Real paper from a library, electronically downloaded from the internet, read online. Today’s technology gives people a lot of options as to how where they  read their favorite books.

E-readers are as small as a book and can be carried anywhere, and one can buy a book from any place that has an internet connection, while physical books can br borrowed from any library for free.

Regardless of the practicality of e-readers, students prefer the feel of a real book over the convenience of e-readers.

Hannah Alleyne, senior, mostly buys physical books, but also has a Kindle.

“Personally, I prefer physical books because I collect them,” Alleyne said. “There is something comforting about flipping through the pages and seeing how close you are to being done.”

Liam Chewning, senior, agrees, stating he likes “how the pages feel. Technology doesn’t have that new book smell.”

However, Alleyne does admit electronic books have their advantages.

“Electronic books are cheaper, fit in your pocket and are really easy to bookmark,” Alleyne said. “Also, collecting books is a really expensive hobby.”

Aleks Kostic, senior, buys physical copies because she likes “writing on her books.”

Another reason Kostic prefers physical books is because she can give the book to other people once she is done reading.

“After reading a book I usually keep it or gift it to a friend,” Kostic said.

Kostic’s favorite contemporary book is “Alias Grace” by Margaret Atwood, and her favorite classic book is “The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas.

A third option, one that most students might not know about, is Google Docs; A lot of books are available for free and can be read from any device that has an internet connection.

“I sometimes buy physical copies; sometimes I read books on Google Docs,” Chewning said. “I prefer the convenience of Google Docs.”

Chewing’s favorite book is “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck.

Alleyne likes reading book series and finding out more about the person who wrote the book.

“I tend to obsess over a book and read about the author. If I like the book, I’ll read the series,” Alleyne said. “ I will probably re-read a book if I liked it, but it will be months before I do that.”

Alleyne prefers reading fantasy and historical fiction books.

“I usually don’t like non-fiction books unless they are about an interesting historical figure like Caligula,” Alleyne said.

Alleyne finds it impossible to choose one book or one author as her favorite, but she has a soft spot for Rick Riordan.

“Rick Riordan has been important for me because he wrote ‘Percy Jackson,’ my favorite childhood book,” Alleyne said.

All these different mediums give students a chance to read even if they can’t afford to buy a book or don’t have the time get a new one every other week.