Blog Archives
…close the book
We did it! Page turning enthusiasts, the speculation of the death of the e-reader has begun!
Momentarily remove your noses from your books to rejoice, you bookworms you!
We have a new nemesis—the tablet.
For those unfamiliar with the tablet, you may want to put down your book and pick up a paper (occasionally) or even glimpse a headline on Twitter every now and again. But essentially they’re e-readers on steroids.
I admit, I have no qualms with the tablet, until they legitimately threaten my bound friends. Now, it better stick to its Angry Birds and Words With Friends and watch its back. Lovers of the written word are watching you.
Sure the tablet may lure you in with its convenience and apps. It may be portable and sleek and come with multicolored keyboards, but can it give you a paper cut? Read the rest of this entry
…file away
A recent survey found that 62 percent of U.S. readers don’t know they can borrow e-books from the library–a startling statistic for e-book enthusiasts everywhere I’m sure.
Of course you have to question how many of them use the library for any reason, let alone to borrow e-books.
I on the other hand couldn’t be more proud of the American public. Way to recognize the library as it was originally intended.
Sure, you’ve probably never set foot in one (and to borrow an e-book you won’t have to), but good for you. You know they have books in there. Congratulations.
That’s one step in the right direction for this crusade towards literacy. Here’s hoping there’s many more behind it, even if they do involve that most-wretched of unbound reading devices–the e-reader.
The first step is awareness, now do something about it. Borrow a book (of e-origin or otherwise). Next step? Read it.
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“Most U.S. Readers Unaware of E-Books at Libraries: Poll”: Reuters
…bi-daily smile…
…browse
…rethinking the power of the pen…
So much has been said about the power of the written word, the importance of literacy, and the impact of the imagination it inspires.
Does any one warn you of the dangers of reading? Do they speak of the horrible fate that could be waiting at the end of that final chapter? Not until now.
Those “fictional” characters you relate to so well may actually influence who you are and who you become. Everyone currently reading “The Hunger Games” put the book down and slowly step away. There’s still time to save yourself. Everyone that’s already completed the trilogy. Godspeed, just try to resist the urge to start shooting squirrels.
Books influence our way of thinking and just like real people impact and inspire our behavior, fictional characters can too. Of course, much like the existence and your personal knowledge of a real serial killer won’t transform you in to one, reading about one doesn’t mean you’re destined to go on a killing rampage.
Much as in life, we still get to choose which fictional characters we want to emulate. Breathe easy fans of the Dexter book series…and friends of the fans of the Dexter book series.
Although I must admit, the prospect of truly being a product of what you read is fascinating. Imagine a world populated by hobbit, wizard, zombie, vampire, warlord beings…who are of course very well-read.
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“You Are What You Read, Study Suggests”: MSNBC
…bi-daily smile…
…give and take
On this the day which a large rodent has sentenced us to six more weeks of winter (assuming we’ve had any), I have a classic tale for you. It’s a feel good story for the ages.
In the great struggle that is the modern publishing industry two players have come to the forefront:
One, a giant retailer of books, movies, music, shoes, clothes, gardening equipment, groceries, and now publisher of books…Amazon.
The other, just a small, giant retailer of books, movies, and music trying to make it in a world of e-readers, with just its wits, words, and Nooks (they’re e-readers)…Barnes & Noble.
It’s a classic battle of giant corporation vs. faltering giant corporation…I said it was a feel good story.
In their ongoing quest to do everything, Amazon has recently begun not only selling , but publishing them as well. This has others in the book industry worried.
With the industry declining, the few book outlets left (R.I.P. Borders) are worried about competing with Amazon already. Now with Amazon’s role expanding from simply competitor to client, they’re really worried.
Not willing to quite give up the battle for book dominance, Barnes & Noble, has taken a bold step–not selling Amazon’s books.
To put that in playground vernacular: nanny nanny boo boo.
Unfortunately, they probably can catch you Barnes & Noble. Godspeed.
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“Barnes & Noble says it won’t stock Amazon titles”: USA Today
…bi-daily smile…
…take it off the shelf
...'tis the season...read a book.
I don’t know about you, but there’s something missing this holiday season. Maybe it’s just me, but it just isn’t Christmas without hours spent wandering Borders, knowing that somewhere there has to be something that someone (whoever they may be) would want.
With so many choices, it always seemed impossible, or at least improbable that you could leave Borders without exactly what you were looking for, even if it took you an hour of wandering the shelves to figure out what exactly that was.
It was the go to gift destination. When all else failed you could go to Borders for a books, music, movies, or stationary; or possibly random trinkets for your books, music, movies, and/or stationary…and I can’t imagine anyone not wanting any of those things. In fact, I shudder at the thought.
But while their absence this season is especially noted, their demise has given the remaining merchants of the printed word hope for the future.
Book sales are up this holiday season! We’ve done it page-turners. We’ve found our salvation outside of the library–gift giving.
Those digital books may be convenient, and less expensive, but bound books have one thing they’ll never have–they look good gift-wrapped.
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“E-Books, Shmee-Books: Readers Return to the Stores”: New York Times
…bi-daily smile…
Zer
Stephanie
The2Women
