The ceaseless "electronification" of books has prompted a heated principle versus practice debate. One side points to a sentimental attachment to books, the feeling of flipping the pages or of borrowing old copies of classic works from relatives. The other side has its sights focused on technology's potential--all of a sudden, buying a book is easier, many of the classics are free and writers walk away with a larger chunk of the profits. This sort of issue, with such a vast array of pros and cons, has left many readers puzzled.

Dickson's Bible & Book Store this month is holding its annual "Scratch & Dent" super sale, offering less-than-perfect books and Bibles for up to 60 percent off.

In the age of iPods, Amazon and Wal-Mart, heavy discounts are one way the Highland Park store tries to stay relevant, said store manager Nate Richards.

Pictured: T.J. Jackson, left, of Detroit gets help from sales associate Elijah Harrell III at Dickson's Bible & Bookstore in Highland Park. (David Guralnick / The Detroit News)

One advantage of e-books is that they're virtually indestructible.

But a decision by publisher HarperCollins to limit the circulation of library e-books is rousing librarians, who have started a boycott via blogs and Twitter protesting what some consider the digital "destruction" of books.

Pictured: Book titles for digital devices such as this Nook electronic reader are exploding in popularity. (Mark Lennihan, AP)