by Emily Roberts on October 20, 2012
As more and more people make the switch to the digital forms of media, information and communication, the then conventional forms are left to rust and rot. If this can be said for reading books, though, we cannot be as certain – at least not yet. With all the fancy devices and gadgets that the modern generation (and those who try to be part of it) use in reading books, the publishing industry may be thought of as suffering by a significant dent. This is the reason why most, if not all, publishers are already offering digital alternatives of their titles. To accommodate the changing needs of the reading public, their services must adapt.
However, this may be a sentiment not shared by absolutely all. They say you can never replace the smell of a book’s pages, especially one that has aged over time, kept safe in the bookshelf of your living room. Nor can you buy the slow process of discoloration of each page. These may seem petty reasons, but for a handful of book lovers, the whole reading experience cannot be replaced by technology – because the book in itself is already technology at work. As they say, some things are better left unchanged, and maybe this is true on many levels. In the end, it ceases to become a debate – well, as long as publishers continue to provide both versions of the book, print and digital.
David Appell is one writer who feels strongly about the way books are presented. He believes that books, once concretely upon man’s hands, are capable of creating an experience beyond the very words that make up the stories inside them. He says that the books that you have are able to say something about yourself, about your life. Read more about his defense of print books and see his personal list of indispensable book titles.
by Emily Roberts on October 19, 2012
Say what you will about the emergence of technology in the book industry, but David Appell would not buy it. For him, the books that he carries – and those in his collection – say something beyond what words and sheets of paper are able to. He believes that these stories and novels become part of who a person is, and grows to be. From a rowdy almanac to an ancient copy of Walden, see what books David keeps with him and what he refuses to give up – at least as long as there are trees to cut down.
by Emily Roberts on October 18, 2012
It can be hard to keep up with the hottest titles being released this week. USA Today’s Jocelyn McClurg shares their top picks for your reading fix. The list is topped by a memoir of rock legend The Who guitartist Pete Townshend, aptly titled “Who I Am.” Other titles that made it to the list are James Patterson and Marshall Karp’s “NYPD Red” and Hunter Davies’ “The John Lennon Letters.” See which other titles made it to the list.
by Emily Roberts on October 17, 2012
Madeleine Crum attempts to break the mould when it comes to the literary books being used in high school curricula all over the country. Despite the literature value and the lessons behind the classics, there are contemporary titles that she feels strongly about – strong enough to suggest that they be taught in high school. See her list of suggested books by authors ranging from Haruki Murakami to Gabriel García Márquez.
by Emily Roberts on October 16, 2012
While reading digital formats of books has become increasingly convenient for most – whether using e-book readers, tablets, smartphones, or computers – there are still those titles that are better read in print. This is true for a unique retelling of the all-time classic “The Odyssey” by Homer. With bright colors and attractive design, this children’s book’s spirits cannot be better revealed in any other format than print. See the whole story from Lynn Neary’s post.
by Emily Roberts on October 15, 2012
Author and frequent blogger Lisa Yee attends the South Dakota Festival of Books where she meets other authors and celebrities. The event allowed not only the writers to mingle with each other, but also the reading public to meet their favorite authors. The value of reading and writing is what is most upheld by the festival, something that excites both writers and readers. Read more about the event from Beth Wischmeyer’s post.
by Emily Roberts on October 14, 2012
It is a wonderful season for a lot of things, including books and getting a reading fix. Find out what titles are released this week, along with other news from the paperbacks and hard covers all across the globe:
- Carolyn Kellogg’s post for the LA Times gives readers a heads-up for the coming wave of new books on October 2, a day dubbed too many ways by publishers and readers alike.
- Wathira Nganga’s article sheds some light on the advocacy that a few still believe in as they bring books to places where they are scarce and most needed – on wheels.
- George Gene Gustines’s New York TImes post talks about graphic book best-seller list newcomer, The Manhattan Projects, along with the other titles in the series.
- Get the latest scoop on J.K. Rowling’s “adult” new book, and the possibility of another Potter novel in the future. Read more from this article.
- Rosie Friedman writes down five titles worth checking out from this week’s lineup of new releases – from foodie titles to crime novels to another Abraham Lincoln perspective.
- We talk about the beauty of reading and the power of books, as well as how some under-served places may be getting a new shot at literature. Read more from our commentary this week, “Keeping the Word on the Street.”
by Emily Roberts on October 13, 2012
Reading is one of the most beautiful gifts in the world. It allows you to take yourself on a break that could last for anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours to days on end. The ability of the human mind to imagine entirely different worlds and immerse oneself into a new dimension, completely oblivious of the current environment is one thing that should not be taken away from anybody – not anytime, not anywhere, under no circumstances.
That is, of course, the ideal world – something which is a mile away from the realities that we face today. In fact, there are too many people from different places without access to books, despite their interest and despite their need. Whether the reading is for informative, for educational, or for recreational purposes, it must be enjoyed by every individual. Some places cannot afford this luxury, though. There are public libraries which barely have books, if any at all – a lot of which are doomed to close down eventually and just end up as some place’s historic landmark or something.
The good news is that there are still kindred spirits who are going out of their way to extend the luxury of reading a good book to the places that need it, to the people who do not have access to books. Many charitable organizations are pitching in, either by donating used books or by helping build libraries where they are deserved. Every now and then, a philanthropist will come in and bring in new material. Another trend being seen in this good-willed action is the activity of “mobile libraries” – roving vans or trucks filled with books with a group of people who care enough to keep the word on the street – literally. Learn more about these books on wheels and which under-served communities are being catered to. Read more from Wathira Nganga’s article for New York Daily News.
by Emily Roberts on October 12, 2012
There’s a lot of books published week by week, and it can be difficult to get hold of those which are actually worth checking out. Rosie Friedman made a list to let book lovers in with the cream of the crop – from photography slash cook books to a fictitious Abraham Lincoln novel. Check out what titles would make it from this list and on to yours.
by Emily Roberts on October 11, 2012
As most book lovers and Harry Potter fans must already know by now, J.K. Rowling’s latest book, The Casual Vacancy has already been out in bookstores – or at least it was supposed to be. Sales had skyrocketed as expected, and most stores have run out of stock. The novel handles more adult content – something different from the first seven Potter titles. Rowling hinted that her next book might be a “children’s book.” Whatever that means, Potterheads better keep on lookout. Read more about her new book and other news from this article.