I agree with Bringhurst’s statement in his article that “a book is not a catalog or list; it has to make more sense than that” (21). Books are the reason humans have been able to evolve, whether it was from the oral form (storytellers) or the printed version (books, newspapers, etc), or most recently through the electronic version (eBooks, etc.). He also writes “to those who know and love them, books are recognizable, as forests are, and cities, by their structure (branching and rebranching), their complexity (enormous), and their size (big enough to get lost in)” (21). This, I can also relate to, as I am of the older generation and have had books in my life since I was a little girl, and it would appear that I love them just as much as Bringhurst seems to.
However, this does not mean that the old cannot learn new tricks. Even though I love the old fashioned way of picking up a good book to read, it has become very convenient in some respects to just start up the trusty little laptop and with a few mouse clicks and key strokes, find something to read.
Do I think everything found on my computer (electronic media) is good? Of course not, and some of the writing is just “ugly” as Bringhurst writes, but the electronic age is here to stay, and we must all progress/evolve with the times (24). It should not matter how the written word is printed, just so long as it is printed. Whether people pickup a favorite book, log on to those email or face book pages or maybe use a kindle to read, what should be important is that people make
time to read, because as Bringhurst reminds us “books exist because we want and need them”(21). Although, what he doesn’t take into account in his article is how easy the electronic age has made it for people to access books and that for some, it is possibly the only way that they have to read a book.
With this “instant” access society has to books, reading may become a favorite pass time for more people, and maybe, just maybe, more people will be inspired to write something down or type something on the computer; to pass on to future generations, as Bringhurst describes something of “literary value” (24).
Works Cited
Bringhurst, Robert, and Heriot Bay. "Why There Are Pages and Why They Must Turn." World Literature Today, 2008. Master File Premier. EBSCO. U of Oklahoma Lib. 16 Feb. 2011.
One of the statements that stuck in my mind was Sherry's comment "However, this does not mean that the old cannot learn new tricks. Even though I love the old fashioned way of picking up a good book to read, it has become very convenient in some respects to just start up the trusty little laptop and with a few mouse clicks and key strokes, find something to read." I found this statement to be very stereo typical. My daughter is very computer literate but still would rather curl up next to the fire place and get engulfed in a good old fashion hard covered book. I on the other hand do not mind doing my casual reading off of the electronic media. When I am doing research or reading technical data I prefer the hard copy text. I find the rest of Sherry's observations to hit the mark.
ReplyDeleteI think it is exquisite that you have had books in your life from an early age. Introducing books to children at a young age is a great way to promote literacy and a passion for reading that an individual can carry with them throughout life. Since books have been a part of your life from an early age, I’m sure you remember the excitement from each new book you received and read. Even though, I do agree with you that the new electronic age has made it easier for some to access books, that is not the case for everyone and especially children. With the cost of the electronics that allow readers to read a book electronically being so expensive, I would assume that many children aren’t allowed access to those types of equipment or can’t afford them. Dolly Parton has put together her own program, The Dolly Parton Imagination Library, where parents can enroll their children to receive one book a month from birth until they reach their fifth birthday. The books are mailed straight to the child and the program is free to any children under five. Being the mother of three daughters that have participated in this program, I have seen the joy produced in small children upon the arrival of each new book. This program has allowed lots of children that wouldn’t be able to purchase books to have a nice collection of books to choose from. If printed books are done away with, how will those who can’t afford the expensive electronic equipment have an opportunity to read on a regular basis?
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that books are very important and that the new electronic age has made reading more accessible to many; however, I have to continue to advocate that printed books are still a vital tool for the majority of children.