A Note From The Book Review Editor

By Laura Roesch, Photography by Savannah Dean

Thomas Jefferson appreciated books and said, “I cannot live without books.”  I admit it; I cannot live without books either and spend a great deal of time thinking about books, talking about books, reading books, and researching authors and their books. I cannot pass a bookstore without going in and looking and, of course, buying more books.

Naturally, I am curious about what other people are reading and why. The topic is a natural conversation starter. Ask someone what he or she is reading, and an interesting conversation always follows.

And how people are reading, with today’s technology, is intriguing. I was a bit late in appreciating e-readers and presumed them a passing fancy. But isn’t ignoring technology a sure sign of aging? I decided to give e-readers a try and bought a Kindle. I can now say that my trusty Kindle is the perfect remedy for abibliophobia. Running out of reading material is simply not an issue. An entire library will fit on my e-reader. Have Kindle, will travel, with lots and lots and lots of books.

Robin Shader, Director of the Northwest Regional Library System, tells me our local libraries offer more than 300,000 items in a variety of formats, including downloadable e-books and audiobooks. She points out that, while e-books are popular, when she speaks to readers about their preferences, most say they prefer a printed book. There is something about the experience of holding a book and flipping through the pages. Even the smell of a book evokes warm, fuzzy feelings in readers. Robin also suggests that it seems harder to recall the title of a book read in an electronic version. A printed and bound book is opened and closed often and the cover and title are always present.

Of course, if you are a “book purist,” an e-reader may be a poor substitute for books on paper. Our book reviewers often ask me if it is acceptable to read the book they are reviewing for Panama City Living Magazine on an e-reader. My answer is always, “Yes!” After all, reading in whatever format is still reading.

No matter how you read, you are invited to share your opinion about a piece of literature with our readers. Send me an email and you might find yourself in Panama City Living’s book review section.

Submit your book review for consideration to:
Laura@panamacityliving.com