"There's nothing quite like a real book."
For me, this begs the question: what counts as a real book?
Is it only the beloved paper tomes we were raised with? How about the audiobook that includes all the words but with some interpretation provided by the narrator(s)? What about ebooks or even the new enhanced ebooks?
Is one format more real than another?
On an aside, someone once told one my children who is not a fast reader (and yet is an avid reader via audiobooks) that listening to a book doesn't count as having read the book.
Really? Try explaining that to someone who's visually impaired.
My day job includes working with municipal records, and all the time I deal with my state's sunshine laws (what we call GRAMA for government records access and management act). In fact, I'm my city's records officer. As such, I receive requests from residents and attorneys all the time wanting information/records that the city collects.
One thing that's a bit of an issue now is text messaging. Frequently, when people are angry at a decision the city council has made, they want to know what the city councilmembers are talking about relating to it. As I worked with our archivist at the state, he reminded me that the format is not relevant.
It's the content that determines if something meets the state's definition of a "record".
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| Velveteen Rabbit (source) |
It will still be my story, my words, my hard work and sweat (figuratively) that went into its creation.
What about you? What does it take for a book to be real to you?
I think a much more accurate quote would be "there's nothing quite like a real story."
ReplyDeleteContent, not format, definitely trumps all.
That video was cool. Yeah it's the story that makes a book, doesn't matter what format it comes in.
ReplyDeleteThe words - every time. Sure, I enjoy the feel of a solid chunk of card and paper in my hand - but my eReader allows me to carry a small library in my pocket.
ReplyDeleteA REAL book is one I enjoy - regardless of where and how I read it.
I agree with Sarah Pearson. There's nothing like a real story. Format doesn't matter.
ReplyDeleteWell, I believe this was made by a bookstore so you can understand it being advertising. But I agree. ALL FORMATS are "real". They just give us different options and different experiences. I read physical books, ebooks and listen to audio books on a regular basis.
ReplyDeleteIt's all about the story, definitely, regardless of the format. I appreciate all forms of books. As a matter of fact, the more the better, spreading all the stories to readers.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny, we're still in that place where digital formats aren't considered 'real'. If you can't touch it, it's not 'real' for some people, I guess. I have not warmed up to e-books at this point, but I think it's mostly about not wanting to become dependent on yet another small, electronic device. I suppose it's only a matter of time for me.
ReplyDeleteI got a Kindle for Christmas and I've read about three novels on it. It's fine. I read the stories and enjoyed them, but I do still prefer paper books. I like having the cover to examine. I like flipping through the pages. Sure, the story is the same, but I don't agree the experience is the same.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great question, Donna! I guess I've always been the traditional publishing gal, and to me a "real" book is something that's gone through the Process--either at a large or small house. But now that self-pubbed books are getting better and better, I just might review that definition! You make some very good points here~ <3
ReplyDeleteHuh...that's funny, I've never thought about it like that. I consider a real book to be an actual book with paper pages and all that, but that doesn't mean I've ever considered digital books and audio books unreal. Never have thought of them that way. It's weird though. Huh...thanks for the thoughts!
ReplyDeleteI agree with the others; content trumps format every time. I've read some beautiful leather-bound books that I wouldn't even consider recommending to a friend, and I've recently read three e-books, any of which I'd be happy to recommend. If the printed word is capable of drawing me in, that makes it a good book in my opinion, and once it draws me in, I'm no longer aware of whether I'm holding a "real" book or a Kindle.
ReplyDeleteYeah - what most everybody else says. Content over format. Once I'm lost in the reading or listening, it really doesn't matter the format.
ReplyDeleteBecause of my living circumstances I read almost exclusively on an e-reader. I only deviate, if a must read is not available. I love my kindle.
BUT, I still go into the local indi bookstore monthly (at least) for my 'real book fix'. I like to touch em, smell em and feel their presence. (When I write this,it sounds kinda creepy.) I leave the money in the car, but I still need to see em in person. I was just there this past Saturday. Still basking in the 'glow'.
I fell in love with books when I was a child and my mother would read to me. At first it was about holding an actual book in my hand, and to this day, even though I have a library card, I still like to own books. That said, however, as a writer I know that the wave of the future is ebooks. When makes me purchase, either a download or a physical book, is knowing I will spend some time with with interesting people with human flaws (like me) who will find ways to solve their problems. And in that maybe they'll help me with mine. Author Robert Coover said it this way: "The narrative impulse is always with us; we couldn't imagine ourselves through a day without it…We need myths to get by. We need story; otherwise the tremendous randomness of experience overwhelms us. Story is what penetrates."
ReplyDeleteWhat makes a book real is the reader. When those words are read out loud to a listener, or in the reader's mind, that is when the story comes alive. Yes, forget the format. It doesn't matter how the words are transmitted, so long as the receiver can translate it into an enjoyable experience.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't matter the format - a book created by someone is real regardless.
ReplyDeleteThat video is really making the rounds. Someone had fun creating it!
What's real are the characters... what's visualized in our heads... I love ebooks. If you want to survive in this business, you gotta ride the wave! :D
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun video clip. That was cool! I think that a book is a book, no matter how it was published or how you read it. Some are great - some not so much, but they're all REAL! My hub loves books on tape or CD so he can listen when he has to go on long drives. It's great. :)
ReplyDeleteEvery book is a real book, unless it's used to hide money or reveal a secret passage. I don't care if a story is recorded, digitally published, or scrawled on toilet paper--it's real to me. :)
ReplyDelete"Real" is whatever a person wants it to be. I know readers who only ever listen to audio books. Is their experience not real because they use one sense and not another?
