I’ve been experimenting with ebooks lately. I don’t have a dedicated e-reading device, just an app for my i-Touch, but it is enough to give me a taste of the e-reading experience and to teach me something about myself.
I really like bookmarks.
The e-reading app lets me turn down the corner of virtual pages. The ability to stop mid-chapter and not lose my place is handy, but the folded corner is no bookmark. I don’t fold down the pages of my physical books. I will use anything at hand — a gum wrapper,a business card, a leaf, or a twig– in lieu of damaging the book by folding the page.
Besides, bookmarks bring me joy. I recently gave my daughter the Garfield bookmark I treasured at her age. I held back a tear as I recycled the beautiful gold foil trimmed rose my mother gave me when I first started reading chapter books. It fell apart from years of use. Han Solo accompanies me on Sci-fi journeys and my “Meg Cabot’s got your back” goes well with comedy. I love promotional bookmarks from authors. The clever pitches get me excited to read what ever book is being advertised next. Sometimes, these pitches and a cute picture propel me to finish my current book faster so I can get started on the one touted by the bookmark.
I love finding other people’s bookmarks tucked inside books from the library and second-hand books. I wonder who left their library receipt. More than once, I’ve been compelled to check out the other books printed on a stranger’s bookmark, I mean receipt. I’ve run across hand written notes, credit card receipts, bank receipts, post cards, grocery lists and the occasional bookmark. When I drop off books for my library’s book sale, I try to pass on promotional bookmarks where appropriate. My own sort of recommendation. “If you like Melissa Marr, you’ll love Memories of Murder by Lara Nance.”
I know I’ll get a dedicated e-reader soon, but I’m not ready to give up paper books yet. I’m not ready for a world without bookmarks.
Lyra's Musings 