This week’s topic is The Future of Books, but I may not be the best one to make the prediction. I can barely predict what we’re going to have for dinner, let alone the future of my own books. But books in general? Well, since I write fiction….here goes:
1. Books in print form will only be found in museums, next to the “George Washington Slept Here” bed. The rest of fiction and non-fiction will be electronic.
2. Since books will be electronic, they’ll become interactive. You’ll be able to instantly ask the author a question about a particular scene, IM your friends to share a favorite line, and even insert your own edits that you think will make the book even better.
3. E-books will come with a soundtrack, much like a movie, so you can listen to “The Jersey Boys” while reading Janet Evanovich, Etta James while enjoying The Help, and “The Theme from Twilight Zone” while skimming Zombies Ate My Sister.
4. Remember pop-up books? They’ll be even more 3-D on your Kindle, Nook, or iPad. Watch those gory murder scenes “come alive” right in front of your face, not to mention those graphic love scenes. Talk about educational…
5. We already have Audio Books, but soon you’ll be able to select your favorite actor and have him or her read you the story. Wouldn’t it be awesome to listen to Brad Pitt read a romance novel, Jim Carrey read a noir mystery, or Yoda read sci-fi book? It’s your choice.
6. With e-books, you can click an unfamiliar word and find out its meaning, origin, how it’s used in a sentence, alternate spellings, euphemisms, and even slang. No more skipping words you don’t know and just making up stuff.
7. You’ll be able to really get to know the characters in depth. Want to read about Holden Caulfield’s infancy? Click the link and you’ll learn what he ate for baby food, what his favorite toy was, and perhaps why he’s so messed up today.
8. In fact, you can choose your own characters. If you don’t like the sidekick in the mystery you’re reading, select one that’s a better fit. Want Elvis Cole to have a more mellow partner than Joe Pike? Turn him into Mr. Rogers. Perhaps you’d like to make Kinsey Milhone more like your favorite heroine, Scarlett O’Hara? Voila! There she is, southern accent, petticoats, and all.
9. Even better, create your own Avatar protagonist, modeled after yourself. Always wanted to be Nancy Drew? Now you can be, with a little input on the computer. Choose your hair style, skin color, outfit, and accessories, and soon you’ll be the star of your own novel, driving that blue roadster on mysterious adventures.
10. Finally, use that e-book for social networking, since you really don’t need friends any more. Facebook your favorite fictional characters, “like” them when they do something interesting, learn about their daily routines and habits, and check out their “friends” lists.
Me? I’ll stick to old-school books that require a colorful paper bookmark, have margins I can write in, fit in my mini-purse, are replaceable when I drop them in the bathtub, and that I can throw across the room if I don’t like them. Can’t do that an e-book, now can you?
You are not being farfetched! I think "The Color Purple" is being released with enhancements... What might really be fun is finding out what Hannibal Lechter ate as baby food. As for making Facebook friends of characters, I have no real issue with this but, first, will someone explain how to describe what this means to 13th century characters? As always, you made me laugh as well as getting me to think.
Posted by: Priscilla | September 28, 2011 at 08:46 AM
Priscilla, I think Hannibal Lechter had some kind of "brain" food as a kid....
Would love to see a copy of your book with enhancements!
Posted by: penny warner | September 28, 2011 at 08:51 AM
Oh, Penny, too gross!
Seriously, I agree interactivity and sidebar material is already on the way. I wonder if these are enhancements or substitutes for personal imagination? In fact, the advent of TV began to chip away at the brain function of imaginative power and the book evolution we're both describing continues the trend, doesn't it? You're a teacher and probably know better than I.
Posted by: Susan C Shea | September 28, 2011 at 09:22 AM
Susan, interesting that you mention TV. Back in the day, when kids had only books to read, their imaginations were truly active. Along came radio and parents complained that was taking away from their imagination. Then TV, then movies, finally we're back to book--but enhanced. I wonder where it's all leading.
Posted by: penny warner | September 28, 2011 at 10:17 AM
Warning: the techies are reading our posts and adding features to take care of our complaints — built-in dictionaries, ability to write in margins and highlight. I'm sure "waterproof" and "toss-proof" are on the way.
Posted by: Camille Minichino | September 28, 2011 at 01:21 PM
Camille, We should be so lucky that the techies are reading our posts!
Posted by: Susan C Shea | September 28, 2011 at 02:46 PM
Camille, nice to know...Is Dick on this?
Posted by: penny warner | September 28, 2011 at 07:21 PM
Hi Penny: I do both. Read actual books, go to the library, which, in SF by the way, will soon be setting up a connection with amazon.com to loan ebooks and read said actual books at home. The Kindle is great when the books weigh more than......let's see, won't use your volkswagen e.g but maybe a refrigerator........and when I'm traveling.
The one big reason for buying a real book is getting the author to sign it. :-)
Marilyn Diamond
Posted by: marilyn diamond | September 29, 2011 at 07:49 AM
Hi Marilyn,
I suppose I could sign my name over your Kindle....
;)
Posted by: penny warner | September 29, 2011 at 07:55 AM
Hey Pen: You better register those wonderful idea for the future before they're stolen from you by some upstarts at the big thinktanks somewhere. You could make millions.
You're hilarious as usual.
your fan of humor, Rita
Posted by: rita lakin | October 02, 2011 at 12:03 PM
I miss you Rita!
When are we going on tour again together?
Posted by: penny warner | October 02, 2011 at 03:43 PM
Ditto. Find someplace not too far away and off we'll go.
Posted by: rita lakin | October 02, 2011 at 04:04 PM
Hannibal Lechter and "brain food". Grooaaannn! As for Eleanor and Thomas with enhancements, they might fancy that but I'm thinking they are thinking less than monastic thoughts here...
Posted by: Priscilla | October 03, 2011 at 01:55 PM
Priscilla - Ha! You made me blush!
Posted by: penny warner | October 04, 2011 at 08:17 AM