I admit that I might be a little biased toward printed books and real live book clubs over any of the digital or online versions of these things. And I admit that while I am often a late adaptor of new technology, I most often come to love my gadgets once I get over the initial grumbling.
But...I'm not sure I'm ready to give up my glass of wine and the company of some brilliant women in exchange for typing on another screen just yet.
What am I griping about you ask? Well, I read this story today in the Technology section of the NY Times online called Social Books Hopes to Make E-Reading Communal and while I was initially impressed, I was also the teensiest bit disturbed.
I mean after all I'd hate for us to have to hear things from our husbands, wives, kids and colleages like "Why do you have to spend 3 hours at Cindy's house when there's an app for that?" I mean isn't book club our little escape for those we love and all their demands? And yes, isn't it also a break from staring at the little screen and tapping away at the keyboard, which many of us do all day long?
Grumble, grumble... like I said, I ususally come around to new technology and maybe by this time next year I'll be all about the read and chat app - but for now I think I'll search for the corkscrew get out the cheese and crackers and call the girls.
How 'bout you?
-- Dana Barrett, Contributing Editor
