Earlier this year, I read The Mandibles (Lionel Shriver) which documents the family as they cope with the complete economic collapse of the United States between 2029 and 2047.
In the book, they foresee a world where there is no print. In fact everyone carries a tablet computer which is as thin as a tissue and can be folded to fit in a persons pocket. One member of the family Nollie herself is an author and works in a world where even the best authors struggle to earn a living. One member of the family has an enorumus library of books and is questioned about why they still keep printed material.
Is this where we are headed? I hope not but have encouraged by what I have read about the desire for printed material from the younger generations.
I read recently that 70 % of youngsters prefer printed material over eBooks. This is an encouraging step because it suggests that they prefer the experience of touching a book, which an eReader or tablet cannot provide.
10 % of book loans in libraries are for eBooks compared to 90 % for printed materials which further reinforces the interest in print.
What about sales of printed books? In the United States, sales of printed books increased by over 3 %, while eBook sales decreased by around 15%.
Are we looking for ways to disconnect from technology or feel threatened by it? Does a book provide the tonic for us to truely escape from technology?
