Is the Future of Literature Really Electronic?

*Guest Post*

The future of the humble paperback is becoming more and more uncertain by the day. As sales of both paperback and hardback books continue to fall, the eBook is getting stronger by the day. Is the future of literature really going to be inside a portable reading machine rather than trusty bound paper?

The advance of the eReader
EReaders in their various guises from Kindle to Kobo are going from strength to strength. Sales are increasing month on month and Juniper Research have recently forecast that worldwide sales of eReaders are predicted to reach around 67 million by 2016, which is three times more than the 2011 estimate of 25 million. The increase in sales can be attributed both to the products decrease in price, with the newest version of the Kindle retailing at just $79 and also the revolutionary development of e-ink technology. E-ink technology has drawn in unlikely eBook enthusiasts who previously bemoaned the development of eBooks when read of a standard LCD screen. E-ink allows for clear, crisp text and images and it basically
mimics real paper.

Further developments in eBook expansion have been realized in The Wall Street Journal recognizing that eBook sales are just as relevant to total sales as regular books. The Wall Street Journal is following the New York Times and USA Today who already have eBooks included in their book sales charts. Retailers including both Apple and Amazon are among the leading retailers who are passing their details onto the Nielsen ratings company who then pass the details onto The Wall Street Journal and other publications.

EBook lending is also becoming extremely popular in public libraries across the country and this adding even more impetus to the rise of the eBook and its surpassing of the regular paperback as the most popular way of reading. It seems public library users are huge fans of eBook lending and according to the Library Journal publication; public libraries increased their eBook offerings by 185% this year. A case in point can be seen at Seattle Public Library whose eBook collection and circulation grew by 92% in 2010 according to their electronic resources librarian. In September this year, Amazon decided it was time to turn on the Kindle to 11,000 public libraries, which obviously caused a surge in new library users and pays testament to the power of the eBook and its rapid development.

What about "real" books?
Does the advance of the eReader really mean the end for traditional books? In a word, no. There are plenty of ardent traditionalists who are committed to traditional reading and curling up in their favorite reading chair. In addition to this there are still plenty of imperfections in eBooks and eReader technology, often found in their shoddy editing leading to repetitive spelling and syntactical errors. Similarly, there is a lot less choice with eBook as not every book that is published is digitalized.

Similarly, some books can be very expensive when digitalised especially rare and historical texts. There is also a romantic, emotional connection to traditional books. Many readers can relate the touch and smell of a book to their experiences at the time and also, very few people would want to introduce reading to their kids via their eReader. Surely nobody will be able to artificially recreate the smell of a hardback for the eBook generation. When introducing a child to their first book the experience is about more than just the words and pictures. The sensory enjoyment of feeling and hearing the word is extremely valuable for a
childís development. The same cannot be gained through an eReader, although thereís nothing to say technology won't develop in the future to allow for a more intuitive and child-friendly interface.

So, the big question: is the future of the literature found in the eReader? All the statistics would point to yes but despite this books are still selling and there are experiences, like the reading of a child's first book, which needs to be done with a "real" book. There are camps on both sides of the fence: some support a
full digitalisation of all books and others want the digitalisation to stop completely. The future of literature is tied to both sides of this argument as whilst there are significant numbers of people willing to pay for both and the demand is strong enough, it won't be possible to stop production of either medium.

*Guest Post*

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The Hidden Reality by Brian Greene **Book Review**

The Hidden Reality
by Brian Greene
Knopf 2011

Have you ever wondered whether our earth and galaxy are all that there is? Maybe you have wondered, as I have from the time I was old enough to look into the sky, whether there is an end to space. I grew up in a university community. I recall physics professors suggesting that space is infinite. This was beyond my comprehension as a child. It still is. Surely, nothing can really be infinite. If it appears to be so, then there must celestial mirrors out there that, like having a mirror on your bathroom door, reflects an image endlessly. Nothing better than looking at your naked image indefinitely, huh?

Maybe you have also thought about whether there are other worlds out there. Perhaps with carbon copies of you, though perhaps evolving differently in view of varying circumstances? Would that be a horrifying or comforting thought?

Of course, it may be that the answer to all of these issues is to be found in theology. What physicists see in their laboratory and accelerator studies is nothing more than the various conceptions of Heaven in the religions of the world.

