Negotiating the Stacks...
Sunday July 27, 2008
I'm always a bit troubled by my strange fascination with the whole discussion about ebooks and my old favorite standby books.
On the one hand, I love technology. I get excited about the thought of new gadgets, and I spend far too much time on my computer. I embrace the technological revolution. I really do LOVE the idea of ebooks. I enjoy the thought of browsing a book via electronic means. I've spent a good deal of time posting electronic versions of books and poems and essays. And, I use the electronic forms on a regular basis.
But, when I buy a new book, I go for the paperback/hardback--which some must see as being an ancient and rather outmoded form. When I enter a bookstore, I love browsing the stacks--lingering on particular volumes I have enjoyed, or discovering books that appear to be of particular interest.
Of course, I enjoy discussions like the one by Naomi Alderman (for The Observer), who talks of her "teetering piles of books." I feel her excitement, and the geek in me yearns for the untold possibilities of this "new art form."
But, there's something that occurs to me, and I don't know if it makes sense... I don't dream of reading an ebook, or even an electronic version of a book. I sometimes do dream of reading--sometimes curled up in Uncle John's old green chair, or sitting out on the grass, or perhaps by a roaring fire. When I dream of reading, I'm holding one of my rather dog-eared, well-loved volumes. I'm holding a book, and it's comfortable.
What do you think about the ebook versus book debate? Do you love or hate the advances? Will you ever accept the exchange of a book for the ebook?
On the one hand, I love technology. I get excited about the thought of new gadgets, and I spend far too much time on my computer. I embrace the technological revolution. I really do LOVE the idea of ebooks. I enjoy the thought of browsing a book via electronic means. I've spent a good deal of time posting electronic versions of books and poems and essays. And, I use the electronic forms on a regular basis.
But, when I buy a new book, I go for the paperback/hardback--which some must see as being an ancient and rather outmoded form. When I enter a bookstore, I love browsing the stacks--lingering on particular volumes I have enjoyed, or discovering books that appear to be of particular interest.
Of course, I enjoy discussions like the one by Naomi Alderman (for The Observer), who talks of her "teetering piles of books." I feel her excitement, and the geek in me yearns for the untold possibilities of this "new art form."
But, there's something that occurs to me, and I don't know if it makes sense... I don't dream of reading an ebook, or even an electronic version of a book. I sometimes do dream of reading--sometimes curled up in Uncle John's old green chair, or sitting out on the grass, or perhaps by a roaring fire. When I dream of reading, I'm holding one of my rather dog-eared, well-loved volumes. I'm holding a book, and it's comfortable.
What do you think about the ebook versus book debate? Do you love or hate the advances? Will you ever accept the exchange of a book for the ebook?
Comments
I’ve begun using a Kindle for much of my reading. One reason: I’m running out of room for all the books I want to have! Another: it’s so much easier to travel with multiple books, and I tend to read several concurrently. (Who would think, otherwise, of taking the Harvard Classics, all volumes, with them to maybe be inspired to read?) There will still be some I get in hardcover or other print form: poetry, for example. But then, Kindle searches all I have in it….
But to share reading a book, and looking at the pictures, whether photos or illustrations is delightful! And it is easiest done sitting close together looking at a paper or hardback copy.
Perhaps because earliest memories go back to sitting on the edge of the bed in footed pajamas sharing a book before we could read as Mom or Dad or someone else we love reads to us. Then we get to share those same treasured books with out children as they curl up close in their sleepers! I’m looking forward to that with our grandson!!!
But even reading Huck Finn with the high school class in a small circle of desks is impossible to imagine without a book, (or books as we each have a copy.) They can go from there and read it themselves in the volume they carry or on line, but for a shared experience, print on paper seems to fill the bill as we stop and share thoughts as we go.
We enjoy books anyway they come on line or in print, but some treasured old volunes deserve to be shared and read again and again!!!
I couldn’t imagine not having bookshelves and bookshelves full of real, tangible books that I can thumb through at my leisure. One of my favorite pasttimes is sitting in front of my books and picking out my favorite volumes, or even ones I haven’t looked at in a long time, and reading passages. How can you do that when all your literature is saved on a hard drive? It just doesn’t feel the same to me. Literature feels like paper, not like a mouse.
