A book is an experience. When reading a book, I feel like it
is an event. I feel as though I'm not just reading something but I'm having an
experience, if you know what I mean. Quite a few senses are incorporated into
your reading experience when you actually read a hard-back book instead of one
off of a kindle or nook. The smell when you turn to a fresh new page or flip
through an old copy. The feeling of the pages whether they are crisp and new or
soft and worn. The sight of the thin fonted words like wisps of smoke or the small
page break icons. I mean, all of these qualities can be consciously or unconsciously
noticed but they contribute to the overall experience of reading.
I do think that there
is something “magical” about reading an actual book which would be why I agree
with Nancy Jo Sales in her article “Home Word Bound”. A book makes the story a “living,
breathing companion” as she says. Coming from someone who has experienced both
sides of books (I have a kindle and often read from it) there does seem to be a
difference. I never feel as satisfied when I finish a story on the kindle than I
do when I actually read the book. Do you understand? Perhaps it is just me but I
want the full experience of the book. Even if I have to actually physically
turn the pages, Heaven forbid.
I agree with you about that the story is what matterd when reading, not what you are reading off of.
ReplyDeleteI also think that a book is more of an experience than anything. Part of the reason I read is for the experiences I can't actually have. However, for that same reason, I disagree that you NEED a book physically to get everything out of it. While I certainly love reading out of a physical book, I do find that when I read a book on an ereader versus a physical book, I remember the story more than I do the physical experience!
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