In Brian Greene’s day job he is an esteemed professor of physics. In his literary career, he has authored a series of books designed to bring the reality of contemporary physics into a realm where normal people can understand the state of academic research and development. In The Hidden Reality, he explores the intellectual underpinnings for theories concerning the presence of parallel universes. There are many of them, beginning long before Albert Einstein.

Frankly, I thoroughly enjoy reading well-written explanations of scientific thought that I can understand. I enjoyed reading the prior book of Professor Greene. I find subjects like quantum mechanics, string theory, super string theory, black holes, and so on to be thought provoking, rather like the questions above.

I enjoyed The Hidden Reality, as did my friends in our Philosophers’ Club. If you enjoy thinking in a realm far different than your usual reading, put this well written book on your list.

When I picked up The Hidden Reality, I was hoping that it would address two elements that, to me, are critical to be able to put these matters into a realistic perspective. One is walking around information. For example, what do we experience in our daily lives that is an improvement that has flowed from the billions of dollars of scientific research into these subjects? I find it frustrating that such a skilled scientist and writer could not really bring these concepts down to simple walking around reality for his non-technical readers.

The second element is religion. It was deeply frustrating to me that there was not a serious word addressing whether there is a valid theological explanation for these phenomenon. A large part of the population of the world believes that the subjects discussed in The Hidden Reality are the result of devine or intelligent design. I tend to believe in evolution and scientific approach, though I find that when I need help or am confused I pray in my own way. I think it is not possible, other than perhaps for the most confirmed atheist, to think of the design of the universe without considering the possibility of devine influence.

I hope that in Dr. Greene’s next book, he will address these issues. If he does not, then he at least owes his followers an explanation of why he does not. To me, such failure suggests that these subjects may just be intricate webs of theoretical analysis without practical benefit to the world. If that is the case, I cannot help but wonder whether those who finance such work may have similar thoughts.

All of that said, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the latest work of the good professor. I will buy the next one as well and see if he is brave enough to address more practical issues in his field.

Warms, Cym

AMAZON
Brian Greene
NPR

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We Are Blessed and Loved Regardless of Tragedy

We are all so blessed. Our friends the Woodruffs of Houston have suffered an unspeakable loss in their lives. There is no balance in that loss, though the outpouring of love of their communities reminds us of the blessings that are all around us, regardless of one’s religious beliefs. I believe that God is all around us, reflected in our friendships and connections. Perhaps that provides balance.

Have a relaxing Holiday Weekend Friends,
Cym

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanksgiving 2011


Dearest Family & Friends,

In the busyness of life, we often forget the things that truly matter. I am guilty of being all-consumed with school schedules, pickup times, sports and extracurricular activities that -- while centered on my children -- left me ragged at the end of each day. There was literally nothing left of “me” to give to my husband, to God, to myself.

During this time of despair, devastation and loss, I admit I have approached Thanksgiving with a cynical eye. What do I have to be thankful for in this desperate time of trial and unbearable pain, when the recent, tragic loss of our sweet Rebecca never leaves my mind?

The answer is, simply, a lot.

This time of trial has forced me to slow down, to reconnect, to reflect. It is during these quiet times that my eyes have been opened in new awakening to show me what is truly important in this life; and that I do, indeed, have many blessings to be thankful for.

I am thankful for my husband, John, who has shown me nothing [and everything] but love and shared pain. I cannot say we share understanding, since perhaps we may never know why God took Rebecca, and then his dad, only one week later. But we do share faith in the One who has brought us closer together, and who will see us through in time.

I am thankful for my children, who have suffered so much. How can they possibly understand, when we struggle so much ourselves? Nevertheless, they have collectively shown a faith and “will to get through” that defies their age. They have leaned on each other, cried together, and laughed together. Rebecca was the center of all of our lives – the one who brought us all together. Now they know how much they need and love their other siblings, too.

I am thankful for our families, whom I honestly didn’t think would have the means, time or care to make the five-hundred and thousand-mile journeys to Kingwood, and who have shown us unwavering love and compassion during this time of trial. They have seen me at my absolute worst, and still stayed close. They have helped in so many ways -- from taking care of the children and making arrangements to cleaning house – when I couldn’t possibly do anything on my own besides weep in agony, despair and guilt. They were right there, and continue to be there, during the times when no words need be spoken, and a tight hug shows and tells all that need be said.

