Comments on: Strange Times for Books

By: Anna

Anna — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 22:19:19 +0000

I quite often carry out an informal survey of how many people on the bus or Tube are reading books, and they appear to be alive and well in London!

Someone at work was using an electronic book-reader thingy the other day, browsing it while he stopped for a coffee. Inevitably it attracted a few curious onlookers – including me – who asked him about it. His view was that it was great for someone who did a lot of travel, but he “couldn’t imagine settling in on the sofa with it”. I thought that was interesting from someone who had actually shelled out for the thing, but had no intention of losing his paper books.

Have to say, though, after having a look at the thing I am *even* less likely ever to invest in one!

By: paretsky

paretsky — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 21:47:00 +0000

Like you, I’m curious about how this move will play out in the lives of the students. And maybe Cushing should have followed Joseph Mansfield’s suggestion–it’s usually a good idea to test a new system before going live!

By: Joseph Mansfield

Joseph Mansfield — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:16:54 +0000

Twenty thousand books will just about fill a single car garage. I believe I would have kept my books in a garage for a year or two while seeing how my electronic library worked out.

By: Meghan

Meghan — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 21:17:21 +0000

I saw that article, and wondered if you saw it. I’m absolutely astonished and horrified.

By: genny from jersey

genny from jersey — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 13:42:21 +0000

I don’t even know where to begin. So he plans to have 18 e-readers. What happens if 19 students want to read something? They have to wait for a free e-reader??? Can they check them out?? What insanity.

Books are more than just the words on the page. Beautiful bindings, gold gilt, marbled endpapers… they are art in the truest sense of the word.

By: patricia

patricia — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 09:49:49 +0000

Reading that first para, and the proposals, makes my blood run cold.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:58:33 +0000

My husband and I are expecting our first child (boy) in just 8 weeks and books have been a HUGE part of the preparation. We have signed favorites from many of our friends and relatives and I’ve been reading to the baby already. Granted, my husband does enjoy an occasional read on his iPod, but he’s not about to give up his stacks of TC Boyle and Harland Ellison either. Nor will I be giving up my collected Judy Bolton girls’ mysteries.

Sara — I heard you on NPR yesterday! I just read Wide Sargasso Sea this spring myself, having been a lifelong fan of Jane Eyre… yes, especially the cruel aunt and the burnt porridge in that awful orphanage. We do love our “orphan” archetype heroines! Anyway, great analysis of both books and I really enjoyed hearing your voice on the radio.

By: paretsky

paretsky — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:50:34 +0000

I love the idea of books as contraband–maube this was Cushing’s secreet plan to get the kids reading more!

By: Deborah Crouse-Rhudy

Deborah Crouse-Rhudy — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:18:38 +0000

I would add that they look terrific with a bow and birthday card, put a smile on any small child’s face when shared, make great places for permanent sentiments on their flyleaves and don’t glare at your eyes at the end of a busy day.

Computers do many things well – relax the mind and renew the spirit – not so much.

By: the Bag Lady

the Bag Lady — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:50:04 +0000

One wonders if the students will be punished for having contraband books in their possession? What will Dr. Cushing’s punishment be for concealing a paperback novel under their pillows? Will they receive a ‘virtual’ smack on the palm with a ruler?