Readerly-Writerly Thoughts

Books were going to die because the kids had no appreciation for stories.  For them, reading required too much effort when compared to movies and video games.  The threat increased when movies could be viewed at home, even more so when game consoles and joysticks resided in the living room.  Besides, people weren't going to the mall so much anymore.  How could people make their book purchases if they didn't go to the mall?

That's the fear outlined in a NY Times story from 1991 which outlined the busting of "publishing myths" that resulted from falling sales.  (The article concludes with: " Another publisher, who insisted on anonymity, said, "The biggest myth of all survives: that we know what we are doing.")

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In other news, expected emails shall be completed tonight!

And in other other news, yesterday's karate tournament went well.  It was big and crazy and loud, but my students were awesome (no first places, but three second places) and the company couldn't have been better.  This year, I can get away without competing.  I don't think I'll get away with it next season.  I'm not certain if I'm daunted or excited at the prospect.

"That's Kinda Neat!"

I love my little nephews. The eldest, seven-year-old Jake, reminds me of myself when I was little.  Very verbal, loves to read, socially awkward on the inside, able to put on a good show on the outside.  Since he's an older brother, and I was his Mommy's older sister, he calls me when he needs someone to commiserate with, when his little brother is driving him crazy.  But most of all, I love to hear his comments about life, what he views as important, how he interprets stuff.

Before tonight's family dinner, we adults were talking about a friend going through a tough time and what we could do to help.  "Whoa, wait a minute," says Jake. "I thought only kids needed help with stuff."  Nope, I told him, and gave a few examples, tossing in that helping each other was what made families, friendships, and communities really, really strong.

He thought about it for a moment, staring off into space, then said, "So grown-ups need help, too.  Wow.  I gotta remember that.  That's kinda neat!"

And you know what?  He's absolutely right.  It's extremely neat that grown-ups need help.  We never need to outgrow our inherent need to connect, and we never need to grow into an isolated creature.  Needing help is natural.  It's actually a strength.  And it's absolutely beautiful.

Then, as my mother tried to say a prayer before dinner, the younger nephew (not yet three) interrupts with, "I just tooted in my pants!" followed with sound effects.

My brain nearly exploded with the effort of not laughing.