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw this, I also paused at the last statement. To me, books in electronic format are real. So is any other writing that's only published in electronic format. If they aren't, that means none of our blogs are real, doesn't it? And we know that just isn't true.
ReplyDeleteThat was so cool. Wonder how long it took to make it.
ReplyDeleteFor me, a real book is one with paper. But that's because I don't have the attention to listen to an audiobook. My mind wanders worse than when I read it off the page.
But in reality, any book that enables you to enjoy the words is a real book, regardless of the format.
I agree that your book will be real no matter what format it is in for the reader. Excellent post!
ReplyDeleteI have a Sony ereader and love it. It is easier for me to read because I can put every book in large print and it is very light to hold when I read in bed. The story is the thing.
ReplyDeleteCool video, although I believe stories are real if they come in any format.
ReplyDeleteOh, that beautiful Velveteen Rabbit cover! I have that. It's very old, so I don't let the kids touch it. I think a book is a book whether it's made from trees or is downloaded onto a reader, but I still prefer the feel of pages.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely think an ebook is a valid book. Like you say, it still represents x amount of time, heartache, dreaming etc etc. I think they should be embraced as making books more accessible, (OK after the initial investment). A story is a story, if my daughter wrote it on her whiteboard with her letter magnets it's still just as valid!
ReplyDeleteI only know too well about putting a book together, the trials and tribulations BEFORE publishing to it being sold ILLEGALLY on Ebay this weekend.
ReplyDeleteI only read books as I don't have a Kindle so whatever format someone's hard work has gone into it.
Yvonne.
Such an interesting post! It's got me thinking! I want a traditional book to hold ... but with things changing as they are, I may need to change my perspective. Thanks! And btw, you've won the Versatile Blogger award, come check it out at our blog, livetowrite1.blogspot.com.
ReplyDeleteWhile I adored that video and I'm glad I stopped by, I guess a verbal story should be real too--hence the oral tradition that gave us many wonderful stories we never want to forget. I just made my husband write one down that always made me happy and I might try and get it published. It is wonderful and original. I guess it is similar to the question about when does conception start?
ReplyDeleteI don't care about the format, it's the story that makes it a book. But I must admit, I love having a hard copy, especially a hardback. But that does not make it any MORE of a book than any other format.
ReplyDeleteAs for that video, it was pretty good. I imagine it took many hours of shuffling to create, but I also think more could have been done with it. I loved how it opened with the cover characters coming to life, or the dancing books near the end. I would have liked to see more characterization like that. But if they were only going to stay with a the graphic appearance, I would have liked to see more alternating pattern as a way of making the books dance. But it was still incredible and I liked it.
Agreed about what a real story is, but I just assumed the video meant an actual physical book in hand. ;-) Nowadays the word "book" can mean all sorts of things!
ReplyDeleteHi there!
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to let you know that I left you awards over at my blog!!
Pop on over and get em' :)
Firstly, I must confess that I used to be a bit of a snob about people who listened to books instead of reading them - then I realized I was just being a snob and I didn't really care how a person consumes a book - just that they do... I love physical books, I love the way they smell, and feel, and look. It's nice to have something to hold and they are a great visual - I like even taking pictures of books. But what makes a book "real" is not any of those things. A book is real when it enthralls, when it tugs at heart strings and makes you laugh. A book is real when it causes your imagination to come alive. A real book is one that tells a story.
ReplyDeleteOh and I haven't been by in a bit - love the new look!
ReplyDeleteBecause I'm so tech-resistant, I would be inclined to consider the phrase "real book" as being synonymous with a hardcover or paperback. But I also know that the train has left the station on this topic, and books are essentially vehicles for stories (the vehicle being the format). I'm cool with that, but/and I don't like it that bookstores are becoming a thing of the past. Because, truly, there's nothing like a real bookstore! (And the video reminds us of that!)
ReplyDeleteIt's funny, I'm in the early stages of prepping my second novel for publication, and just two months ago, my plan was to put it on kindle only. But I've since decided to do both kindle and paper. I need to hold it in my hands as a traditional book. Otherwise, it won't feel completely published to me. But I know, too, that's just my prejudice!
I've always considered a "real book" to be the traditional paper and ink one, one you can physically hold and smell. But these days, I consider audio books just as good, and easier on the eyes :) I've never "read" an e-book or used a kindle.
ReplyDeleteWhatever pleases the reader most is a "real book" :)
Very cool video. And I agree with you and many of those who commented already--it's all about the content and the story, not the packaging.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I love that you included a picture from The Velveteen Rabbit in your post. Perfect!
The whole time I was watching that video I kept wondering, "How long did it take to turn each book around and around and around?.
ReplyDeleteI think I might be the dissenting voice here. For me audio books and ebooks are fine and still a "real" book, but I can't help thinking if for some reason we didn't have access to electricity to charge up our books I would want a "real" book that requires nothing but me to read it.
Hey - thanks for the comment on my blog, and I loved reading this post.
ReplyDeleteAbout e-books, I heard an interview on NPR awhile back about an author that published an ebook first, and that opened up a contract with a publishing firm. So...all things can work together for good!
I agree that it's about content, not tangibility. Although that little video was cute! BTW, I've given you an award!
ReplyDelete