Friday, May 1, 2015

WILL BOOKS STILL BE AROUND IN 30+ YEARS?

As a child, I remember my parents reading to me and making sure books were around all the time, so it was only natural that they became a part of my life.  In school, it was exciting to create book reports for assignments, or to read Shakespeare.  When I wasn't reading for school, my genres of choice for fun were romance and suspense.  Not having a book near, is like not having air to breathe.

With technology growing at such a rapid pace, is the joy of the written word headed towards extinction with the dinosaurs?

Recently a survey was conducted by the Pew Research Center of 1000 adults to determine if people were still actually reading novels.  About 76% of the people queried admitted they read at least one book in either print, e-book or audiobook form.  YIKES - Just one (1) book?!  What in the heck. (lol) Those in the 18-29/50-64 age range read the most in print, those in the 18-29 range preferred e-books, and 30-49/50-64 age ranges tied when it came to listening to their books.  Across the board, readers still prefer to hold a book.  


Walter Mosley, an award winning author of over 40 books, and Wall Street Journal contributor, believes that there will be an "alternate method of creating art to replace writing and reading, but it will take longer than 30 years to do so". Meanwhile, in the near future, he believes, like I do, that authors will tell their exclusive stories electronically. I assume this will also be the case with children's books. Soon I may no longer have  the option of pulling books off shelves, forcing me to finally decrease my HUGE TBR pile. 

We're already seeing some of this with newspapers and magazines being read online only, or going out of business.  

What about you, are you a constant reader who will get novels in any form necessary to feed your addiction within the next 30+ years?  Can you envision it?



12 comments:

  1. I pretty much get books in any format I can, however with my eyes, I'm quickly trying to stick to all ebooks. They're easier to see for me. I can easily picture the extinction of regular books because even when I was in highschool and younger, all the teachers were pushing for printed copies of lessons. We didn't get hardback books for most classes and were instructed to read different books online. I think it's really sad, especially since it's a huge export for America. Also, if all these devices go dead, you're pretty much screwed. Hugs!

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    1. I'm the opposite for right now, where it's easier for me to see in book form, or to take notes. Seems like life in general will soon be all computerized, and hard to imagine. You're right! What in the world would we do if every device died? Yikes! Hugs...

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  2. I sure as hell hope books are still around - and I bet they will be. America is the haven for people who spend crazy amounts of money on entertainment. I should hope they will still be around in some format or another. I'm 19 and nothing compares to the feeling of holding a print book in my hand. But I also love audiobooks (new love) and enjoy reading ebooks. I don't think I could ever completely give up one format for another. Maybe for a few months but forever? no freaking way!

    Sarah @ One Curvy Blogger

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    1. LOL! The thought of giving up a book does sound totally crazy, right? (lol) I think you're right, we like to chase entertainment whenever possible. Like you, I really enjoy feeling a book and carrying it around with me. Been that way for years. Hugs...

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  3. I really really hope that's not the case or that I'm long gone when it happens. It makes so sad to think it'll happen and that people read so very little :/

    I'm still a print girl if I can make it happen. Ebooks only if they're on huge sale or freebies (or that's the only option).

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    1. I wonder if I'll even be around, too, Anna (lol) Being able to go to a bookshelf and look at various books just makes me totally happy. So hard to imagine everything being computerized. Hugs...

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    1. Thanks a bunch, Angela! You're always so sweet. Hugs...

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  5. I think books will be around forever, maybe just not in the format we have come to love. I know myself while I adore my hardcover books I am moving more and more towards eBooks.

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    1. I enjoy my print novels, but as I interact with more book bloggers, I see that they are definitely focusing more on the eBook, like you are Kim. Many say it's just easier. Hugs...

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  6. I use a tablet myself (easier to use when I go to work, in the train), but still read documentaries, comics, art books on paper. Though people still borrow books at my library, they come more and more to use the computers and/or wi-fi. I think paper editions will remain, depending on what you use them for. However, when you see how many books kids can borrow at the library (when you tell them they can have 20 books/magazines/comics, they take them all !), but as adults, they have lost that compulsion. I'd love to find a way to maintain it...

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    1. Luckily, there is no limit to the books I can get out of the library, and at one point, actually walked out with about 30m making patrons laugh. (lol) You're right, there's always a ton of people simply on the computer and not really checking out books. I know you mentioned that it' simply easier for you as you head to work via the train to use your tablet. Hugs...

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