Any one know of a one handed book stand?

November 20, 2012 2:30 PM

So, I would like to start reading some books lying down in my bed at night. The biggest problem I have with it is holding the book properly. I usually hold it in one hand using my fingers to constantly to hold the pages from collapsing or applying pressure to sides of the book to keep it open. It is super annoying as some of you traditional book readers must have faced. I am not sure if this is a problem for e-book readers but I can imagine it to be lot more convenient. So I am looking for a small light weight book stand that is operated with ONE HAND. Please suggest any. Thanks!
posted by SoltanG to home & garden (13 answers total)

Something like the FlipKlip?
posted by un petit cadeau at 2:38 PM on November 20, 2012

The Book Magic clip seems like it would fit your needs.
posted by fermion at 2:38 PM on November 20, 2012

Even though it's not what you asked, I will say that the Kindle I have is excellent for reading in bed, so something to consider in the future.
posted by Busoni at 2:40 PM on November 20, 2012 [3 favorites]

One does get used to holding books and then this becomes a non-issue, for what it's worth -- I've read in bed since I was a little kid and really had to think to figure out how I hold books or the Kindle (spread open from the middle with either thumb, fingers from same hand supporting the spine and other hand for turning pages, or from one edge with that thumb for clicking "next page" button, respectively).
posted by teremala at 2:47 PM on November 20, 2012

Lie on your side, it's way better. Then you can just rest the book on your bed.
posted by windykites at 2:59 PM on November 20, 2012 [3 favorites]

Mentioned before: Bookgem. One of its helpful positions is on its side. Cheap, too!
posted by DandyRandy at 3:07 PM on November 20, 2012 [2 favorites]

Oh, I should probably add that I read the Kindle on my side, which is what I thought you were talking about. I always found reading with my back on the bed made my arms tired. I'm not sure if the Kindle would be comfortable to hold with just one hand if you're lying on your back.
posted by Busoni at 3:59 PM on November 20, 2012

The blood donation center I go to has book pillows like these available. I've not actually used one yet, but it looks like you can tuck the book into the edge a little bit to keep it open, and then just turn pages with one hand.
posted by SuperSquirrel at 4:12 PM on November 20, 2012

I have heard wonderful things about the Thumb Thing. If I wasn't doing all of my reading on my tablet, lately, I'd have invested in one.
posted by VioletU at 4:13 PM on November 20, 2012 [1 favorite]

My mother (who has arthritis in her hands) swears by the Open Page book holder.
posted by Lyn Never at 5:55 PM on November 20, 2012

I am not sure if this is a problem for e-book readers

I don't have this problem with a wifi kindle. It's very light. To turn the page I move my thumb slightly.
posted by devnull at 12:04 AM on November 21, 2012

The big problem I have with my Nook is dropping it on my face. The buttons on either side make it super easy to change the page when I'm reading on my back.
posted by ThaBombShelterSmith at 4:29 AM on November 21, 2012 [1 favorite]

Thank you guys. Great suggestions so far! I would have never been able to find out that so many options exist.

I think of all the BookGem seems to fit my needs the most. Looks like I could have my hands free while lying on the side, and probably be able to use just one hand when lying on my back. I will give it a try, I think I have seen in it local Barnes & Nobles store.

I will give Kindle (or other e-book readers) a try after a while, once I get in to the habit of reading more.
posted by SoltanG at 3:52 PM on November 21, 2012