I started in on an audiobook this week, Breathers. For purposes of my own 50-book challenge, I decided to include audiobooks, if the original luddite ink-on-paper version was 100 pages or more. (My husband pointed out that I should have actually listened to it, not just played it, in order to count it. Yes, dear.)
But I ran across some fun stuff this week that got me thinking, what is a book, really? Dickens wrote his novels as a serial, originally, and then they were later compiled into the novels we now know. Rosie over at Books And Bakes did a great piece not long ago in which she makes the case the Dickens was the first blogger. She makes a great point.
So I was very interested when I ran across Fiona Robyn's upcoming project, Thaw. Fiona is going to blog the novel, starting on the 1st of March next year. It follows 32 year old Ruth’s diary over three months as she decides whether or not to carry on living. Perfect material for blog format, and I am fascinated to see how it will go.
To spread the word, she is organizing a blogsplash, in which she's aiming to have 1,000 blogs carry the opening page of the novel simultaneously. I will be participating, and if you'd like to join in, you can get more information here. (Let me know if you sign up! Just because I'm curious.)
But then I found out that author Will Ashon has started his next book - on Twitter. His two rules: he was to post 7 times a week, and each post has to be 140 characters long. You can follow along here. While you're there, feel free to give me a shout out too!
I wish I had some deep thoughts about all of this, but I don't really - I'm just a fascinated observer reading a good old-fashioned book of the paper variety, that I bought in a regular old bookstore. I think I may have used actual paper money for it.
What do you think? What is a book, and why?
With all the Dickens books I've read over the years, I really got a chuckle out of him being a blogger! And I can totally understand not exactly listening to your audio book, concentrating on one thing goes against all the multi tasking we're expected to do every day!
ReplyDeleteHappy VGNO, a little late! Come over & check out my blog, I was honored this week & I'm excited to share the news! http://juliechats.blogspot.com/
I think thats a really interesting point - I wonder if the popularity of the internet hads changed the way we view books and all these new marketing activities are necessery to make sure people go back to them. Just my thoughts though
ReplyDeleteKate x
I could never complete the impressive challenge you've given yourself of 50 books in a year. I read way to slowly! But I've been doing the same thing as far as listening to audio books. That way, I get to "read" two books at once! (And tell your hubby I say audio books do to count!) :)
ReplyDelete