Charles Young alerted me to Howard Gardner’s predictions of the longevity of the book in the Feb. 17 issue of the Washington Post. Gardner assures us that,
I don’t worry for a nanosecond that reading and writing will disappear. Even in the new digital media, it’s essential to be able to read and write fluently and, if you want to capture people’s attention, to write well. … I also question the predicted disappearance of the material book.
Young’s comments made me chuckle appreciatively:
I’ve often marveled at its portability and solarpowered independence, say nothing of its ability to house data in print along with my marginalia, sticky notes, and an occassional post card, train ticket, or clipping
These two writers have given me hope: perhaps my daughters, growing up in the world of wikis, blogs, social network sites, and virtual lives, will be able to cultivate a love of books after all.
