I write a tea party-related blog, while tea and books tend to go together. It’s been argued that in our digital/information age, the days of hardback books and the traditional publishing industry will become a thing of the past. Have you heard about/ordered an Amazon Kindle
Tea Party Girl is almost one-year old and in that time I’ve sold more books based on my recommendations than anything else (even tea!). It’s fun because I used to dream of opening a brick-and-mortar bookstore, a dream which has become obsolete for many in the age of Amazon and the big box bookstores.
I like to think that books will never become obsolete because they will continue to be passed from one generation to the next.
So just for fun, here’s the number one best seller at the Tea Party Girl bookstore since July 1, 2007:
More readers inquired (clicked) on these two book links over any other:
And the single book that’s generated the most discussion through comments:
Please leave a comment and share with us some of your thoughts about the questions posed above.
I guess I read both equally. I subscribe to a good number of blogs and receive updates through Newsgator. It makes blog reading more fun with everything in one place. While I tend to read more in the cold months – a crackling fire just calls to you to come near with a good book – I also read books at other times of the year. I finished The Thirteenth Tale just a day or two ago and have started a new book – my “books to read” pile grows faster than I can read them!
I don’t think “real” books will ever go away.
I hadn’t heard of the Kindle – that looks very futuristic!
I do enjoy books, but lately I’ve been reading more blogs.
Jenny, I am like you, I read a lot of blogs (I have to–it’s a part of networking!) but I love books. Real books. There is just something about curling up in a big comfy chair or lying in bed with one that cannot compare with blogs or reading the vitual version on-line. I love being able to touch the pages, have an image or passage before me that I can turn back to over and over again. Real books will never become obsolete… I say follow your dreams and open that B&M bookstore. Sell tea, tea products and great books. Provide comfy chairs. There is a market beyond Amazon…
Karen
I read a bunch of blogs, but I also read a lot of books. I don’t like the idea of Kindle. I prefer holding a physical book, flipping through the pages, etc. Plus, I would worry more about me (or the kids) breaking the Kindle. What if I spilled my tea on it? 😉
As a TRUE BOOK LOVER with my own personal library of over 3,000 volumes (in English–I live in Morocco), I am a bit sorry to say that even I am getting converted out of being a regular book reader.
I still love books, and I don’t really enjoy sitting at the computer screen. But I do have a comfortable chair at the computer that leans back, a desk big enough to put my feet up on, and a small pillow to support the keyboard in my lap when I need a change (and to keep my feet from swelling if I’m a long time at the computer).
I used to read as much as a book a day. Am I still reading? Yes, just as much as ever, but mostly news articles on line, and blogs. I spend an average of 3+ hours a day reading (when I’m working full time) and more time writing three different blogs.
I thought I’d NEVER be interested in something like Kindle until a LIBRARIAN I know said someone in her family got one for Christmas, and this librarian told me she was impressed when she actually saw it.
So I went to Amazon, and watched their little Kindle video, to show potential customers how it worked. If I still lived in America I would be buying one today. The big advantage is that it is the size of a paperback book, fits easily in a purse, and you can read books, newspapers, and blogs on it. It’s when I’m traveling and waiting that I read most of my books now. But some of my books are more big and heavy to carry around than Kindle would be. The other thing that impressed me, is that Kindle doesn’t look like a computer screen, but is made to look like you’re reading on paper. (I haven’t seen it for myself, I just watched the Amazon tutorial.)
I now think that home libraries (such as I have) are going to become a real anachronism within the next generation.
Yet nothing will ever replace a good coffee-table book for people to leaf through in your living room!
Madame Monet, in Marrakesh
Writing, Painting, Music, and Wine
winewriter.wordpress.com
I was just thinking about this yesterday as I surveyed all my books wondering where in the world I was going to put them! I love my big comfy reading chair and a good book. I love turning the pages, being able to set the book down and get more tea…coming back to it and picking up where I left off. I have a few books I read over and over.
But, what about the generations to come…I can see books becoming obsolete in the future.
I do read a lot on the internet too. But I always try to find time for a good book.
I can’t imagine printed books every going away, either. Libraries are just way too cool!
I Love your blog.