I have two book stands, both of which were purchased in the first year that I was home after my SCI. One is a wire book stand that sells for $4.95, and that works well for paperbacks. I use a mouthstick that is made of an aluminum arrow. I have some plastic stuff, that becomes soft when it is immersed in water -- hot water -- and we cut it and fold it over the mouthstick and I bite gently on it to conform it to my mouth. On the other end, we put rubber erasers, and I can replace them as I wear them down. My other book stand works with magazines, and I use it a lot to put papers on it so that I can answer questions etc.. It is solid metal, with two little arms in front that hold the papers in place, and the back is slotted so that it can be adjusted by an arm in back. I had the tabletop on my hospital over bed tray replaced with a solid wood one. I put the book stand on the end of the top, and I have a hole drilled at the right angle so that I can put the tip of the mouthstick in it. I also use a lot of the non-skid stuff that you put under rugs, so that things do not slide around on the stand. It wasn't expensive and it isn't super easy to use, but when I am up I read a lot. I like the fact that it is quite portable, so I can have my table placed where ever I want to be, and then read away. It took me quite a while to learn how to move the pages without getting frustrated. I grab them at the bottom right, lift them up and over to the left, and then slide them down behind the peg. I cannot flip through a book, nor is it easy to go back several pages, but like you, I love to read.
Have you thought about putting a rubber fingertip -- librarians used to use these, I don't know if they're still around -- on your finger so that you would have a bit of grit on your finger? I don't like the books on tape -- my mind wanders away -- and I can't rewind the tape. E-books are okay, but they are way too expensive. Unfortunately, my library does not have e-books to download just yet. Joan C4 1990 _____ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, February 03, 2007 2:12 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] How Do You Read Books? Naomi is right and has hit a sore point with me. Yea, I can move both arms but my hand do not possess the dexterity needed to read and flip pages in most books with any degree of comfort. I fumble through books I have to read but I haven't read a book for fun in years. The books on tape is ok if you like that. I do not. I can't just flip to a page, it is a struggle and I think something should be done. I have read where some books may be made available on cd. I have not seen any books on cd unless someone is reading to me again. I have a distinct feeling that most books being printed today are being printed from cd's and electronic media. I just don't know who to contact. I would so love to read a book for entertainment purposes again. On my last trip to the library I looked for some filthy paperback novels and couldn't even find one on tape. I have this feeling that the solution to my problem is going to cost me money. john -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [email protected] Sent: Fri, 2 Feb 2007 9:42 PM Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] How Do You Read Books? You might try a mouthstick to turn the pages on your book stand but that has pitfalls also. A company also makes an automatic page turner but I have not had experience with it. The library of congress has a program of books on tapes but it is antiquated as they are updating their technology and trying pilot programs. My local library has started offering books that you can download on the Web. Its catalog could be better but it gives me more options. Check with your library. I recently completed Shadow Divers my robertkurson and enjoyed it very much. It is a true story is about a German U-boat laying off the coast of New Jersey. Have you read anything good lately? Dan T. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I am having a dilemma. I was an avid book reader before I became a quadriplegic due to Transverse Myelitis. Now I am in a dilemma as to how do I manage to read a book. I have a book stand, but it is virtually impossible for me to turn the pages. I have looked on the Internet for page turners, but I haven't found any that are suitable for my need. This is really driving me crazy, especially since there are so many things I need to read. I would like to know how anyone else manage to read a book. For novels, I get books on tape, if they're available, but some things I need to read, do not come on a tape. I would appreciate any suggestions. Naomi _____ size=2 width="100%" align=center> <http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/1615326657x4311227241x4298082137/aol?redir=ht tp%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eaol%2Ecom%2Fnewaol> Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from across the web, free AOL Mail and more.
