also just being overly-memoired at the moment. However, Ipicked up Obama's book and the best thing to come out of it is me wanting to read this book. Even in a memoir primarily focused on his presidency and decisions, Michelle Obama shines in that book. So I was curious. And I wasn't disappointed. Michelle Obama is an incredible woman. From the very start. Not when she became First Lady, not because she became First Lady, but just because of who she is. Reading about her life was absolutely fascinating. To learn about her life, starting from her early childhood in the South Side of Chicago all the way to where she is now is quite the journey and she masterfully tells the story where it all just flows so naturally (even if it didn't feel like it to her at the time). It's inspiring to see all the different routes, the what ifs, the doubts, the fear, the courage, all of it laid out for us. One thing's for certain, she's always been a badass, whether she's a hotshot lawyer Harvard Law graduate or First Lady. More than that, what was truly beautiful to read was her empathy, her strength of character, her constant love and wanting to do more for others and push people towards the opportunities she worked so hard for. There were quite a few moments that really got to me, because even on her constant journey to become, her kindness and care for others, whether it be family, women, the underprivileged is just … something else. And it's not all sunshine and success either. There's grief, there's sadness, there are difficulties and doubts, and there's life. I loved seeing (see: reading) all of it. I think, for me, the least interesting parts were the ones about her in the White House and that truly says something because part of me had thought it would have been the opposite. To see Michelle Obama truly becoming Michelle Obama is an experience. Her writing is beautiful yes but it's truly the story that kept me so entirely engaged. The words themselves are simple, straightforward. There's no prose, no fancying of words, and I appreciated it. It's accessible in a way one wouldn't necessarily expect and it speaks to you rather than reads to you, if that makes any sense. I listened to this as an audiobook and at no point did I feel as if I was. It kind of felt like one big speech, but better because there wasn't a moment I wanted to fast forward or skip through. I think I'd like to reread this at some point in its book form, just to really appreciate the words and her story that much more.sara.m

Pros:
Holds a decent amount of books
Is easy to hold
Feels very nice in the hands
Smaller size makes it easily portable
Has a wonderful adjustable backlight for nighttime reading.
Has Bluetooth!
Has a web browser.
Easy access to hundreds of books!
Easily accessible library.
Amazing battery life!
Just overall very simple and easy to use.

Cons:
Screen is sensitive so if you barely touch it (even accidentally) it will turn pages.
Reaction time is kinda slow
web browser isn't actually that good
Doesn't have speakers, so unless you have bluetooth headphones/earbuds, you can't listen to audio books.
exiting out of a book can be sometimes difficult.

My stepmom bought me one of these last November for my birthday, since I enjoy reading from time to time. Its mostly a good product. I enjoy using mine. It does, however, have a few inconveniences. But, I'd say, overall, it's a good product. Would definitely recommend, especially to the avid readers out there.kol

This is my fourth kindle, a replacement for one that went missing. I had been using a second hand basic model Kindle, and thought I might upgrade to one of the Paperwhite models. It is both a tremendous improvement over the basic model, and also significantly better than my last Paperwhite. The screen resolution is a big improvement, and it runs very smoothly. Page turns are easy and hassle free. The weight is good and the texture of the case pleasant to hold. There are some minor changes to the homescreen that have taken a little adjusting to. Also, the battery seems to drain a touch faster than expected, though overall the battery life is still fine, lasting two to three weeks (I am a fairly heavy reader). As a final criticism, the "on" button seems a little sensitive. It turns on in my bag quite often, sometimes losing my place in what I'm reading. While there are models with 3G/4G connectivity and larger hard drives, these features come at a significantly higher price. I have had a 3G Kindle previously, and it is really handy to have But with mobile tethering and the availability of wifi, the price is far to high. The extra storage space might be useful for people who enjoy audio books. Personally I don't use them. Overall, I am really happy with it and hope I don't lose it any time soon!HJTMitchell

