Andy Rooney ponders e-books

If you were to make a list of all the good things in the world, books would be right up near the top. Someone did a great thing when they invented books. One way or another, books have been around for a long time now, too. I don't really know who invented the printed word but you'd have to put it ahead of things like the airplane or jelly donuts.

I have a friend, Peter Osnos who publishes books and Peter told me that what they call "E-books" - electronic books - are now selling better than paperback books. I doubt it but that's what Peter said and he's in the business. He makes it sound as if every book will be published electronically soon and be read using some sort of electronic device.

I'm not interested in having my books on an electronic device. I want them in books. I want my words in books.

I like having these books I know behind me so, I asked another friend to show me his e-reader.

He told me that you can carry over 3,500 books in just this one little package.

My books have always been important to me. Not just the books I've written, but any book I own. I can't imagine not being able to pick up a book and thumb through it.

One of the first books I wrote a long time ago was called The Fortunes of War. It was pretty expensive then, $7.50. Now you can get it free as an E-book. Not much in that for me.

My friend said that e-readers will eventually make books extinct. I hope that doesn't include authors.

Written by Andy Rooney

[LEKushmaul]

I don't have a Kindle reader yet--but only because I can't afford it. I would like to have the option of a print book or an electronic book as the situation suits me. I do listen regularly to audio books, especially when driving. But, sometimes I still get the print book even when I have read it. If it is a memoir or other non-fiction and has pictures, I want to see them. Can't do that with audio or with the Kindle, though some newer devices may include color and graphics. Librarian in NC.

[RobertDFleck]

Hi Andy
How appropriate. If you are in Manhattan this coming Tuesday at 4, come to the Grolier Club and hear a panel discussion on book collecting in the digital world.

[rjcarr47]

Mr. Rooney
I agree with your opinion in that I want to hold that book and turn
those pages as I have for decades. My youngest son is a book-a-holic
who began amassing books for his someday library about the age of 8.
He wanted all the classics leather bound, important histories, etc.. For a young man in his twenties his collection would impress you. However, six months ago his most important quest was for a Kindle. Packing a years worth of reading into his duffle bag was not an option. An e-reader may not be what you and I want but it has obvious advantages to readers in the service. He may not have access to book stores or liraries but he is still able to read a good book in the middle of a war. His days are very long and when he is able to grab a few quiet minutes he cherishes being able to take his mind elsewhere. That is a great advantage allowed by one of the gadgets you and I will likely never own.

[barbaram99]

I don't have an e-reader. Then again it would have to read to me. To read a print book I would have to use a 4 power reading glass just as I do the computer.
I can borrow books books from the library and read them on computer using my library card but have not. I have not gotten talking books in years, I miss them.

[ZeitlerLibrarian]

They do read to you. The Kindle has an audio function, so it can act essentially like an audio book. Also, the text is adjustable. You would be able to make the text very, very large so it would be easier to read.
I like my Kindle, I love my books, and I will not be getting rid of either in the near future. I believe that both formats can co-exist.

[nap_ca]

Mr. Rooney,
Thank you for your comments on the e-book phenomenon. I am an avid reader and have been for fifty years, everything from junk to the classics. My husband has been trying to buy me an e-reader for as long as they have been available. However, I am like you. I enjoy the entire reading experience, including holding the weight of a large volume, turning the crisp pages and the "mystery" of what is on the next page. The idea of holding another computer to facilitate such an experience holds no attraction for me. I know that I am a dinosaur but can't help it. I love books!
Thanks for listening,
Nancy in Del Mar

[zzster]

Sad but the coming of e books will also spell the doom of the public libraries. With state budgets so bad this will be an easy expense to cut and turn into a profit center by asking for a certain amount of money per download of an e-book. A whole library could be placed on some master computer somewhere, no buildings or personnel needed, simply log-in (credit card on file instead of library card) and download your book. This is one technology while excellent for purpose, will be hard to accept, at least for me that is.

Zsster

[Jaylah54]

I'm with Andy.

[jthorkel1]

I can not find your book on Amazon for free. Please advise where I can download it.

Thanks,
Jan Thorkelson

[LarryCz]

see:
http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/The-Fortunes-Of-War-Four/book-EXEZ0bFjzU6kl1e5g6-eBQ/page1.html

[Montana_Momma]

It can be found at

http://www.archive.org/details/fortunesofwarfou037014mbp

[KarenMclay]

Mr Rooney,

I think that it is very sad that you do not want your books in an electronic format. I would find it even sadder if you became disabled and "not be able to pick up a book and thumb through it." This format enables people with physical disabilities to read books that they are no longer "able to pick up and thumb through." It expands their world and their level of independence. Without this format, my son would truly be disabled.