MICROSKIRTS
604
viewsBook Bound
By DebSellers, Tuesday, August 10, 2010, 4 commentsAm I the only one who fears the Kindle? Or the Nook? Or any Apple device that threatens to take the pulp from my fiction? My rational mind says “Debbie, this is terrific! No more wasted paper! This is an opportunity to preserve our resources, our energy. “ Clearing out books and subsequently bookstores could do more for our environment, ultimately, than plugging a deepwater oil gusher, yet I lament the creation of these pocket size gizmos and my emotional side is saying/screaming emphatically “please, don’t let this form of culture die!”
It is from a completely selfish perspective that I write this. In spite of my rational mind, I want to see my novel one day published as a tangible product and, by the time it takes for me to actually finish that sucker, the likelihood of such is slim to none. This should be my motivation to finish, I know; an implicit deadline that could mark my calendar with a big, fat “X”, indicating the end of the written word as we know it. But it’s not that simple. I may be a realist when it comes to this particular evolution, or, on the contrary, I might be conjuring up some theory that is akin to Y2K. All I know is that I feel the heat on my back and am pretty sure that, much like the video entertainment industry, our neighborhood bookstores may have seen the last of their hey days and subsequently, aspiring writers like myself may never know what it’s like to hit the bestsellers’ shelf- an actual shelf, not one that is animated on a screen.
Visiting my local Borders bookstore the other night, I noticed its loneliness. No foot traffic, only a few lounging in its comfy leather chairs, I felt a pang of sadness. Where are all my peeps? Don’t tell me that they have all abandoned ship so soon! Come on guys! Don’t you know that our days are limited in this place? How fun is a late-night latte without the surrounding of other book lovers in a place that is bred for people who want to feed themselves with more knowledge, a better understanding, a different perspective? I just heard that this particular Borders is being sold off to the local hospital to be used in their expansion, so my point is indeed valid!
I went on and made my purchase; a recent bestselling fiction novel, gloriously hard covered and reduced by 50%. That night when I got home, I spent some time with my book case. I admired its richness; hundreds of books, thousands of words- each carefully crafted by its author. I thumbed through a few of my favorites, feeling their pages between my fingers and the weight of their bindings. Years ago, feeling barren due to the lack of any collection, I decided that books would be what I would invest in, not in a “first-edition, signed copy” kind of way. I just decided that I would no longer feel any guilt over purchasing a new release totaling over $25.00. I must say that I am so glad that I did.
I don’t write this without previous experience of the “other side.” I ventured into the digital domain of IBooks and made a purchase, an Anne Lamott novel. Although I appreciated the ability to satisfy my novel craving from my bed at 10 o’clock in the evening, the medium felt awkward and cold. I managed to finish it, but darned if I didn’t go and seek out the physical version on my last visit to Borders. I just had to and I really don’t know why. Upon reading the first few pages, I felt the words seemed more deserving of their place on the creamy white paper and the protagonist reached out to me far quicker than it had on the device. Oh, I hate to be the one to balk at progress but balking I am.
Tonight I plan to settle into my new novel; flip the pages the traditional way. I may fall asleep while reading it only to awaken with it lying beside me, like a trusty companion. No on or off buttons, no cords or batteries to recharge, the tradition of a good book on the nightstand will be one that I hold on to, at least for as long as I am able.
Bookmark/Search this post with:
4 Comments
Real books
I think most writers believe that only paper and ink make a book "real". I love to go back and read my favorite passages until the pages look dog-eared and worn. I live in fear of losing my place in an e-book, since I can't figure out the page numbering system. I thnk real books are going to be around for a long time, so I'm sure you'll see your book on your bookcase one day.
I completely agree
I was just talking with my friend about this the other day while we were browsing through a Barnes & Noble. While I understand the idea behind the E-book, I just can't get into it. I love being able to just pick up a book on my shelf, and read it whenever I want. I love the smell of a book, and the feel of it in my hand. I love going to bookstores, and seeing books I've always wanted but haven't bought yet, or new books that I was interested in and haven't had the time to buy yet, or just looking at all the books I may like to read someday. I don't know what it is, but whenever I walk into a bookstore, this calming, rejuvenating feeling comes over. Like whatever else was going on in day, everything will be okay. I just feel so much better when I leave, and you can't get that feeling reading an E-book. It's nowhere near the same.
I hope we never get rid of books, because the loss would be devastating to future generations. I can't even imagine my children never getting to hold a book in their hands. The thought is truly heartbreaking. Awesome post!
I'm a recent convert.
I'm a recent convert. Reading on my iPad is wonderful. I still read "real" books, but I no longer have any aversion or prejudice to ebooks.
Fantastic post Deb!
I am right there with ya sistah! I cannot ever imagine not having books. Are my future grandchildren supposed to read Charlotte's Web on an e-book? What about Goodnight Moon? How can you chew on the sides of a Kindle? And yes, like you, I would love to see my name on the cover of a book made out of paper. I need to touch it. I need to smell it. (I might even need to chew it!)
Participate More