I am thankful for our neighbors, colleagues and friends, including the ones I have never met, but am honored to call “friend.” They have renewed my faith in community and humanity. They were right there when the accident happened, helping me, guiding me, fighting off the media and prying eyes until John got back into town and could be by my side. They have provided meals for my family, when I had no desire to eat and had all but lost the motherly, nurturing instinct to feed my children. They have provided friendship, distraction, and transportation for my children; which in turn, has provided me the time and quiet peace needed for reflection. Most importantly, they have shared their own stories of loss, and have shown me that I am not alone in this grief -- they have gotten through the unimaginable pain of losing a child, and have made me believe that I will, too.

I am thankful for our church families; who have been there from the very beginning and have seen Rebecca transform from an introspective baby into a bright, beautiful, generous child full of life, love and God’s teachings. They were also there at the end, to grieve with us, to pray with us and to pay witness to the passing of her earthly life and the beginning of her journey into everlasting life.

I am thankful for everyone at Bright Beginnings Learning Center, who have known and loved Rebecca since she was still in the womb. They called her loving nicknames -- like “Princess Becca” and “Sparkles” -- and were instrumental in shaping her unique, captivating personality and God’s love and light within her. In her memory they have planted Becca’s garden, so her joyful spirit can live on in life anew; and so all who pass by can reflect, see and feel the beauty in the colors God has so perfectly chosen for each petal as she smiles down upon them, whispering to them to pick the prettiest one.

I am thankful to everyone who has lifted our family up in prayer. You have shown our family love and empathy in your own quiet time of reflection, in words spoken and thoughts unsaid, but deeply felt. You have outwardly shown your love for us by posting on Rebecca’s memorial page, by sending cards and letters, and by posting on Facebook, forums and blogs. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed nor unfelt, though I am still too weak from the depths of despair to respond to them directly. It was only via these things that I truly understood how far reaching the impact of one little girl has been throughout the United States. The words and heartfelt sympathies you have posted are reread often, and have provided more comfort and peace than you will ever know.

I am thankful to all who work with John at Gardere, who have provided me time with my husband and who have provided friendship, support, countless meals and groceries under the most difficult of circumstances.

I am thankful for Dr. Raj, the chaplain, and the staff at Memorial Hermann, who did everything they could to save my baby, and who showed the utmost in respect and compassion in her passing.

I am thankful for the donee families; that my daughter’s joyful spirit may continue to live on in their own children.

I am thankful for the local firefighters, who had the courage and foresight to come forward and use Rebecca as the catalyst for change in Houston’s 911 emergency response policy. The new protocol has already been adopted, and will benefit the millions of people in Houston and surrounding areas, who may one day find themselves in the throes of life and death.

I am thankful for my counselor, whose patience, compassion and understanding is helping me see the meaning of tragedy, when it sometimes seems impossible to go on.

You ALL have shown your love for our family by your very presence in our lives.

Finally, but certainly not least of all, I am thankful to God, the Almighty One, for allowing me this time of reflection; to see life anew. He has shown me unwavering love during not just this most difficult time, but throughout my whole life. I am grateful to Him for choosing ME to be Rebecca’s mother, and for the time I was allowed to love her and hold her here on Earth. I have seen Rebecca in the arms of Jesus, and she is HAPPY. I have seen her with Jesus hand in hand at the beach – her favorite place in this Earthly world. And, I have seen her dancing – her joyous smile illuminating Heaven even more than it already was. I am so thankful to God for allowing me to “see” her in this not-so-far-off place of unconditional love, wonder and joy. HE is so good.

Like King David in the throes of pain after losing his infant son, I know she will not come to me, but one day, I will go to her. And I can’t wait.

Psalm 100
A Song of Praise for the Lord’s Faithfulness to His People
A Psalm of Thanksgiving

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
Serve the LORD with gladness:
Come before His presence with singing.
Know ye that the LORD, He is God:
It is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise:
Be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.
For the LORD is good;
His mercy is everlasting;
And His truth endureth to all generations.


