But when I got home and walked into the study and saw all the books lining my shelves, I began re- thinking the e-reader vs print book . I wondered about city libraries and those row upon rows of titles and authors so carefully cataloged. What would happen to all those books? Will our libraries now be changed to 'downloading' centers? Then I thought about inscriptions, and underlining and jacket covers. Some folks , like me, highlight a sentence or phrase with a marker because it touches our spirit in some particular way, and we want to find it again to read and re-read. Not possible with an e-reader. And most importantly, how does one inscribe something special to another when giving an e-reader for a gift. Can't be done.
Just this past Christmas my son received a print book from his grandparents in Florida. His Grandma Susie waited in line for six hours to purchase "Decision Points" and have it signed by the former President of the United States, George W. Bush. Gavin's Grandpa Cooney took the time and effort to write a note describing the purchase of this book , where and when. My dad wrote on the inside cover, " A piece of history, Grandpa Cooney".
I began looking at other books on my shelf. Some with inscriptions from life long friends, Susan and Phyllis. Others from my mother, and grandmothers. One book , " I've Got to Talk to Somebody, God" by Marjorie Holmes dated 1974 is from my brother, Walt. On the inside cover he wrote, " To my sis Kathy on her 1st Trip Abroad. Luv Walt. Good Luck. hurry home. As soon as possible, o.k. Sis. Love Always . The First of Many. (over) Kathy, read 115 when you're on the airplane"
Walt knew I was afraid of flying, the words he chose to underline gave me great comfort then, and continue to touch my heart deeply, especially now since he passed away last May. The words he wrote to me in 1974 will continue to speak to me, as my dad's words will to Gavin - into the future. One big advantage an e-reader doesn't have.
