A lot has happened in the world since Amazon released one of the most well-known e-readers in 2007. No one was sure what this invention would do to the publishing market, but the Kindle was an instant success, paving the way for the Barnes and Noble Nook, as well as e-reader capabilities on both the iPad and the iPhone. In 2011, just a few short years after the Kindle was first released to the market, Amazon announced that ebook sales had surpassed all hardcopy book sales and in 2020, ebook sales were up 39 percent year-over-year due to the conditions brought forth by the pandemic. No matter how you prefer to read, one can’t deny the impact of ebooks on publishing.
Since ebooks have become such an important part of our day-to-day lives, we figured we would share a few of our favorite ebook bundles and special editions. Found below, these ebook editions are all unique in their own ways so you can enjoy the convenience of an ebook without giving up any of the artistic appeal (who doesn’t like to look at covers or flip through well done illustrations?) of a book in-print.
A collection of classic love stories by Jane Austen
Penning dozens of books, Jane Austen is perhaps one of the most iconic romance novelists of our time. With works that have been constantly adapted into television and film, even non-bibliophiles are likely aware of Austen’s impact. And since it’s always a good idea to celebrate powerful women in literature, why not invest in a gorgeous Jane Austen ebook collection from Wordsworth Editions?
Though you will have to purchase each ebook adaptation separately, these stunning editions come complete with graphic design that is to die for. And though they aren’t an ebook, Wordsworth also has a great collection of cloth-covered Austen titles, for those of you who want to pad your in-person shelves as well as your digital ones.
John le Carré’s enchanting George Smiley
Perfect for a beach read or long flight, this three-part series from John le Carre is full of wit, intrigue, and drama. Follow along as British intelligence officer George Smiley (who doesn’t love a series named after the main protagonist?) gets swept up in a scandal or two with an attractive Soviet spy that may change his life forever.
The Smiley trilogy can be purchased as a series, and comes with a set of seriously stunning covers, an unfortunate rarity in many ebook designs, that will leave the graphic designer in everyone eager for more.
J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter completely illustrated
One of the most magical aspects of reading (or re-reading) all of the Harry Potter books is fully immersing yourself in the story. It’s wonderful to sit by the fire (with a glass of Butterbeer, of course) and forget the real world as you fight He Who Must Not Be Named along with Harry, Ron, and Hermione. And while it’s easy to get caught up in any of the books in Rowling’s most iconic series, it’s even more pleasant to do so with the help of an ebook packed full of special features.
Released in 2015 with the help of the design team at Apple, this special collection of Harry Potter ebooks is full of magical animations, illustrations, and other interactive features will help you lose yourself in the story even more than you already do. While you’ll have to purchase each book separately (they don’t come in a set), the collection of stunning ebooks was truly designed with the user in mind, creating an incredible experience from start to finish.
C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia complete collection with bonus content
If you want to disappear into Narnia, check out this ebook collection of the seven classic The Chronicles of Narnia stories. While this iconic collection of ebooks doesn’t have illustrations and animations quite like the ones featured in the Harry Potter collection above, it does come complete with a special introduction written by Douglas Gresham.
Gresham, who was the stepson of Lewis, relays his childhood memories about the story and doesn’t hesitate to share a few of his favorite behind-the-scenes anecdotes along the way. Not only does Gresham provide an introduction for the collection, but it also comes complete with a special edition book written by C.S. Lewis and his brother when they were children. The bonus content that comes with the collection provides readers with an in-depth look into the creative mind of Lewis and makes The Chronicles of Narnia series even more special.
The Little Red Riding Hood by Brothers Grimm with a play-along feature
Perhaps one of the most exciting elements about ebooks (other than the fact that they make reading accessible for all and they’re a much lighter weight than a library of books) is that advances in technology make it possible for young readers to interact with the ebook, creating a deeper connection to what’s being read. While there are dozens of interactive books perfect for children of all ages, our favorite is The Little Red Riding Hood.
Detailed designs, animations, and illustrations, help young readers interact with one of the most well-recognized children’s stories of all time. The special features incorporated into this edition make it possible for young readers to get fully involved in the plot by baking a cake for granny, helping the woodcutter, and even helping to teach the big bad wolf a lesson! If you are struggling with getting your little one interested in books, an interactive ebook like this one may be exactly what you need to help foster a deep love of reading.
With immersive, beautiful ebook collections like these, it’s easy to see why millions of Americans have made ebooks their preferred reading method. Which ones are your favorite? Tweet them to us @bookclubdotcom.
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