I don’t like e-books. I like the feel of real books and my books are my most prized possessions. I love technology too, but I like my books separate thank you very much. What would happen if you had a system crash and you lost your complete library? The horror!
I’m not fond of e-books at all, but I fear that I will just have to learn to accept them even if I don’t like them. In to-day’s world, that’s what you call progress. The question you pose though,to me, is somewhat like asking me if I like the beautiful picture you are giving me of the precious gift I would so dearly want to receive.
I agree with M. I’m not as interested in reading “new” books as I am having an actual book in my hands when I do it. There may be a place for technical works that I would support in e-form only but when it comes to the willful l suspension of belief I need the physical book in my hands. Since I don’t think I’ll soon run out of books to read I’ll stick to books.
I have a kindle and I love its versatility. However, I still prefer “real” books. In addition, Kindle does not live up to the hype.
The majority of the books that I have attempted to order are not available. For example, the novels of John Williams (”Stoner”)Frank Stafford’s poetry or anything “regional.” The blogs are totally inadequate. Where is Book Slut?
Still, there is that wonderful convenience and the idea of storing a dozen favorite novels is appealing.
I love reading. But the real beauty of reading is in what the author gives us, not the publisher.
I often travel by air in my work and the Kindle provides me with an entire library of choices in a small package. I can switch from books to newspapers to magazines with the press of a key or two. Thanks to the convenience of the Kindle I find that I am reading more than before - and that is a very good thing!
I will never accept ebooks. Give me a book in my hands and I’m happy. I do most of my reading in bed, and for that I have to have an actual book. I can’t see sitting in front of a computer to read when I can stretch out on the couch or the bed and be comfortable. How can one enjoy a book without curling up with it? It goes against the grain. And a hard copy can be carried in one’s purse or tote bag, anywhere. No, I’ll never give up books I can hold in my hands. Must everything be put online???
I think ebooks are the future of reading, because it saves the paper.
Also, this “Kindle” seems to be addressing the paper/ebook debate. Until that stuff gets resolved, I’ll buy paperbacks, but also try to recycle them.
Naturally, there is a Beatles song that makes you think about the issue.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaYJaFWTHgM
I will hopefully never have to give up my “real” books!! I still buy them and I am willing to share them or give them away. But the Kindle Hype has not gotten to me yet! I can still pack a couple books to travel and I am one loves to curl up in a big overstuffed chair or stretch out under a tree to read.Of course I am only 63 so I still have time to change my mind……..who knows??
I guess I’ll eventually get a Kindle or Sony E-Reader, just for the convenience when traveling.
The problem I have is that reading is a multi-sensory experience. It’s about the feel of the book in your hand, the smell of the book, the feel and sound of the pages as you turn them. Until the manufacturers of the portable e-book readers can replicate those sensory pleasures, e-book readers won’t quite measure up.
They tried eBooks back in th early 90’s, I believe, and they went nowhere. Hopefully this will be another passing fad. I LOVE real books and can’t imagine getting the same enjoyment out of reading a computer/computer like device.