This is first e reader I have purchased and I am happy about it. Bought it for $169 but was on sale during Christmas for $149. 6 inch screen is backlit and it's pretty good, I mostly read at night so brightness can be dimmed to a comfortable level. The only issue is that it doesn't have sepia mode which is only available in kindle oasis which is a bit expensive. Dictionary is always available which is great, all you need is to do is press on a particular word for couple seconds and it will show the meaning which is amazing. Battery life is awesome. Books can be downloaded and transferred to kindle via pc so that's handy. I would easily recommend this to everyone but if you really are a keen reader, I would go for oasis just for the sepia 7 inch screen. Have fun 🙂 Thank you for reading.parthnsw

This book highlighted some disturbingly familiar issues in our society which takes place in an unfamiliar, wild and unforgiving environment. It takes the reader on a journey of emotional highs and lows. It has all the elements which touch our heart; love, hope, tragedy and disappointment. It shows the characters as complex multi dimensional beings, which we come to understand as their stories unfold.Maggie

As a cradle Catholic, I found this book difficult. I struggled with the perspective of being written by Jesus' wife Ana. It would have been more in keeping with my upbringing if the perspective had been that of Mary Magdalen. I usually pass my books along, I will not do that with this book. Our book club has a diverse membership, our Jewish members are not familiar with the New Testament, and they struggled with keeping the characters straight. Our Indian members had similar struggles, but they had some knowledge of the complete Bible. We are a well educated group of women, doctors, engineers, teachers, lawyers, etc. Definitely not a book I will recommend.RosieG

Audible version review: The story was decent and the narration was great. However, when she described anything, everything, and all things, the book became incredibly, astonishingly, and boringly repetitive . I don't need 3 adjectives to describe the color blue (cerulean, turquoise and crystal) , the snow sitting on the mountain (bright white with a million sparkling diamonds in the shining sun) AND the sound of the boat as it laps, slaps, and caresses the waves. It got to the point that I would entertain myself by counting the number of adjectives the author gave each time she describe what something looked like. If you think this review is boring, then you are getting the picture.sheri.g

If there was a fire, this would be the FIRST item I would grab. Reading is my stress relief. It also refuces my anxiety and is my me time. Either in a chair with coffee, before bed, or in the tub… that's where I find my solace. This item is waterproof so I can take it beachside, poolside, or in the tub. The backlight allows me to read in the dark. Dark mode brings comfort to my eyes, and the warmth light helps reduce that blue light emmitance.stephanie .w

My first e-reader. The screen is very good, as is the battery. From day to day it uses only about 8% of its charge. You can sideload pdf files but it's tricky to scroll the pages. Better to convert them to mobi format first. Surprisingly the Kindle doesn't read epub files. They too have to be converted to mobi. I've loaded 2.8G of files without any issues. I like this device because it is dedicated to reading and doesn't distract me with access to the internet. This is a refurbished, older model of Kindle but works well. No problems.curzio19

I love to read so although i do prefer a “real book” the kindle is a better option for me as I never find myself without a book. I can electronically check out e-books from my library. There are many sites to “buy” free e-books. At night if I cant sleep, I dont even need to turn on a light since the screen is backlit. I appreciate that I can change font and light settings to make it easier for me to read. The battery has a decent life. One downside is that sometimes the screen can be pretty dark despite increasing the setting. It does seem with use that the screens brightness does diminish but other than that Ive had no problems.joey.f

I like the new Kindle. It's lightweight and easy to use, just like the Kindle Oasis I have. Amazon has a promotion for three months of free Kindle Unlimited that comes with this new Kindle, and I like that; giving me a chance to try it out before I decide whether to continue the subscription after three months. The backlights are more comfortable for my eyes, and the reading experience is as good as, if not better than, my Kindle Oasis. I only charged it once, and I was glad that it used a USB-C charging cable instead of the old one (I thought it would be the same charging cable as my Kindle Oasis, but no, it was a different, faster one). I wish I could find a charging cover/case just like the one that came with Kindle Oasis, but I could not find any so far. The price is reasonable. I accidentally purchased it once before, and it was around $289, and I had to contact The Good Guys immediately to ask for a full refund. When I came back around, it was $249, and I also used a coupon on eBay to make it even cheaper. I chose to pick it up in-store to save the postage, and I knew the area, so it was convenient for me to collect it on the weekends. It took them a bit of time to find the new Kindle I bought, but it was all good.dr.pokerface

