The Curmudgeonly Professor

A Turning of the Tide?: Esther's Classic Literature Blog from About.com

Esther's Classic Literature Blog

By Esther Lombardi, Classic Literature Guide

A Turning of the Tide?

Thursday September 9, 2010

Book review sections are being pulled from many newspapers in the US--it's a trend that some critics have linked with the decline in reading (40% of Americans and 37% of Britons don't read books (the percentage is even lower if we're talking about "literary" books. There's little doubt that the numbers are troubling. The NEA's study--from a few years ago--showed just how dramatic the decline has been, as readers read steadily less, and have poorer comprehension.

So, why am I depressing you with the decline of books this bright and cheery morning? I believe it's a tide in events that we can take steps to turn, even in our own small way (a droplet in an ocean of decline--taken with influences--can make a difference). And, yes, I believe that hope is not yet lost for readers (and writers)! I've seen the intensity of emotion in so many readers' eyes. We love to read. We need to read and we need to share our love of books with others.

via classiclit.about.com

One Thousand One Hundred Third Post: I'm On Facebook

In my rational exuberance, I forgot to honor the century mark of another one hundred posts and make a big deal out of it.  So I will just mention that on the 1,103d post, I have gone over the edge and accepted two invitations to sign up for facebook.  I thought this was just a teenage or college age thing to waste time on while attending class or church, but apparently even actual adults and famous people have facebook pages.  I doubt I have more than the two friends who invited me out there in cyberspace in the blogosphere, but I will keep you posted to see whether I regret doing this.  I've wondered if most people just have better or more important things to do than facebook trivia, but perhaps I am wrong and perhaps facebook "friends" become a whole new network and way of life as a gift of the blogosphere.  More later.