filed in Daily Life
Are We Ready to Give Up On Books?
A few years ago, I was finally ready to tackle what is considered one of the greatest novels ever written, War and Peace. A new translation had just been published, which was getting great reviews, so I bought the hardback edition of 1,296 pages, weighing in at almost 4 pounds. In order to read in bed, I had to prop it up on a pillow, because it was way too heavy to hold. I’m not complaining. In fact, in an odd way, the book was so substantial that it felt like company, and I looked forward to the whole tactile experience. These days, with the sway of Kindle and the iPad, it seems quaint, like playing a vinyl record on the turntable.
Image: Brock Davis, 2009, Make Something Cool Every Day
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I love my Kindle when I’m traveling or sitting in the pedicure chair, but I also love my old fashioned books. I tend to read current mystery & historical fiction novels on my Kindle since I’m not interested in adding them to my personal library, and read the larger classic tomes at home in book format.
An inevitable increase in carpal tunnel and eyestrain come to mind. Not to mention the environmental impact of all the old/new gadget garbage created.
I am a book girl.
I don’t think I care how I get the words, just so I get the words…
[…] week, I wrote about the sensual pleasure of holding a book. Here’s more evidence, in an excerpt from today’s editorial in the Times, by noted writer […]