God doesn’t give you the people you want,
He gives you the people you NEED.
To help you, to hurt you, to leave you, to love you
and to make you the person you were meant to be.
(Author Unknown)

Mere words alone cannot truly express my gratitude and appreciation for all that you’ve done; for all that HE’s provided. I hope this letter conveys the love and blessings I wish to share with all of you this Thanksgiving. Keep close to the ones you hold dear, and may you be surrounded with love.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Much love from all of us,
Olinda

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*Help Me* Thanksgiving Day Prayer

Help Me Thanksgiving Day Prayer

O God, when I have food,

help me to remember the hungry;

When I have work,

help me to remember the jobless;

When I have a home,

help me to remember those who have no home at all;

When I am without pain,

help me to remember those who suffer,

And remembering,

help me to destroy my complacency;

bestir my compassion,

and be concerned enough to help;

By word and deed,

those who cry out for what we take for granted.

Amen.

-Samuel F. Pugh

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*Book Review* The Devil Colony by James Rollins

The Devil Colony
by James Rollins
Wm. Morrow 2011

What if when America was founded, there were negotiations between Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin with a potentially unified Native American nation which wanted to become the fourteenth colony to join the United States?

What if ancient Mormon, Native American, and American mythology were combined with a long ago understanding of nanotechnology and particle acceleration?

If there are two great forces in the world, the Guild (let by a Frenchman with ambition to unite his family heritage with the great legacies of history) and the American Sigma Force, which will prevail?

In this rollicking thriller, good vs. evil compete across the history of America and some of our cultural monuments to gain control of the technology embedded in the weapons, metallurgy, and fail safe mechanisms of the long gone Indian cultures that failed in their bid to be part of the United States. The cleverness of the elements brought together in this beautifully crafted story are testament to the analytical interest of the author, both in history and technology, and story-telling skill.

James Rollins populates the torridly paced story with a collage of characters, each set of which could be the centerpieces of another story (perhaps they will be). There is a physically weak Frenchman and an African Amazon who cannot speak and has been with him since childhood; a Sigma leader and a distant niece; another Sigma operative loving a father in failing health and a femme fatale in the operation (both needing each other in a variety of ways); a combat medic with a Sigma leader spouse who is about to give birth; and others.

In the end, Rollins brings it all together in a beautifully orchestrated crescendo. As always, it will be interesting to see where the Sigma Force turns next. Perhaps, it will be to the inevitable rise of the Fourth German Reich. I can imagine Rollins following the current tribulations of Europe, the rise of Germany as the financial well for the continent, a failing America, and a rising China with its own economic woes barely beneath the surface needing to own energy and other imperatives of super-powerdom. Into this vortex, the Fourth Reich is ready to rise, having preserved its wealth through two world wars and three failed reichs.

Obviously, I enjoyed The Devil Colony and thinking about new adventures.

Warms, Cym

AMAZON
James Rollins

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Getting Ready for the Holidays in Book Style!

Is it really that time of year again?  I can't believe that Thanksgiving is next week & then Christmas is close behind. So, no matter what holidays you celebrate, here are some great ideas for decorating with books.

Let's start with the holiday table. You can click on an image & it will take you to the original link.

Need a few Christmas Tree & Decoration ideas?



















Let the count down begin - cute bookish advent calendar ideas.





Are you decorating with books this year?
XOXO
Beachbrights
(guest blogger)

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*Book Review* The Things that Keep us Here by Carla Buckley

the things that keep us here
by Carla Buckley
Bantam Books Trade Paperbacks 2011

Imagine that you are a happy family living in a suburban area with your spouse and two daughters about age seven and twelve. Your marriage has become a function of running the family, with distance caused by the loss of a baby which your spouse essentially blames on your inattention, even though it was obviously an accident.

Your spouse advises that you are loved, but he is no longer in love with you and asks for a separation. He moves out, damaging his relationship with his children, especially the older girl

Into this peacefulness comes a pandemic of bird flu. It is anticipated that one-third to one-half of the American population will perish.

Ms. Buckley has written a gem of a story. the things that keep us here evolves in a thought-provoking linear process from beginning to end. Life is a day-by-day process, with crises, tragedies, and celebrations all taking their place in our lives.

The pacing of this story is wonderful in terms of letting the reader think through how they would deal with such a crisis. From my own life, it is amazing sometimes to see what personality traits cause people to persevere and blossom, while others turn inward and wither.

