Avada Kedavra eReaders

Photograph by Ariel G

It is impossible to talk about my childhood without mentioning Harry Potter. When I was eight, the first book came out. From then on, I grew up with Harry, Hermione, and Ron. Our ages were nearly always the same and I spent every summer immersed in the latest installment. It was truly a cultural phenomenon. From an academic standpoint, these books significantly helped develop my literacy. They inspired me to start reading for myself, for fun. To this day, I collect books more than any other item. For some reason, book characters always seem more real to me than TV or movie characters. Reading is personal, and it takes commitment. Because of my connection with my books, I proudly display them all around my room, and like a security blanket, I usually want to have them close by.

Unfortunately, the latest shift towards eReaders is threatening the existence of "old-fashioned" books, potentially placing them on the endangered species list alongside bottle-nosed dolphins. It makes me wonder: in ten years, are eReaders going to be the norm? Are the books I own going to seem like ancient artifacts from a far away world?

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I understand the general appeal of devices like the Nook, iPad, or the Kindle. They're convenient. Instead of carrying around five different books, they could all be uploaded on a single device. But here is my problem: text on a screen never feels as real as text on print. I think there is something special about holding the three-dimensional copy of a book with actual pages to turn. I'm not sure I could ever feel as connected to a book without reading the physical copy. Or maybe I'm just being stubborn.

Right now is the time for society to consider, what is the future of books? If eBooks take over, what will happen to the libraries and book stores? Portland's own beloved Powells recently laid off 31 full-time employees. According to an article from OregonLive.com, "The 39-year-old retailer that's become a tourist attraction for book lovers around the world has been rattled by the unprecedented, rapidly changing nature of the book industry." Personally, I think Portland would lose a lot of its' charm if bookstores like Powells were to close down. One of my favorite things to do is get lost in the aisles and discover books I'd never heard of before. Furthermore, if book stores are in trouble, what would happen to the publishing companies like Pearson and McGraw Hill, and subsequently, the economy?

Photograph by Hannah Schultz

I think back to my childhood and wonder if I'd feel the same about Harry Potter had I read it on an eBook. I'll never truly know, but for future generations, this is a significant technological development that will affect their futures. In fact, many schools are providing students their own personal eReaders instead of textbooks. I think this is a strange concept for anyone who grew up with and still prefers real books. Perhaps my perspective is skewed, but if I was an author, I would dream of the day my book was published in print. I would display that first-edition copy in my home with pride.

The books that surround my room represent so many things: my childhood, my personality, and my culture. They remind me of stories and times in my life that contributed to who I am today. But right now, in 2011, they represent something much more important: a change. A change in the way people read, whether I like it or not.

For the most part, I understand why many people prefer eReaders, and I say, "To each their own". But ultimately, if this development means the end of books in print, then sign me up for the revolt.