Gass argues that screens can only be viewed in particular places, whereas books can travel with the reader. I agree with Gass in that books contain certain elements that contribute to the way the reader receives and comprehends the story in ways that a screen cannot accomplish. He considers books to be less replaceable than people. Words on a screen are only shadows and can disappear in an instant. Books are tangible which add a personal quality as well as a physical activity to turn the page, fold the corner to bookmark, etc. Because I don’t read a lot, I didn’t feel a connection to the article as much as others may have connected with it.
This book is a newer version than what I grew up reading. I have only opened it a few times. I had better intentions. I planned on rereading the book that consumed my childhood with fantasy, now it just sits on my shelf. Alice in Wonderland began as a huge misunderstanding to me, now it makes perfect sense. A girl falls down a rabbit hole, eats magic bread and drinks magic juice, grows, shrinks, plays croquet with an evil queen. Makes perfect sense. Its gold rimmed pages shine every time the light shines on it. It smells new. Untouched. Actually, I hate reading. Having your nose stuck in a book all day is no fun to me. The nostalgia is consuming me. Who needs you anyway, Alice?
No comments:
Post a Comment