I bought this Kindle against my inclination to do so. I prefer traditional books that I can hold, turn back, put down and continue again. I bought the Kindle because I am on an extended holiday and didn't want to carry a large number of books with me. I am coming to terms with its idiosyncrasies. My reading experience with it is good. Sometimes I get page numbers and sometimes percentages. I would like it to be page number based. I struggle to get back to my book purchases, it's a bit hit and miss. The 150 page instruction book is to complicated and too much to wade through. That said, it is better than my expectation of it.JimM

I love my kindle paperwhite . Its a lot faster than previous generations and the warm light is such a handy feature I never knew I needed. I have had a few problems though the kindle sometimes lags significantly and the performance feels stunted and irregular. It's only happened a couple of times but I just turned it off and on again. Also the way it was packaged was very poor for an electronic device it was just packaged in a plastic sleeve, no box or bubble wrap making it very easy to damage the screen. I recommend buying it from the store. All and all I really love my kindle it makes reading books easy its nice and light so reading it at night is also comfortable.Sanjana

Having contemplated buying an e-reader for a while, I found a Kindle Paperwhite 10th generation at good price, so took the plunge. Very happy with the purchase. Screen resolution is excellent, easily readable outside in bright sunlight and indoors with artificial illumination. Weight wise the Kindke feels significantly less than a large paperback, and is easier to hold.Cannot comment fully on battery life, but intermittent reading /1 and a half books over a week and a half and still nearly 50% capacity left. Also cant comment on waterproofing, but would seem a useful feature countering possible bath or poolside accidents. Or even leaving in the rain! A shame one cant upload books from libraries in the UK through Libby/Overdrive, but maybe thatll change in futuresandieandtom

E-ink and e-readers are excellent for long-form reading of novels. Two niggling details to be aware of: 1. The positions of the navigation buttons on the Kindle app and the navigation buttons on the Paperwhite are very different, beyond just the page turning buttons. This can get frustrating if, like me, you tend to use multiple devices (phone, tablet, e-reader) with the Kindle app. 2. I found out the hard way that not all of the books on my phone’s Kindle app can be opened in the Paperwhite. When I contacted Amazon customer service about this, they explained that the Paperwhite uses a different format than the app, and publishers decide whether or not to offer their books for both the KIndle app and the Paperwhite. When buying the Kindle version of a book on Amazon’s site, there is no indication as to whether or not the book can be read on the Paperwhite. E-readers are excellent for long-form novel reading, and for this purpose, I highly recommend the Paperwhite. However, I do not recommend the Paperwhite for reading business and technical books, which typically require constant back and forth page flipping. The Paperwhite (or any current generation e-ink device) is not meant to be used this way. I also looked at the larger screen Oasis, but its physical left and right page turn buttons are both placed on one side of the device, making the buttons awkward to use. It would make more sense to place the left page turn left button on the left side and the right button on the right side of the device. Screen real estate could be preserved by placing the buttons on the side edges of the device, rather than on the same face as the screen (as is done currently). Doing so might even reduce the overall size of the device, or alternatively, allow for an even larger screen.SeanJ

Having contemplated buying an e-reader for a while, I found a Kindle Paperwhite 10th generation at good price, so took the plunge. Very happy with the purchase. Screen resolution is excellent, easily readable outside in bright sunlight and indoors with artificial illumination. Weight wise the Kindke feels significantly less than a large paperback, and is easier to hold.Cannot comment fully on battery life, but intermittent reading /1 and a half books over a week and a half and still nearly 50% capacity left. Also cant comment on waterproofing, but would seem a useful feature countering possible bath or poolside accidents. Or even leaving in the rain! A shame one cant upload books from libraries in the UK through Libby/Overdrive, but maybe thatll change in futuresandieandtom

