Based on the premise that “you are your books,” I have to say I’m losing myself. Call me an organ donor, donating pieces of myself to my local community’s book sale, basing my sacrifices on the following: “Will I ever read that novel or that short story collection again?” I already know the answer and I refuse to delve any deeper than one word—“NO”—even after scanning my bookshelves, reading each title, jogging my memory of stories, plots, themes, characters, authors and so much more. “No.”
My reading habits are slowly changing too. I’m no longer turning as many pages; I’m scrolling and pointing instead. I’m creating new experiences over the Internet. I’m adding online literary journals to the “my favorites” tab on my web browser, as well as deleting a few less favorable favorites. Still, there are a few books I will continue purchasing annually. "The Pushcart Anthology" is one of them; I get the best stories, poems, and essays of the small presses without having to subscribe to all those literary journals. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still subscribing to a few journals here and there.
Now I have another must order book, spawned by my changing reading habits—“Best of the Web 2009” published by Dzanc Books in Westland, Michigan. I had preordered it and so far it’s worth every penny. Why, you may ask, am I paying for something I can read for free over the Internet? Let’s just say I’m boosting Michigan’s economy and Dzanc Books is steering me in the direction of some of the best fiction and poetry on the Internet.
Kick ass story from Best of the Web 2009:
“When My Girlfriend Lost the Weight” by Matt Getty from "FRIGG."
“…There I go, turn the page.” Bob Seger
“…There I go again, scroll the page." JR Thumbprints
12 comments:
Me. I'm buying more books than ever.
Where ans when is this sale going to be held at...you know how cheap most of your local readers are.
JR-Books are my crack-always have been and always will be. I am even leary of Kindle, cuz I like the physicality of it all. Price is my only limitation.
Hi, JR: I just can't seem to stay away from books! But I do like to have my computer when I write. Some writers prefer pen and paper even to this day. Ah, well. Whatever floats your boat. Hope your summer is going well. Teaching summer classes? D
Interesting story. The best work just evolves from the subconsious like that- uncontrived.
That's true: I have so many books on my shelves I probably won't read again. I guess it's also about being a pack rat for me.
And definitely: I think the content of the internet should end up anthologized in books.
Books are just too beloved, too useful - especially in the instances where electronics are just not practical.
I think there should be an anthology of bloggers. Some of the most gripping, interesting, heartfelt and real material I read is out here in the blogs.
Whitenoise,
The story seems to have a structure.
There is a poem somewhere, "When the Wall Came Down", about the Berlin Wall where the first line is repeated, again and again, as in
"When My Girlfriend Lost the Weight."
It might be oxymoronic on my part--Berlin Wall and Girlfriend, but I can spot the device.
Nevertheless one hell of a story by
Matt Getty.
On the same wavelength, I donated seven boxes of such books to St Clare of Montefalco because a woman there was nice enough to come pick them up.
Text is text, and though there's nothing as friendly to read as a codex book, seems like a smart use of technology to read electronic texts, too.
This is cool. Thanks for the tip!
Thanks for bringing "Best of the Web 2009" to my attention. As for reading habits, I purchased six books over the weekend and one comic book. I will probably never give up print. Do I read them a second time? Rarely... but dammit they look good on the shelf.
I am a total bibliophile, but lately I've noticed that my reading habits have changed too. I still have the same old massive amount of books clinging to every available surface in my house, car and even my gym bag, but I am gradually spending more time with the creative nonfiction and poems than I ever did before. I pick up a novel or memoir and can't make it through without needing a hit of Patchen or Dunn. I lack patience and then there's the issue with the space for it in my brain. But if I don't start reading some of the longer stuff soon I am going to have to sell it or find another place to sleep.
I am also quite attached to my subscriptions to New Letters and The Sun. I have been getting New Letters since I was about eight and there's something in every issue to fall in love with. You should look into it.
Well I am on my way to look for this book you mentioned as well as the pushcart anthology. Looks like I'll have to find another place to sleep.
Awesome story, JR. I agree with you about Best of the Web. I love to read it. That doesn't mean I'll ever stop reading books, though. There's something so good about holding a book. But I do love all the good work found on the net. At its best, the net is a revolution. Thanks for the info!
Post a Comment