Rediscovering Reading: How the Boox Palma 2 Reshaped My Literary Journey
In previous years, the annual goal was to devour over 125 books, with each title carefully cataloged on Goodreads. Reading was a daily habit—during commutes or as a way to unwind before sleep. A paperback was always at hand, or audiobooks kept the mind engaged.
Then, distractions arrived: a smartphone, Twitter, and the turbulent events of the 2016 presidential election. The pandemic further stretched time, disrupting commutes and altering routines.
Every subsequent year brought an avalanche of online worries, making it increasingly challenging to carve out moments for novels or enlightening non-fiction. Reading ambitions were gradually scaled back to 75, then to 50, and finally just 30 books annually. For 2023 and 2024, the aim was even simpler—20 books, including graphic novels and stories shared with children. Yet, even that seemed a daunting task as the year came to a close.
But 2025 has ushered in a change. As of May, the target of 20 books has already been achieved—and then some. This transformation can largely be credited to the Boox Palma 2, a compact e-reader that fits seamlessly into any lifestyle.
A Cult Favorite: The Device That Has Captivated Users
As mentioned in a previous review of its predecessor, the original Boox Palma, this e-reader is one of the most endearing gadgets owned. The e-ink display is aesthetically pleasing and modestly sized, while the open Android interface allows for apps from various reading platforms, Bluetooth audiobook playback, and productivity tools.
In a world where more individuals are opting for “dumb phones” to escape the addictive nature of their devices, the Palma 2 stands out. It performs many functions beyond a typical e-reader, yet maintains a slower, more deliberate approach that encourages focus rather than distraction. With no cellular connection, access to social media is limited, making it a perfect reading companion. Its unique charm has even led to a dedicated fanbase found on Reddit and TikTok.
However, this specialized design comes with a significant cost—initially priced at $280, it now retails for about $300 due to tariffs. While the older version was once available at a notable discount, it has become increasingly rare in the U.S. market. Whether this expense is justified depends on personal preferences—some may prefer to remain within the Amazon ecosystem, while others may value the freedom offered by the Palma. A simplified model, stripped of some extraneous features, could attract more users.
The Ideal Size for Everyday Carrying
Despite the efforts of social media developers to make devices addictive, the constant presence of smartphones complicates managing downtime. Phones serve essential roles in communication and everyday transactions, making them hard to resist during idle moments.
The Palma 2, with its smartphone-like dimensions, fits easily into pockets, allowing for quick access in moments where reading could replace scrolling. It can comfortably share space with a phone, making it an efficient choice for busy schedules.
A Slower Pace: Refreshingly Clunky
While the Palma 2 supports access to the Google Play store, installing addictive apps is not particularly appealing due to the device’s inherent limitations. Users may find apps like Bluesky or YouTube functional, but not satisfying, as the interface is not designed for rapid engagement.
This slower response, however, aligns perfectly with reading its primary function. The Palma excels at presenting text and graphics, offering an experience that champions literature over fleeting entertainment. With this newfound focus, the reading goal for the year has already been met, and it’s possible to dive into expansive series.
For those seeking captivating reads to steer clear of endless scrolling, consider exploring the Dungeon Crawler Carl series by Matt Dinniman; after diving into the first book, all others quickly followed suit, all read on the Palma 2.
