Real physical books will continue to exist, if for no other reason, is that reading a physical book is practicing an art form.

The experience of holding a book, feeling its physicality and being hypnotized by its contents. The opening to read, closing to ponder and opening again to continue. Underlining, turning the pages down, personal code-marking important phrases and interpreting with your own reflections on the white space. Reaching the last page, then closing with the snap of accomplishment or just holding caught up in the meditation of afterthought and reflection, then maybe reviewing the dust jacket commentary.

Reading a book is transformative, it can be passing time or it can be a much more fulfilling experience. It’s special time with yourself. It’s a synapse of author’s ideas projecting into the reader’s thoughts. It’s fun and in many ways, creative. A wonderful reading experience is like looking at a painting and reaping the benefits of the transference of artist to viewer. The creativity of reading enhances and transforms our lives to a place beyond words. With such an abundance of exceptional benefits, I ask how could these experiences vanish?

I’m not naive enough to say books will exist forever, as change is always in motion. But for the foreseeable future I don’t believe e-books will replace the aesthetic experience of reading a physical book.

All believe we have to eat, some believe we have to read. Eating and reading are enjoyable needs and pleasures. Our value system helps us decide how we want to fulfill these needs. Our choices are reflected in our experiences.

Finishing a book is special. It becomes part of your life as it rests on your bookshelf. It watches you as you live around it. It’s always waiting to be held and remembered. Just like a fine painting or photograph in your house. It’s there to reflect upon. Its memories are part of your life and reflection is active and motivating.

The romance of a physical reading experience, time and place, and with whom are all apart of your own painting created while reading a book. The book’s aesthetic influence on your present is adapted from the past.

For me good beverage over a meal won’t cease to exist, neither will my experience of a good physical book. When conversation at the dinner table is interrupted with a dash to the bookcase to bring out a keepsake to share with a companion in a giving gesture, life is real. This is all about the art of our lives. The art of sharing ideas and joys celebrated in friendship.

I feel running to get your reading gismo to reflect yourself in the sharing experience rings creatively hollow.

The Bookstore Key Series on Changes in the Book Industry

Finding “Deep Time” in a Bookstore (March 8th) Reading The New Rules of Retail by Lewis & Dart (March 3) The Future Price of the Physical Book (Feb 18) Borders Declares Bankruptcy (Feb 16) How Great Things Happen at Lemuria (Feb 8th) The Jackson Area Book Market (Jan 25) What’s in Store for Local Bookselling Markets? (Jan 18) Selling Books Is a People Business (Jan 14) A Shift in Southern Bookselling? (Jan 13) The Changing Book Industry (Jan 11)

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