The world is changing faster than a speeding e-reader. But even I, whose book hit #16 in comic fiction on Amazon this weekend, and who has embraced this new media with a passion, love the smell of a new book. I love the feel of a book store, the silence, the smells, the curiosity of everyone in it. Will these independent stores go away entirely? I doubt it. But that debate is carried out daily across the Intertubes. This was sent to me by a dear mystery writer friend and a great lady. We are both looking at the future but don't want to leave the past behind. Feel the joy!
V-A
1/16/2012 02:33:52 am
thank you, Laura. I'm crying. Books saved my life. As a battered child, I climbed into them for safety. Even today the book I'm reading forces me to feel less alone. I doubt I'll ever be a kindleist. The touch, smell, sight of a book is too important to me. Holding one is like holding a living thing. Awkward at times, but always rewarding.
WakeUpAmerica
1/16/2012 03:18:02 am
What kind of world would this be without Barnes and Noble bookstores and used bookstores? I LOVE the smell of books, old and new, and the feel of one in my hands. I like turning the pages and inserting the bookmark when I take a break. I can't see me soaking in a tub with a glass of wine and a Nook. But a book in my hands while soaking in warm water and drinking wine? That's heaven.
WakeUpAmerica
1/16/2012 03:19:10 am
I should have added, in all fairness, Kindles and other tablets are terrific for travelling. Books take up too much room and are heavy.
Mhurka
1/16/2012 03:49:03 am
A book is both an intellectual and physical work of art. The experience is vastly richer because so many senses (sight, smell feel) are engaged. There is really no comparison. 1/16/2012 08:56:50 pm
"The scent of a book" - in my middle school years I lived in Europe, because my career military father was stationed there. In the base library there were both American and English books. I noticed that I could distinguish between them by the smell.
Laura Novak
1/17/2012 01:29:00 am
Great point, Mistah Charley. The books, we can still use and read. The floppys and the LPs, not so much! Great post, Laura and I loved the video. There is nothing quite like an actual book for me. I adore looking at the cover, touching it, smelling it, opening it up, feeling the weight of it, carrying it around with me. Digital is great but it will never replace an actual book for me. I am overly pleased that my daughter, at age 17, had finally got the reading bug and I don't think she would have done that digitally. She seems to like books too. And I get a thrill of excitement walking down the aisle of a bookshop - what could replace that? Congrats on reaching the giddy heights of #16! Wow, fab.
V-A
1/17/2012 07:50:59 am
Forgot to congratulate you on your Amazon position (too busy getting sentimental about books.) Well done!
TS
1/17/2012 01:35:52 pm
I dislike much of modern technology (maybe because my husband is "gadget crazy") - but I adore my kindle - to have the world of books available at a moments notice is my idea of heaven. Apart from the stories available, the affordable price and the ease of access to those stories it is allowing me to reclaim my home which after 40 years of book buying was starting to resemble some of the horror stories about lives being buried in books. We had bookcases in the hall, the study, the bedrooms and the living rooms. The kitchen had its own bookcase and despite my argument to the contrary, so did the bathroom. The kindle has saved my sanity.
Laura Novak
1/18/2012 04:22:32 am
TS, thank you so much for weighing in with your "horror story!" I know people who collect books like you have. Perhaps because they are books, rather than stacks of paper (see my novel!) that we find it charming rather than alarming. But while I love the smell and feel, I've also enjoyed the speed and usability of the Kindle. Of course I can't imagine putting it down on a beach blanket the way we do with a book, but you've outlined our feelings perfectly. At a moments notice, presto chango, a book in our hands. And thank you SO very much for reading FC. I hope you like it! Let me know.
Sherryn
1/19/2012 02:16:28 pm
I'm in "catch up" mode. Sometimes I wish there were more hours in a day. Congratulations on the good kindle news! Comments are closed.
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Laura NovakReporter, Author, Blogger, and Mother...
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