Long Live the Book

Am I the only one that feels like the written word is getting shorter and shorter these days? Or at least our attention span for the written word. I found an interesting blog yesterday from an author who writes 299-word novels. A whole novel in one paragraph. In this culture, brevity wins.

We’ve gone from indepth magazine articles to USA Today-style newspapers to simply scanning the online news headlines. Even long emails are prone to be unread. Text messaging a few words or letters is a ubiquitous form of communication, especially with the youngest generation.

But there is nothing like a good book. Books often take me to another place or another level. I enjoy that soul connection with the author or the characters.  They bring me fresh ideas, fresh perspectives. I worry that if fewer people are reading, fewer people are thinking new thoughts.

Are books still a part of your life? What is your all-time favorite book? What are you reading these days (online or otherwise) that makes your day function better or just makes your day? Do you think you’ll be reading books online or on your phone one day, or do you, like me, love the feel of the book in your hands while curled up in a sunny spot?

We Need True Connections

As I jump into the blogging world, we have more ways to connect than ever before–email, texting,  and cell phone coverage all over the world. I’d like to hear from you about how technology helps or hurts your ability to create and maintain relationships.  

In online forums, you may have hundreds or even thousands of “friends.” But in all these contacts, I wonder how often we make true connections. What about your treasured friendships–does technology help you maintain them or does it get in the way, leaving little time for friends? Do you talk to your neighbors? Do you chat with a friend over coffee? Or are you more likely to send a short email or forward an amusing story? Does technology allow you to make great connections that you would otherwise have not made? My cousin recently married a man she was matched with on eharmony.  They were in the same profession in the same town and never had met–a great example of technology facilitating a true connection.

A recent study from American Sociological Review found that the number of people who say that have no one to confide in is increasing–from 10% in 1985 to 25% today. Are we losing our ability to truly connect with those around us, even when it’s vital to our wellbeing? Be on the lookout in your life for those who need to make a real connection today.