The Kindle risk

[Mandy Muffin]

I am leaving on a week-long cruise this weekend and want to bring plenty of books with me.  I am tempted to put my Kindle in the suitcase (which has well over 200 unread books) but am concerned about the possibility of it being pilfered.  I know I can call Amazon and have the books erased from the system but it would still cost well over $200 to replace it.  And there is the  bother if that should happen.  I suppose most people know that the Kindle is registered and can be made inoperative by Amazon. 

In the past I have left a book, a towel and perhaps some other personal items on a lounge chair while I took a swim or went to do something else for a brief time like getting a soft drink.  But I have had a couple of items stolen on prior cruises, including a nice metallic drinking cup and a cheap watch.  (Yes, I always wear a cheap watch when I travel.  That's what those $10 Walmart watches are for.) 

Hey, there are tons of kids this time of the year who are on Spring Break with their parents --  not that it couldn't have been anyone else who swiped my stuff.  But I remember a time when I was one of those kids. 

To date no one has ever taken a book that I left unattended or even forgotten and I have always returned and found it just where I left in.   Also, most cruises have a well stocked library and a book exchange that I use.

Are you concerned about your Kindle when you travel?  Are am I just being an old worry wart? 

[Gloria Helmer / Datsunlvr]

This is one time I'd recommend visiting a used book store and buying a couple of special reads in paperback that if lost, won't cost nearly as much. Look at it this way, you'll only be cruising a week and there will be only so many hours you can devote to reading anyway with all the other things you'll be doing and seeing. One or two great books will most likely be more than enough for that. If you can't find something in the ship's library, that will grab your interest, having a couple of inexpensive paperbacks in your luggage will. Afterwards, if you don't want to keep them, pass them on. Donate to the Friends of the Library or whatever charity or friend can use them ... BTW, Have fun on your cruise! LOL!

[Carci]

I agree... why take a cruise and sit around reading... I LOVE to read but on a cruise I am enjoying the scenery and people watching when there aren't planned events.  Have a great time & leave your Kindle at home!

[officerripley]

Good post, unfortunately theft of Kindles can be a problem, I know someone who had hers stolen.  (One reason I have my tablet password-locked; anyone who takes it won't even be able to turn it on let alone read the ebooks or my email on it.)

And I agree about the used book store; I also subscribe to 4 short-story periodicals (2 mystery & 2 SF), they're easy to toss in a purse, carry-on or even roll up & put in a pocket.