When it comes to e-readers, the latest flashy models often get the spotlight. But in our house, the older Kindle still reigns supreme—and for good reason. My daughter Katie and I both have one, and despite its age, it remains one of the most used (and most appreciated) devices we own.
Why We Didn’t Choose the Kindle Fire
We’ve tried the Kindle Fire—my son had one about five years ago—but honestly, it wasn’t for us. It felt more like a tablet than an e-reader, and the touchscreen navigation was so sluggish that it became more frustrating than helpful. Plus, the whole point of a Kindle (for us) is to focus on reading. The Fire had too many distractions: apps, games, videos. It wasn’t what we wanted, and in the end, it just didn’t get used.
The Classic Kindle: Simple, Focused, and Perfect for Bedtime Reading
Our older Kindle models may not be the fastest, but they do what matters most: they make reading easy and enjoyable. Yes, it sometimes takes a few tries to get the settings menu to pop up, but when it comes to flipping through pages of a good book, it’s smooth, simple, and glare-free.
That’s especially important at night. I love reading before bed, but with most screens, I’d end up too stimulated to sleep. The Kindle screen doesn’t glow like a tablet or phone—it’s more like real paper, which means I can wind down with a story without messing up my sleep.
A Dyslexia-Friendly Reading Experience
Both Katie and I are dyslexic, and this is where Kindle really shines. The ability to change the font size, spacing, and most importantly, the font type makes a huge difference. We both use the “Open Dyslexic” font, which is specifically designed to reduce letter flipping, jumping, or overlapping—common issues for dyslexic readers.
Print books sometimes offer this font, but it’s rare—and usually only for shorter or simplified reads. On the Kindle, we can read whatever we like, formatted in a way that actually feels comfortable. It makes reading less of a chore and more of a joy.
Sharing Books as a Family
Another feature I love is the ability to share books from my Kindle library with Katie. I can select which ones she gets access to, so I have a bit of control over what’s on her device. It means we can read together, swap recommendations, and even talk about characters and plot twists—which has been a lovely bonding experience.
Kindle Unlimited: Worth It (Sometimes)
I dip in and out of Kindle Unlimited, usually subscribing during the school holidays when I have more time to read. It’s great value if you can get through a few books in a month. While it doesn’t tend to include the latest bestsellers or big-name authors right away, it’s perfect for lighter reads and hidden gems.
If you’re into “BookTok” or enjoy popular romantic fiction, there’s a ton to explore—authors like Elsie Silver seem to be everywhere on Kindle Unlimited. It’s not always highbrow literature, but sometimes you just want something easy and enjoyable.
A Word on Kindle Cases: Sentimental or Stylish?
My own Kindle case has been with me for years. It’s tattered, fraying at the edges, and definitely seen better days—but I can’t bring myself to replace it. There’s something sentimental about it now: the creases, the wear, the comfort of a familiar cover in my hand.
Katie, on the other hand, has a much newer case—and it’s been fantastic so far. She uses the VOVIPO Slimshell Protective Case for the All-new Kindle 6 Inch (2022 & 2024 versions). It’s thin, lightweight, foldable, and the constellation design is beautiful without being too flashy. It feels really sturdy and protective, especially for something that gets tossed in bags and carried around constantly. If I do ever let go of my beloved old case, that’ll probably be the one I switch to.
Final Thoughts: Why We’re Still Team Kindle (Not Fire)
For our family, the older Kindle is a quiet hero. It fits in your pocket, helps with dyslexia, doesn’t overstimulate your brain, and keeps the focus on reading—not scrolling. Whether you’re a parent, a student, or just someone who prefers distraction-free reading, the classic Kindle still has a lot to offer.
If you’re debating between a Kindle and a tablet, ask yourself this: Do you want to read, or do you want to browse? For us, the answer is easy—and that’s why our trusty Kindles are still going strong.
