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Recently, I’ve switched from my Kindle to physical books made from paper. It’s been a refreshing change, but I faced a challenge: while Kindle screens are illuminated from inside, making them easy to read in darkness, traditional books require ambient light to see the words clearly.
Though I enjoy reading outdoors in sunlight, there are times when I prefer to relax in bed after a busy day of digital work and want to minimize screen time. That’s where paper books come in. With fall approaching and long New England winters ahead, I expect many cozy late-night reading sessions in dim light.
A solution that worked perfectly for me is a neck-worn book light. This flexible, rechargeable device enhances my reading experience far better than usual bedside lamps or clip-on lights. It drapes around my neck, shining directly on the pages at the ideal angle, and boasts an impressive 80-hour battery life with USB-C charging—which I picked up for about $20. It’s an incredible bargain.
This lightweight, hands-free light has eliminated my frustrations with shadowed pages and uncomfortable hand positions. Plus, it’s gentle enough not to disturb my partner when I read in bed. Its portability means I don’t have to think about lighting setups in different rooms or struggle with multiple lighting fixtures at home. For just $20, I take it everywhere I go.
Using it is straightforward: buttons control brightness and color temperature (ranging from warm yellow to cool white), similar to a flashlight’s simplicity. It recharges easily via a USB-C cable, and there’s no complicated app or smart features to manage.
This affordable reading light can also serve other purposes, like illuminating knitting projects, according to my newsletter readers. For me, it has reignited my love for physical books and the pure joy of reading printed pages anytime and anywhere—especially in a world increasingly saturated with AI-generated content.