IN MY OPINION, THERE IS A PLACE FOR ALL TYPES OF BOOKS AND ONE CANNOT REPLACE THE OTHER. I LOVE PHYSICAL BOOKS THAT I CAN TOUCH, AUDIO BOOKS I CAN LISTEN TO AND EBOOKS I CAN SEE ON THE COMPUTER. I LIKE TO LIE IN MY BED OR CURL UP ON THE COUCH WITH A HARDBACK. I SAVOR THE BEAUTIFUL ILLUSTRATIONS, THE GILDED EDGES, THE TOUCH OF THE SATIN RIBBON BOOKMARK. I CANNOT BE HAPPIER THAN WHEN I SIT UNDER A TREE OR ON THE BEACH WITH A GOOD PAPERBACK - IT EASY TO CARRY ANYWHERE I GO. I LEARN SO MUCH LISTENING TO AUDIO BOOKS WHILE TRAVELING IN MY CAR. EBOOKS ARE GREAT WHEN I WANT TO RESEARCH OR LEARN SOMETHING ON A COMPUTER - I CAN COPY AND PASTE IMPORTANT SECTIONS, INTERESTING PHRASES, ETC. IN OTHER WORDS, THEY ALL HAVE A PLACE IN MY LIFE. ASKING ME TO CHOOSE ONE OVER THE OTHER, IS LIKE ASKING A CHILD (OR ME) TO CHOOSE BETWEEN A VIDEO GAME AND A PHYSICAL TOY. I LOVE VIDEO GAMES BUT I ALSO LIKE TO PHYSICALLY FEEL AND PLAY GAMES - MOVE THE PIECES, RACE TOY VEHICLES, RIDE MY BIKE. EBOOKS AND AUDIO BOOKS ARE LIKE THE VIDEOS GAMES AND HARDBACKS AND PAPERBACKS ARE LIKE REAL THINGS OF INTEREST WITH WHICH I CAN PHYSICALLY INTERACT. I HOPE I NEVER HAVE TO DO WITHOUT ANY OF THESE TYPES OF BOOKS.
I am glad that the issue of ebooks versus the conventional forms of publishing is in the torchlight, if not in the limelight, of reader preferences.
I would say that ebooks are about to provide their readers with new interactive and selection options, and reading will become as creative a process as writing is.
I also think that the form in which ebooks are displayed in bookstores or elsewhere is meagre and unwelcoming in material presentation.
I, myself, tried to sell some of my poems and texts on electronic bearers, but would not have bought them.
The whole strategy of parity between the literary work and the reader will, I am most certain, change in the future.
V.P.Toucheva, Sofia, Bulgaria
It is the writer’s words which are important to me, not the format in which they come. E-books bring the possibility of a portable feast while “real” books bring back the the whole experience of reading a favorite book every time you open. That said, I do hope that “real” books don’t disappear–there is nothing I love more than browsing in a library, and pulling out anything that looks interesting.
You can’t take an E-Book to the bathtub……
I love reading in general. I read all the time, and have been enjoying ebooks for about 6 years now.. I read them on my PDA, and have quite a library of ebooks, as well as conventional books.
I like to read in bed at night, and I wear contact lenses, so, ebooks are my choice with the lights off and under the covers. Reminds me of the days growing up with a flashlight and a book under the covers.
Another big reason i like ebooks, is that i can find many sources on the web that have out of print books, pulp books from the early to mid 1900’s,and many books that i can not find in libraries or the bookstores…
I would never entirely give up physical books. They are like friends and family. I am excited by ebooks because they open up libraries and books I would not get to read normally, but nothing beats holding a physical book in ones hands. Blessings
If by e-books, you mean books available on Project Gutenberg and the rest of the internet, I am 100% for them. The orginal books are locked up in libraries and archives, usually far away, usually fragile and irreplaceable.
If Kindle is as good as Amazon says, I’ll buy one when it’s available in Canada. I have a humungous number of paper books, and I can’t fit more into my lodging. Nor can I wedge some of them into the little space on the bus between me and the person standing or sitting in front of me.
But usually I want paper. Something to underline or see an illustration without squinting. How good are e-books for the short sighted? Doesn’t the light shine too hard on the glasses?
For the most part, I only buy physical copies of books. Aside from the nostalgic value of grabbing a book to read, you also have a big question of ownership when you’re reading an e-book. Do you really own that book, or are they allowing you to access their data? If I want to let my friend read a book of mine I can give it to them for however long I’d like. Most e-book services won’t let you do that. The ebook is locked to one computer or two machines.
Now, don’t get me wrong, e-books have their place. I recently spent 6 months in Iraq and carry around a bunch of books really wasn’t feasible. E-books are a very convenient way for travelers to read on the go.
e-book? wonderful idea but lacks originality. Flipping through the pages of a book has its own magic that leaves you entertained. How I lack some of the books I would like to read.
I agree with AVID of August 7, 2008. All have a place. I know while I love to actually read paper books, two things presently conspire against me 1. The wish not to waste resources (paper) and 2) my age and shoulders. I also read alot, and need to move to other, lighter media, so I will use what helps, as I hope we all will! Reading is the most important thing!