Are Books out of Fashion?

​Are you tired of hearing the question, “Is the printed book a thing of the past?”
The debate started with the advent of the digital industry and the arguments will continue for decades to come. However, just like the beeper that everyone wore on their belt years ago, new and better technologies exist and could make the printed book disappear. The publishing industry is not immune to progress. What was once the only way to offer the written words to the public is now being replaced digitally. Technology brings us many choices. Still, many people claim that the printed book will remain with us for a few more years.
The good thing that digital publishing has brought to the table is it has opened more doors for authors (and readers) than anything else in the history of books. It does not have to be the grim reaper of reading but a new opportunity. However, with the start of Google and cell phones at our fingertips, we have become accustomed to reading in small sound bites. The smartphone, which is just another mini-computer at has allowed us to spread our wings to newfound ways of reading and getting instant information. This could be a slippery slope to the annihilation of the printed book and a restful mind.
I venture out to say that the more important question should be, “Will pleasure reading exist in the future?” This is a valid question, which intrigues me greatly.
Tweaking the original question even more, “Will technology do away with the printed book and eliminate the need of reading for pleasure?” This question scares me because, in my journey as an author, I have found that many people are doing less and less reading for pleasure. The public is becoming more stressed, sleep-deprived, and over-worked becoming walking, intelligent-fact-base Zombies.
The average professional does not unplug at five o’clock. With the mini-computer disguised as the cell phone, the professionals and even the blue-collar worker remain accessible to their job 24/7. This has cut into their much-needed personal time and created the diminishing freedom of choice. The cell phone has become the shackles of the American worker. The worries of the world are just an Amber Alert or a text message away, turning any leisure moment into work time in an instant.
The X-Generation and the Millennials of today are changing the way the world operates. They are creating a more efficient and stronger world. But at what price?
Another important question is, “Can sociality return to moments for enjoyment? Will the printed book become outdated, and then go on display in museums? Maybe, but it does not have to happen.
Perhaps, the global pandemic we have been facing will change things and help people to remember to stop and smell the roses (sorry for the cliché). Only the future holds the answer. As for me, I’ll read both digital and paper books, and remember that escaping reality by reading is a good thing even though it requires an investment of my time. Reading is good for the body, soul, and mind. That is a lot! Work and play are equally important.
For me, there is something about holding a printed book, and turning its pages, that makes me feel part of the story, which allows me to escape the world for a short hour or two. And that’s worth my time. Stay safe and remember to hold loved ones dear and Carpe diem (seize the day).