... last month 2 people of my acquaintance suggested I may like or should get a Kindle. WTF???
No, really! I'm supposed to replace this,
with this? 
Where's the smell of book? Where's the feel of that paperback paper under your fingers? Where's the comfort of carrying a good book with you to bed, the cool spot in the house, the bath? Act quickly enough you can salvage a book dropped in the bath - I know this well.
Where do you write your name, stick your bookplate?
No way a back-lit screen can replace the joy of cracking the spine of a new book, opening that cover for the first time. And what would become of my bookmark collection? (located somewhere amongst that lot - I have a bookmark collection because I can never find a bloody bookmark when I need one.)
What would replace the quiet, contemplative joy of browsing in a bookshop? Have you noticed, bookshops are one of the only places shopgirls don't come up and ask if they can help you? You're left to stroke the spines, read the blurb or a para or two. Sniff.
Once, a very long time ago, I reviewed my favourite Canberra bookshops. One of them was located next door to a Lebanese restaurant. The Penguin section smelled like falafel.
No, really! I'm supposed to replace this,
with this? Where's the smell of book? Where's the feel of that paperback paper under your fingers? Where's the comfort of carrying a good book with you to bed, the cool spot in the house, the bath? Act quickly enough you can salvage a book dropped in the bath - I know this well.Where do you write your name, stick your bookplate?
No way a back-lit screen can replace the joy of cracking the spine of a new book, opening that cover for the first time. And what would become of my bookmark collection? (located somewhere amongst that lot - I have a bookmark collection because I can never find a bloody bookmark when I need one.)
What would replace the quiet, contemplative joy of browsing in a bookshop? Have you noticed, bookshops are one of the only places shopgirls don't come up and ask if they can help you? You're left to stroke the spines, read the blurb or a para or two. Sniff.Once, a very long time ago, I reviewed my favourite Canberra bookshops. One of them was located next door to a Lebanese restaurant. The Penguin section smelled like falafel.
Yes, it would free up some room, free me from the tyranny of dusting but no. I won't be getting a Kindle anytime soon.
Call me old fashioned.
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14 comments:
I love technology, but I can't fathom ever wanting a Kindle. Maybe if I traveled constantly for business, it could make sense. But I agree, nothing compares with a real book.
;o)
- Lee
Lee, I'm told it's good for daily newspapers, that sort of thing. Which would reduce the paper throwout at our place but still. No, not for me.
Also, you can't press flowers in a Kindle!
Well - I couldn't have put it better myself - and those bookshelves - omg! Can I come and play at your house, I will be so quiet, you wouldn't know I am there, apart from the fact that your tea and biscuit stash would be depleted, and you wouln't be able to get into your comfy chair ;o)
Quiet a few of my contemporaries don't read, and more are always amazed when I talk about my Library lesson at school. I always took it for granted that people had them. We had Miss Geddes, a formidable lady in tweeds and comfortable shoes, and I could never thank her enough for introducing me to reading. In the 15 years we have been together I have lost more books than Peter has read ;o)
As much as I love my gadgets, a book is a book is a book. Tactile, scented and a memory - of where it was first read, who gave it to you, why you chose it - electronics can't replace that.
Roo - anytime! Though a little warning would be good because I'd have to get some tea in (only drink it at work) and bake some biscuits (don't buy them often), and it's a big red comfy couch!
I had library lessons too! Or perhaps I just hassled the librarian - but will never forget how to look up catalogue cards.
One of my proudest boasts is that I came home from my first day of school declaring I'd never return because they'd not taught me to read!
I love books and feel sorry for those who can't read for pleasure – I think hell would be nothing to read, don’t you?
My excellent intuitive skills are telling me you are not a fan of the Kindle...;0)
Couldn't agree more. I love a book - I especially love one that has been read already by someone or many people. The book keeps bits of its readers. Weird I know.
Your library is awesome! Roo, I'm coming too!
I offered Cranky a Kindle for his birthday, and he said no thanks. So I got him a book. :)
We'll have a library party then! I'll bake a cake.
Cookie - I like his style!
I have a bedside stack much like yours - and you're absolutely correct that hell would be nothing to read!
Oh card catalogues!!!
I hate that they are being shoved aside.
They are the very definition of serendipity.
You'd be zeroed in on a particular topic, but as you flipped through cards on your way to your chosen subject, words, titles and phrases would jump out to distract and inform.
Bliss!
;o)
- Lee
I like the idea of having less weight to carry around when I travel, but I'm with y'all on tactile experience of books. It's just a whole thing. I think the new generations will probably grow up with e-books and won't mind. But it will take a while before books are replaced. I fear they will be, but hopefully not in our lifetimes.
Zoomie - those bedside piles, they go up, they go down but they never go away.
Lee, since we are all book-dags together I'll admit I could procrastinate away a day, noodling through those catalogues.
E - I know, poor next generations, they'll never know such joys.
Morgan - library cards, I'd forgotten them! Mind you I can still run a hotel check in desk with a Witney system (all those little coloured T cards)It was a bugger if the stand ever got knocked over ;o)
It reminds me that I need to update my bolg with current reading!
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