In prior years, the tally of books read annually frequently exceeded 125, each carefully recorded on a Goodreads profile. Reading filled the time during commutes and provided a calming activity before sleep. A paperback was often stowed in a bag or an audiobook played through headphones. However, this all changed with the acquisition of a smartphone, the allure of Twitter, the events of the 2016 presidential election, and then the pandemic, which halted commutes altogether.

Each passing year seemed to bring a fresh wave of online chaos, leaving less time to unwind with a good book or dive into enlightening non-fiction. Consequently, setting the bar lower became necessary—reading goals slipped to 75 books, then to 50, and eventually to just 30 per year. By 2023 and 2024, the target had shrunk further to a modest 20 books, including shorter reads and children’s literature. It required some last-minute reading in December to even meet that diminished goal.

Fast-forward to 2025; mid-July arrived, and the goal of five books during the summer was already achieved. Much of this success can be attributed to the Boox Palma 2, a sleek, phone-sized e-reader that can conveniently accompany anywhere, including the beach where its e-ink display allows for comfortable reading in sunny conditions without squinting at an iPhone screen.

A Device with a Loyal Following (If You Can Handle the Cost)

As mentioned in a prior review of the original Boox Palma, this device ranks among the most beloved electronic gadgets owned, representing an almost flawless fusion of beauty—the pleasant e-ink display reminiscent of Amazon’s Kindle, presented in a compact form akin to an iPhone 16 Plus—and practicality. It operates on an open Android system, granting access to the Google Play store. This enables users to utilize various reading applications, listen to audiobooks through Bluetooth, or engage with productivity tools like Gmail and Google Docs.

In a climate where an increasing number of individuals are opting to transition to “dumb phones” to break free from the grasp of screen addiction, the Palma 2 finds its niche. While it boasts capabilities that exceed a standard Kindle, the experience feels slower and clunkier compared to smartphones—a positive aspect, ironically. The absence of cellular data means that without wifi, accessing the internet or updating social feeds is not possible. The monochrome display is calming instead of overwhelming, satisfying the urge to pull out a device without the usual distractions. This unique charm has fostered a voluntary following, with enthusiasts engaging in discussions about the device on platforms like Reddit and TikTok, albeit these spaces are not ideal for focused reading.

However, this intriguing niche comes at a steeper price. The Palma 2 was launched at $280, recently rising to $300 due to tariffs. While the original Palma could occasionally be found discounted to as low as $200, it is now out of stock for U.S. customers at the official Boox store. Currently, the Palma 2 is priced at $269.99 on Amazon, although this may change soon.

Is it worth spending up to $100 more compared to a Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition? For some, the price is justified by the freedom from the Amazon ecosystem. Others may prefer a more budget-friendly Palma that forgoes features like the camera or excessive storage. Would a $300 Palma be favored over a $200 Paperwhite? In most cases, yes.

The Ideal Form Factor

Beyond the allure of social media and apps, the struggle with regulating phone usage is largely due to its constant presence. It’s the device for keeping in touch with family and has replaced traditional wallets, demanding to be kept close at all times. Out of habit, it becomes instinctive to check notifications during idle moments. While carrying a regular book or standard e-reader might require a bag, the Palma 2 fits comfortably in any pocket.

The Palma 2’s design is nearly identical to that of most smartphones. It can easily share pocket space with an iPhone 14. This allows for effortless reading during everyday waits—be it at the post office, train station, or during a day at the beach—reducing the temptation to scroll aimlessly through feeds.

Deliberately Slow and Refreshingly Clunky

With access to the Google Play store, there’s nothing to prevent loading the Palma 2 with all the apps that typically dominate smartphone use. While installing platforms like Bluesky, Facebook, and Instagram is possible, the experience is less desirable. Despite utilizing advanced variable refresh technology for text rendering, its performance still falls short compared to traditional smartphones or tablets.

This limitation adds to its appeal; the Palma 2 is specifically optimized for reading, whether it be text or comics—especially black-and-white manga—delivering materials with remarkable clarity and convenience. Carrying it everywhere has transformed the reading experience, helping to achieve personal reading goals.

For anyone searching for captivating titles to break free from endless scrolling, consider exploring the Dungeon Crawler Carl series by Matt Dinniman. After diving into the first installment in February, all seven released books (each between 400 and 800 pages) were completed in about six weeks, with each word read via the Palma 2.