While I'm hopeful this new tool encourages many people who would never crack a book to do more reading, part of me feels sad.
As a book lover, I cherish opportunities to crack open a book, smell its fragrance, and lose myself in a good story. I find nothing as pleasurable as that.
Older books--that I have re-read so often that they have cracks in the covers with dog-eared pages--bring their own enjoyment; I find new insights, re-connect with old friends, and rejoice in a well-loved ending. I can't think of how many times I have re-read old favorites.
I wonder if one can curl up with a mechanical reader. I will not be part of this initial group of purchasers; I love my home library.
A friend sent me this cartoon by Berkeley Breathed that shows the comfort of cuddling up with a "real" book. Enjoy!
But, I wonder if one day I'll change my mind. I used to use a leather-bound encyclopedia that was given to my children. Nowadays, I always search the web for answers I seek.
As a book seller, I need to keep my eyes on the future. For now, I'll continue to encourage people to read gorgeous picture books, compelling mysteries, heroic biographies and "you-are-there" historical novels.
But one day (I hope way in the future), who knows?
3 comments:
You have some link-love, without the link:
http://meditativemeanderings.blogspot.com/2008/07/kindle-vs-real-books.html
~Luke
Hi Sarita,
I just started sonlight this year and received an email with your blog site. I agree completely with this post! My sister thought I'd want a kindle because I love to read but for me, it's the whole sensory experience of holding a book and turning the pages, not just reading the story. I don't plan on buying one unless it's the only option left!
I also wanted to say thanks for all the work you put into sonlight. We have not officially started school yet but my kids (8 and 6 yo) can't stop looking and reading at the books. I'm looking forward to a great year!
-Angie
Sarita,
This is one of my favorite comics! It is so true - I love to read stuff online, but there's still nothing like curling up with a good book. I like to curl up with a blanket and a book on a chilly night or go outside and read on a warm summer's day. Whatever and wherever, I just love to read.
BTW, my family is a long-time Sonlight family, largely because of your literature emphasis. My son has dyslexia, so he's just starting chapter books at age 10, but he absolutely loves to be read to and loves audiobooks. I have to attribute this to being read to for his entire life. And, using Sonlight has just made that easier.
Blessings,
Catherine
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