E-ink and e-readers are excellent for long-form reading of novels. Two niggling details to be aware of: 1. The positions of the navigation buttons on the Kindle app and the navigation buttons on the Paperwhite are very different, beyond just the page turning buttons. This can get frustrating if, like me, you tend to use multiple devices (phone, tablet, e-reader) with the Kindle app. 2. I found out the hard way that not all of the books on my phone’s Kindle app can be opened in the Paperwhite. When I contacted Amazon customer service about this, they explained that the Paperwhite uses a different format than the app, and publishers decide whether or not to offer their books for both the KIndle app and the Paperwhite. When buying the Kindle version of a book on Amazon’s site, there is no indication as to whether or not the book can be read on the Paperwhite. E-readers are excellent for long-form novel reading, and for this purpose, I highly recommend the Paperwhite. However, I do not recommend the Paperwhite for reading business and technical books, which typically require constant back and forth page flipping. The Paperwhite (or any current generation e-ink device) is not meant to be used this way. I also looked at the larger screen Oasis, but its physical left and right page turn buttons are both placed on one side of the device, making the buttons awkward to use. It would make more sense to place the left page turn left button on the left side and the right button on the right side of the device. Screen real estate could be preserved by placing the buttons on the side edges of the device, rather than on the same face as the screen (as is done currently). Doing so might even reduce the overall size of the device, or alternatively, allow for an even larger screen.SeanJ

Having contemplated buying an e-reader for a while, I found a Kindle Paperwhite 10th generation at good price, so took the plunge. Very happy with the purchase. Screen resolution is excellent, easily readable outside in bright sunlight and indoors with artificial illumination. Weight wise the Kindke feels significantly less than a large paperback, and is easier to hold.Cannot comment fully on battery life, but intermittent reading /1 and a half books over a week and a half and still nearly 50% capacity left. Also cant comment on waterproofing, but would seem a useful feature countering possible bath or poolside accidents. Or even leaving in the rain! A shame one cant upload books from libraries in the UK through Libby/Overdrive, but maybe thatll change in futuresandieandtom

E-ink and e-readers are excellent for long-form reading of novels. Two niggling details to be aware of: 1. The positions of the navigation buttons on the Kindle app and the navigation buttons on the Paperwhite are very different, beyond just the page turning buttons. This can get frustrating if, like me, you tend to use multiple devices (phone, tablet, e-reader) with the Kindle app. 2. I found out the hard way that not all of the books on my phone’s Kindle app can be opened in the Paperwhite. When I contacted Amazon customer service about this, they explained that the Paperwhite uses a different format than the app, and publishers decide whether or not to offer their books for both the KIndle app and the Paperwhite. When buying the Kindle version of a book on Amazon’s site, there is no indication as to whether or not the book can be read on the Paperwhite. E-readers are excellent for long-form novel reading, and for this purpose, I highly recommend the Paperwhite. However, I do not recommend the Paperwhite for reading business and technical books, which typically require constant back and forth page flipping. The Paperwhite (or any current generation e-ink device) is not meant to be used this way. I also looked at the larger screen Oasis, but its physical left and right page turn buttons are both placed on one side of the device, making the buttons awkward to use. It would make more sense to place the left page turn left button on the left side and the right button on the right side of the device. Screen real estate could be preserved by placing the buttons on the side edges of the device, rather than on the same face as the screen (as is done currently). Doing so might even reduce the overall size of the device, or alternatively, allow for an even larger screen.SeanJ

