Television; can we live without it? Yes. The Internet; can we live without that? Maybe. Books; can we live without books? Definitely not! At least for me, that is! For as long as I remember (and that goes way back), I have been reading, reading, and reading. I could not possible even survive without books Really, when you get a fresh copy of printed book in your hand, savoring the rich smell that I enjoy the same way people like coffee, it's like seventh heaven. Today, most classic books are printed online for people to read! This is ridiculous! Compared to actually taking a book in your hands and turning its pages, seeing the beautiful hard cover and enjoying reading preface, an online book is like a slow moving snail. Then what were books invented for? Of course, there are some people who say they read online books because they cannot afford their own real books. Well, I have something to say of that! If they can afford an Internet to read online books, then how can they not afford real books written by living beings?

Do you know how hazardous is staring the computer screen for hours to read an online book? Have you ever compared the advantages of reading a printed book over the online book available on the Internet? Can you imagine a child reading his bedtime story online rather than his/her parents reading out the story with all the love and care?

Frequent and prolonged computer sessions may pose physical health risks for the users. The most frequently cited are visual strain, harmful effects of radiation, posture and skeletal problems. If you cannot afford a book, how will you afford these treatments?

Few of them have a reason that we collect a whole lot of clutter when we buy books and it's difficult to keep them and also maintain them. I feel books are assets and can't be ever replaced; in fact they should be passed on from generation to generation. Books are like Gold. We should also remember that Computers supplement and do not replace activities and materials, such as art, blocks, sand, water, books, exploration with writing materials dramatic plays and bed time stories. In other words, the computer is an enrichment tool for enhancing readiness skills, problem-solving, and creative expression. It adds another dimension to concrete exploration and expression, like playing with sand, puzzles and crayons, but computer can't replace the books and the pleasure you get from reading books. Visit www.gauchotexts.com for your favorite book at the best price and enjoy reading it with a hot cup of coffee.