The twists and turns in this lovely story will hold your attention, wondering how you would handle such a situation. This may also be a life-saver for you, because who knows what is around your own corner. Think it all through and be ready.

Carla Buckley
Amazon

Warms, Cym

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My Current Project

I am done with the first portion of the revision. Over the past few months, I have had an interesting ride as a hope-to-be fiction writer. I was ready to go with a thriller manuscript entitled The Dust Scenario, with a background of the financial collapse and a protagonist who knows, and can prove, what actually caused the collapse and its destruction of the financial lives of millions of people. Her life has been turned on end to seal her lips. I took an on-line marketing course, then was handed off to a wonderful editor. She suggested a wholesale revision (only 26 single-spaced pages of comments), which has been a wonderful roadmap. I am done with the first third or so of the manuscript, ready to send it off upon her return from a holiday (hopefully, ready to work on my draft).

In the middle of this comes a request for a manuscript that we featured on the website www.cymlowell.com entitled Harvest of Gold, with a background of what actually happened to the infamous Jewish gold at the end of World War II, played out in a current time thriller.

I love to write fiction. Maybe I am making some progress. If not, I am a persistent little devil.

What are you working on??

Warms, Cym

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*Book Review* Little Princess: One Man's Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal

Little Princes: One Man’s Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal
by Conor Grennan
William Morrow 2010

If you were an ambitious young man (or woman) and were determined to spend a year travelling the world before you found a job and began a normal life, would you consider working in a orphanage for children in some exotic locale, such as Katmandu, Nepal?

It would be great fun, especially if you always wanted to see the majestic mountains, go up to the base camp, and otherwise enjoy the exotic charms of this land situated between India and China. Of course, it has also been the site of virtual civil war.

What if you went to the orphanage, perhaps to impress the opposite sex with your care for humanity, and fell in love with the children? After a short stay before undertaking the around-the-world trek, would you miss the little faces? Would you feel the tug of children who adore you . . . and need what and who you are?

What if you responded to the tug in your own heart and returned only to find that the parents of the children are likely still alive? Would you then find a way to deliver them to their parents? Can you imagine the joy in your own heart as the little souls run into the arms of their family, looking back at you with love and thanks. Imagine the feelings of their mothers and fathers.

Finally, would your life be complete if, during the course, of your time in Nepal, you met a sweetheart on line, fell in love, and then had her (him) come join in with the orphan business, including finding a home to begin a new orphanage?

Wow! This is what Little Princes is all about. It is a charming, true story of one young man’s quest. He began with lust for adventure and found a rainbow of love at the end of his trail.

As I read these enjoyable pages, I kept wondering how I would have responded at the author’s age. I am of the Vietnam generation and had my trek there. Could I have done what Mr. Grennan did? Could I do it now?

You will feel better about humanity when you close the cover of this wonderful book.

Warms, Cym

AMAZON

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**Book Review** Buried Prey by John Sandford

Buried Prey
by John Sandford
G.P. Putnam’s Sons 2011

Two young blonde girls disappear as they are walking by their home. It is assumed that they have been abducted, abused, and murdered. A young patrolman, temporarily made a plain clothes detective, Lucas, follows leads to apprehend a street bum to whom all available evidence points. The street man is killed in the arrest process.

The young detective thought it was too pat. Superiors talked him out of pursuing his instincts concerning a shadowy Mr. Fell.

Thirty years later in an excavation, the bodies of the girls are discovered. DNA proves that the bum was innocent of this crime. By this time, Lucas is a senior detective married to a surgeon and living a comfortable life via inheritance, good fortune, and hard work. He is on the case of Mr. Fell once again.

There follows an intense manhunt, complete with unfortunate shootings and unanticipated twists in a road full of potholes. The story evolves in Minneapolis-St. Paul and surrounding lakes and communities.

If you love well-written mysteries, and you have never read the work of John Sandford, you are in for a treat. The writing is crisp, the characters engaging, and the mystery interesting.

I came to appreciate Mr. Sandford at the International Thriller Writers Association meeting (Thillerfest) in New York earlier this year. He was engaging in person, as well as in print.

Warms, Cym

John Sandford
AMAZON

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