I’m Fixing to Buy Myself a Book

I’m fixing to buy myself a book.

According to some sources, I better do it quick, because the advent of electronic books will soon make printed books obsolete, or possibly even extinct.

Someone even went so far as to say that when they do the autopsy on the last book the coroner will report it was murdered by technology.

It has also been reported the Internet killed newspapers and seriously wounded magazine, and printed books would soon follow suit due to ebooks. But the last time I checked, all three, newspaper, magazines and printed books were still alive and kicking.

I must admit ebooks are a growing trend in the industry and require no warehousing or storage. But by the same token, my books require no power, needs no charging, no batteries, and it’s not an extra device I have to carry around.

I remember when instant coffee first hit the market. I also remember when instant grits came along, and they were both growing trends in the market, but I still like my coffee brewed and my grits cooked long and slow.

The folks who are predicting the demise of the printed book don’t seem to understand that print is permanent, and the printed book you purchased today will be available to read from now on, and you can pass it on to your children and grandchildren.

Also, my two published novels are available electronically, but I don’t remember anyone ever asking me to sign one. And the printed ones can’t be tampered with as ebooks can after publication.
Some environmental whacko’s have even indicated printed books kill trees. We don’t kill trees, we grow them and harvest them like we do tomatoes, and by doing so we grow jobs.

Of course ebooks are more economical to produce and distribute, and a great many people will flock to them, but not the vast majority.
I like to feel, caress and smell my book. I like to see the artwork on the cover as it adorns my coffee table. I like to feel the gentle pressure of it as it lies open upon my chest as I pass into a world of dreams, which seems more bright and beautiful because of it.
So don’t be fixing to mess with my book!