Have you ever noticed the raised print of a novel? Have you noticed the smell of a newly cracked open book when you can tell that you were the first? Or even the scent of a very old book from the library, left untouched for so many years that when opened tells you the story of when it was left in the rain or had water spilled on it, evident by the smell of slight decay of its inner sheets? Well I have. I could be strange or you could be losing touch with the lovely creation, the print publication. I am a senior, creative non-fiction major and have spent many hours tracking down the obscure or out of print publications listed on an upper level class syllabus. The internet* has made this search easier or even more possible than in past decades. Regardless, my love of various kinds of paper or strategic type placement and font keeps me constantly in the library- what a wonderful place. Each print book is so unique with its various editions and design depending on region or date. The discussion on the superior method of viewing texts has been something I have been faced with throughout many conversations in classes or with friends. Although print books may not be as easily accessible as an e-book could be, I simply prefer the ability to hold the story within my own hands, the dog eared pages and highlighted passages to return to at another point. I may be the equivalent to the grandparent who refuses to use cd's and still prefers records, trading convenience for familiarity.
*Spell check wants me to capitalize internet? It feels so wrong.
Yes, there's something to the feel of a book. And, I would hate to think that I couldn't publish my own paper books--that I wouldn't be able to hold them in my hand. Still, the convenience of being able to read on demand from anywhere is fantastic. I just read parts of Lark and Termite on my iPhone while waiting for my car to be serviced. In decades past, I would have had to settle on Motor Week!
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