Could be worth a shot. I used to strongly dislike first person narrative, but it is less of an annoyance now, and some of my favorite books are from that perspective. I think it was partly reading and discussing some of my friends' favorite books (e.g., The Perks of Being a Wallflower), where their enthusiasm helped me appreciate it, and partly listening to good readers (e.g., Martin Jarvis reading Wodehouse or The Dresden Files read by James Marsters).

It might also have helped to read first person narratives where the narrator was more observer than actor (e.g., The Great Gatsby).

I'd agree ebooks are lame. They're great for easy transport, and quite useful for college, but a lot of the fun of owning a book is lost.

I can't have a signed copy of my favorite book with an ebook. When I have a party or gathering at home people browse my shelves and spark conversation about certain books they've read, or thumb through others they haven't, this doesn't happen with my kindle sitting on my desk in the office. Buying a book and caring for it can mean you'll have it a lifetime, I don't know that this is the case with ebooks yet. They still feel like rentals. I have a few old books handed down from my parents, they have a charm and character all their own, something lost with ebooks. Some books I own are sentimental, my first copies of The Lord of the Rings, and a Wizard of Earthsea, I've had since I was very young. I can touch and smell and experience those books today.

Now, many teens might not care about the above, but the coolness factor may be tied to similar thought. For instance the vanity of walking around with the hottest teen novel or having it in your bedroom at home. Or, I remember in high school kids carrying copies of Fight Club and Clockwork Orange not just because they were reading them but also as part of whatever counter culture image they were going for. The author sort of touches on this, "But does size really matter that much? My copy of The Perks Of Being A Wallflower was so small I could fit it in my second-hand jacket when I was an angsty high schooler." For teens what they're passionate about and what they're into is part of their identity and trying to set themselves apart, and they like to show it off. Just look at the kids doodling their favorite band names on a binder, or listing every book, TV show, and movie they like on Facebook.

When I worked at Barnes & Noble a lot of teens enjoyed hardcovers that had some sort of unique flair. Embossing, elaborate art, books that opened in non-traditional ways. There's something to be said for the tangible aspects of the book. Appreciating its make.