4 ms·

Since a few comments mention the superiority of "real books", maybe those with that opinion see Instagram as downgrading the reading experience. For some persp

by jasode 7y ago

Since a few comments mention the superiority of "real books", maybe those with that opinion see Instagram as downgrading the reading experience. For some perspective, keep in mind that many famous novels were originally magazine or newspaper installments.[0] Therefore, reading works like Dumas' "Count of Monte Cristo", Dostoevsky's "Crime & Punishment", or Tolstoy's "Anna Karenina" -- in consolidated book form -- is the incorrect method of reading their words. And the correct way to read Charles Dickens is in partial installments to stop at the cliffhanger and then wait a month to resume the story. Or maybe, the Instagram'ing of novels can be seen as harmless re-serializing of books. An aside about what "reading" really is... Some think that listening to the words of a book (e.g. Audible) instead of seeing the words with eyeballs is also not really reading. Does this also mean that blind people are never really "reading" unless their fingers are touching braille? But the reverse can be true. We're consuming "The Iliad" incorrectly if reading it as a book since it was originally orally transmitted instead of written down. For some, the physical medium defines what reading is. I don't agree with that but it's clear some really have rigid opinions about how the authors' words are supposed to enter our brains. EDIT ADD: similar bite-sized reading behavior on smartphones in China explained by a16z Connie Chan. It's not too different from Charles Dickens serializations in the 19th century. Deeplink about China's mobile book economy at 6m25s: https://youtu.be/78pLIj4xeVs?t=6m25s https://youtu.be/78pLIj4xeVs?t=6m25s [0] https://booksonthewall.com/blog/serial-novel-a-brief-history/ https://booksonthewall.com/blog/serial-novel-a-brief-history...

saalweachter 7y ago
You will find a certain argument that you are "reading" all poetry wrong, if you are not reading it aloud.
- jasode 7y ago
  Likewise, "The Iliad" with its repetitions of text that look tedious in written form is really a long poem that's meant to be performed and heard. The oral repetitions are a memory aid for the audience listening to the story. Some historians say the itinerant wanderer would also have a lute to pluck some music accompaniment to add drama to key parts of the poem.
  - shantly 7y ago
    The Iliad has nothing on other literature from around the same time and earlier, most of which is Egyptian or Babylonian / Akkadian. The latter, especially, I find damn near un-readable for that reason. What little Ancient Egyptian storytelling we have is similar, lots of repetition probably to make it easier to recite from memory, but (massive exception of Gilgamesh aside—holy crap it's good) they're better storytellers so it's a bit more tolerable.
- mijamo 7y ago
  Well that is certainly true. Ready poetry in silence is like reading the lyrics of a song instead of listening to the music. Sure you can do it but don't tell me you're getting the whole experience.
globuous 7y ago
Definitely, and in a sense a novel back then was much closer to nowaday’s shows, that come with a new piece of the story every week. Slightly off topic, but since your brought it up, ive just finished the count of monte cristo, and it is the most fantastic and incredible story i have ever heard. Its a story of broken hearts and vengeance like never before nor after. I couldnt believe someone had imagined such an incredible story, and it turns out the book is loosely based of off a true story. Because you couldnt make it up ;p besides, at least in french, it is very well written. Not at all « heavy » to read, it flows very well, it really does not feel like it was written back then. So if you’ve been looking for a book to read while commuting, i couldnt recommend this one more, enjoy ! ;)
Rerarom 7y ago
And the right way of reading Harry Potter, I presume, is with two-year intervals between books, as God and Rowling intended.
- NoGravitas 7y ago
  One year. You should read the first one when you turn eleven, and then read another one each year afterwards until you finish.

by jasode 7y ago

saalweachter 7y ago

You will find a certain argument that you are "reading" all poetry wrong, if you are not reading it aloud.

jasode 7y ago
Likewise, "The Iliad" with its repetitions of text that look tedious in written form is really a long poem that's meant to be performed and heard. The oral repetitions are a memory aid for the audience listening to the story. Some historians say the itinerant wanderer would also have a lute to pluck some music accompaniment to add drama to key parts of the poem.
- shantly 7y ago
  The Iliad has nothing on other literature from around the same time and earlier, most of which is Egyptian or Babylonian / Akkadian. The latter, especially, I find damn near un-readable for that reason. What little Ancient Egyptian storytelling we have is similar, lots of repetition probably to make it easier to recite from memory, but (massive exception of Gilgamesh aside—holy crap it's good) they're better storytellers so it's a bit more tolerable.
mijamo 7y ago
Well that is certainly true. Ready poetry in silence is like reading the lyrics of a song instead of listening to the music. Sure you can do it but don't tell me you're getting the whole experience.

globuous 7y ago

Definitely, and in a sense a novel back then was much closer to nowaday’s shows, that come with a new piece of the story every week. Slightly off topic, but since your brought it up, ive just finished the count of monte cristo, and it is the most fantastic and incredible story i have ever heard. Its a story of broken hearts and vengeance like never before nor after. I couldnt believe someone had imagined such an incredible story, and it turns out the book is loosely based of off a true story. Because you couldnt make it up ;p besides, at least in french, it is very well written. Not at all « heavy » to read, it flows very well, it really does not feel like it was written back then. So if you’ve been looking for a book to read while commuting, i couldnt recommend this one more, enjoy ! ;)

Rerarom 7y ago

And the right way of reading Harry Potter, I presume, is with two-year intervals between books, as God and Rowling intended.

NoGravitas 7y ago
One year. You should read the first one when you turn eleven, and then read another one each year afterwards until you finish.