If you would’ve told me a year ago that I’d be trading my overflowing book collection for a slim piece of tech, I would’ve laughed. I’m a book lover through and through. The smell of worn pages, the underlined notes in the margins, being able to unplug from technology, the way a well-read spine creases just right… it’s part of the magic, right?

But here I am, officially the proud owner of a Kindle Paperwhite (32 GB!), and I’m genuinely wondering why I didn’t do this sooner.

Why I Finally Made the Switch

My husband and I live very nomadically. We’ve spent the past few years bouncing around, and now we’re preparing for another adventure—a long-term stay in Greece!

As someone who collects books (especially Biblical resources and commentaries), you can imagine how many boxes of reading material I’ve hoarded over the years. But with airlines enforcing strict weight limits and overseas shipping costing more than my entire suitcase contents… reality hit hard. There’s no way I could take my beloved library with me. I have already had to downsize over the years and since our last long term trip to Southern Europe, it is time I finally part ways with the boxes in my parents basement.😅

The Perks of Owning a Kindle (Especially the Paperwhite!)

1. Travel-Friendly & Lightweight
This thing is so light. I can toss it into my bag, slide it into a backpack, or carry it in one hand during a beach walk or airport layover. No more deciding which 2 books to bring on a trip—I’ve got hundreds at my fingertips now.

2. Kindle Unlimited = Endless Reading
I signed up for Kindle Unlimited, and let me tell you—it’s a dream. Unlimited access to thousands of books (including devotionals, Bible studies, Christian living titles, and fiction). It’s basically a digital library that fits in my pocket.

3. Backlit Screen for Reading Anywhere
The Paperwhite is easy on the eyes and backlit, so I can read at night without a lamp or on a sun-drenched patio in Greece without glare.

4. Long Battery Life
It lasts for weeks, not hours. One less charger I constantly need to hunt for—praise.

5. No More Book Hoarding (Physically, Anyway)
I still get to “collect” books… they’re just all stored digitally now. And with 32 GB of space, I have room for thousands of books—including my go-to Biblical commentaries, word study resources, and full Bible versions.

6. Perfect for Nomads & Minimalists
Living nomadically means choosing what really matters. The Kindle lets me stay spiritually fed, intellectually inspired, and well-read—without sacrificing suitcase space.

7. It’s Water-Resistant—Perfect for Beach Days & Poolside Reading
One of the coolest features of the Kindle Paperwhite is that it’s IPX8 water-resistant. That means it can handle accidental splashes, spills, or even a quick dip in the pool (yes, really!). For someone like me who plans to spend a lot of time reading on Greek beaches or by the water, this gives major peace of mind. No more stressing about soggy pages or unexpected wave splashes—this Kindle was built for adventure.

But… Let’s Be Honest: The Downsides

Even with all the love I have for this Kindle, there are a few cons worth noting:

• No Page-Flipping Satisfaction: Nothing replaces the feeling of physically turning a page or smelling a brand-new book.
• Highlighting & Note-Taking Isn’t the Same: You can highlight and annotate, but it’s not as natural as scribbling in the margins.
• Screen Overload: If you already work or scroll on screens all day, reading on another one (even a gentler e-ink display) might feel like more screen time.
• Not Every Book is Available Digitally: Some of my niche theology resources or rare finds just aren’t on Kindle yet.

If you Purchase a Kindle Consider this Case:

To make my Kindle even more travel-ready, I found the perfect $15 MoKo Clear Origami Case on Amazon! The origami-style front cover that folds into a stand—both vertically and horizontally! Whether I’m reading at a café, on a plane, or lounging on the beach in Greece (yes, please), I can go hands-free in style. It also auto-wakes and sleeps my Kindle when I open or close it, which feels like such a small luxury but makes a big difference. Highly recommend if you want something functional and aesthetic.

All in all, the Kindle Paperwhite has been the perfect solution for this season of my life. As we prepare to launch into a new chapter across the world, it’s comforting to know that my favorite books, devotionals, and Biblical studies are still coming with me—without the baggage (literally).

So if you’re a traveling bookworm, a minimalist dreamer, or a Bible nerd on the go… a Kindle might just become your new best friend.

Happy Nomad-ing,

Cosette