I've never in my life been so excited about a piece of technology, and I am including the invention of the iPod and my Nick Manning replica.
This is the most amazing idea that I have ever seen. It's being called an ATM for books, and it makes me all tingly. Much like the aforementioned Nick Manning replica. It's not just an idea either, it is a working machine that has been installed at Blackwell's bookstore on London's Charing Cross Road, perhaps the bookiest corner of one of the world's bookiest cities.
Dolly has a Kindle (named Sookie) and loves it. I love the idea - being able to access any book I want at any time without having to go to the store or library, but I love my books. I love the feel of the worn cover of my copy of The Handmaid's Tale or the copious underlines and notes I wrote in Tuesdays with Morrie; those are things that I can't have with a Kindle. Don't get me wrong, Kindles have their place. When I get money I'll buy the new one that will read to me whenever I want (hello car trips!!), because I don't keep every book I've read. Some of my trashy beach novels (of which I am writing one) don't need to be kept and put in my collection next to my 150 year-old copies of Dickens. But the peace I feel when I am sitting in my own little library reading a book that will one day go on my shelf, or rereading a favorite that smells of my old house and memories can't be put on a computer chip.
Granted, the books spit out of the book ATM machine won't have the beautiful covers and cover art of the originals (shout out to Two of Hearts!). But for a hard to find book, or even an out of print work, it's a gem. And don't get me started on not having to wait a week because the bookstore sold its last copy of something I want. I'm so excited!! Seriously, this is the BEST!!
3 comments:
I'm with you: There's something wonderful about sitting down with a physical book, and flipping through the pages. It's a very simple pleasure!
While I learned to love audiobooks (only if it's a Brit reading to me on my iPod!) over the last 2 years b/c of grad purgatory, I agree that having a book in my hands is a religious experience. I worked at a library once and it was the best job ever. However, this book ATM sounds interesting. I will investigate further...
Now that's just too cool! I will certainly continue to build my home library with old fashioned books but I am all aquiver with excitement over this new technology. I might have to get me one of these 'Kindles' I keep hearing so much about.
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