The Dutch House is the seventh novel by NYT best-selling American author, Ann Patchett. It had been Danny's childhood home. Cyril Conroy had bought the incredible Dutch House, there in small-town Pennsylvania, in 1946 for his young family: his wife Elna, and five-year-old Maeve. It was just as the last Van Hoebeek, the original owners, had left it: furnishings, fittings, even clothing. Danny was born a few years later, and lived there until his step-mother threw him out at fifteen. Danny's mom had left when he was three; he was eight when Andrea Smith first came on the scene, but he and Maeve dismissed any idea of permanence. Andrea persisted, though; Andrea was fascinated with every detail of The Dutch House and Van Hoebeek family, who had made their fortune in packaged cigarettes. Had Maeve and Danny paid more attention, they might have seen the signs, they might have predicted, but not prevented, it: just three years after she had first stood in front of the Van Hoebeek portraits in the drawing room, Andrea married Cyril, and took up residence in The Dutch House with her daughters. No longer were they the comfortable Conroy trio, lovingly cared for by Sandy and Jocelyn. Danny had counted on following his canny father into real estate and construction; instead, Maeve insisted he study medicine at Columbia: their father's trust, grudgingly dispensed by Andrea, was covering the not-inconsiderable cost. And on visits home, the siblings would park on Van Hoebeek Street, regard The Dutch House, and fume over their stolen inheritance, their self-made father's fortune. Maeve, aware Cyril's humble beginnings, was the most resentful; Danny had "never been in the position of getting my head around what I'd been given. I only understood what I'd lost." Not until a career had been gained and discarded, and a marriage and children made, some twenty-seven years after they had been ejected from The Dutch House, did Maeve and Danny finally acknowledge what their obsession had done to them: "We had made a fetish out of our misfortune, fallen in love with it. I was sickened to realize we'd kept it going for so long" While Danny's wife seems resentful of his close relationship with his sister, it is not until a certain, somewhat familiar old woman turns up at Maeve's hospital bed that he realises: "I had a mother who left when I was a child. I didn't miss her. Maeve was there, with her red coat and her black hair, standing at the bottom of the stairs, the white marble floor with the little black squares, the snow coming down in glittering sheets in the windows behind her, the windows as wide as a movie screen… 'Danny!' she would call up to me. 'Breakfast. Move yourself.'" This is very much a character-driven story, and it clearly demonstrates Patchett's literary skill: her characters are interesting and allowed to grow and develop, to display insight and utter wise words. The bond between the siblings is so well portrayed, it's impossible not to feel for them. Like Anne Tyler, Patchett manages to make the lives of fairly ordinary people doing fairly ordinary things worth reading about. Patchett's prose is wonderful: "The madder Maeve got, the more thoughtful she became. In this way she reminded me of our father – every word she spoke came individually wrapped" and "Her wrist looked like ten pencils bundles together". And that striking cover? It neatly ties the whole thing together, beginning and end. What a wonderful read!!Cloggie Downunder

Ann Patchett's writing is always completely absorbing. It is so easy to be swept away, despite being so elegant and restrained. For a novel that covers such a big portion of time, it is very intimate. The external world seems to have no bearing here, these lives are presented to us almost without context. And I think it is this, and the singular narrative voice, that creates such heightened intimacy. As a reader we aren't given any greater insight, we can only see what Danny sees. It is oddly disconcerting and not something I've ever experience as a reader before, but it is such a clever way to paint a portrait of a life. Only Patchett could craft something so narrow, yet it is filled with so much meaning. I'm also sure that Patchett is the only writer who could make me Danny work as a character and narrator. He is generally self-absorbed and unaware of the world and the people around him. He cannot see beyond himself, does not see himself beyond the immediate, and it is his obliviousness that makes him possessive – of his sister, his memories, the house. He knows all of these things, people and places but only through his narrow lens. Always the women around to save him from himself. He is the frustrating voice through which we traverse time in the novel, which makes us as a reader oblivious to what is happening until suddenly we can see a bigger picture. Only Patchett could make it work. In the end, as with all of Patchett's books, it is about the people who make up a life – innocent and guilty, forgiven and unforgiven in the same moment – and how it just keeps going one way or another; the circular nature of it.Hannah2020

'Had me' from the first page. First time read of this author and not disappointed. Wanted the story to keep going. Reluctant to read the last page. BRILLIANT!!!grbat_2947