A few weeks ago I recieved an email from the designers of Book Buddy, asking if I’d be interested in reviewing their product. I poked around the Reading Comfort website for a bit, and quickly answered YES!
Book Buddy is so much more than a lap desk, although it can be used that way. I test-drove it when I was reading The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, a true chunkster! The Book Buddy has easily-adjustable straps that hold the front and back covers of your book, plus smaller (also adjustable) straps that hold the corners of the pages on a diagonal, making it easy to slide pages in and out as you read.
The comfy pillow made it easy to prop the book at the perfect angle on my lap, and distributed the weight so I didn’t feel it. You may be rolling your eyes at that detail, but an almost-600-page hardcover gets tiresome to hold!
The photos of Edgar Sawtelle in my Book Buddy are mine, as is this picture, taken earlier in the week at a local bookshop. Yes, you can order Book Buddy online from Reading Comfort, or check their listing of retailers that carry it.
Alas, I dropped my camera; even J, the man who can fix anything, declared it unfixable … so, you don’t get a picture of me demonstrating another use for this hand-crafted product 
The Book Buddy comes with a removable acrylic “desktop” that cinches right into those adjustable straps. Now you can use the Book Buddy to write notes or letters (longhand?!? Yikes! That’s rare for me these days!), or, my favorite, to hold your laptop. Yes, no more over-heated thighs as I blog or e-mail on the sofa. Retiring to the family room is a nightly routine, and now I’m very comfortable as I tap away on the keyboard.
Reading Comfort also carries clever bookmarks and book covers, as well as reading blankets that match the fabric of the Book Buddy. I’m using the Book Buddy regularly with my laptop, and find it was a great help when I wanted to settle in with my heavy hardcover. This product would be great for a reader who has difficulty holding a large book (elderly, people with carpal tunnel or arthritis, anyone on bed rest), and its versatility makes it a thoughtful gift. Thanks to Reading Comfort for sending me a sample!
What “extras” add to your reading pleasure?
I just got mine today and I’m so excited! I’ve got my current read in it ready for me to give it a test drive.
I want one! I’m so jealous of all of you who got them!
Wow! I love it! I’m jealous of those of you that got a chance to review it!
[...] Comments « *Book Buddy* is a great gift for any reader … including you! [...]
I saw something about this on another blog, and I was unsure if it would work for me. I may have to touch it first…
I’m waiting on my Book Buddy. I’m glad you like it. I can’t wait to try mine while reading in bed!
Kathy – I was surprised how much I liked it for reading; I thought my main use would be as a desk … for a hardcover it’s ideal (esp. those chunksters!)
Amy and Jenn – don’t be jealous … enter the giveaway
Sandy – I like that the fill is something sturdier than those styrofoam pellets used in the old bean bag chairs.
Anna – I think you’ll like it; I’ll look for your review.
wow, this sounds like a great one for the person like me who blogs on a laptop constantly!
[...] S. Krishna’s Books BermudaOnion’s Weblog Book Addiction Drey’s Library She’s Too Fond of Books Diary of an Eccentric SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: “I {{Heart}} My Book Buddy!”, url: [...]