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Literary Luxury: Compromised?Jul 05 '07 Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line Books are like oranges--whether printed or in audio formats. Continue reading to see why.
POOR MR. POSTMAN This afternoon, I placed a fifteen-minute telephone call to my state’s branch of the Talking Book and Braille Library and successfully caused the attending librarian to question her job satisfaction. How may a well-meaning, book-loving patron do this? She may accomplish this feat by spending a quarter-hour rattling off call numbers to various books, resulting in a stack of over thirty titles. My selections shall likely arrive within the week. I smile to think of the poor postman, attempting to deliver a parcel of untold proportions. However, his lot is not nearly so bad as it could be, for my books shall at least arrive in audio format. BACKGROUND For those who are unaware, I am blind and receive my materials either in Braille or in various audio editions. Contrary to popular belief, Braille is neither another language nor a series of meaningless dots. Rather, when blind or low-vision individuals read Braille, the information actually travels to the visual cortex, just as reading print would for a sighted person. Although some of my experiences are unique to Braille-reading, much of these ideas are applicable to both Braille and print. STANDARD BOOKS: ADVANTAGES When I was in grade-school, a program was introduced whose sole intent was to stunt children’s imaginations. This erroneous system was known as Accelerated Reader; much though I would love to report its inventors to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Bibliophiles, I shall save that for the Writer’s Corner. Anyway, I was not permitted to participate unless I read all materials in Braille. Certainly, there do exist advantages to this idea. When actually reading a book, one is able to imagine voices and scenes more clearly. On the few occasions that I have read a book before listening to it, I have found that the narrator did not do the book at all justice. When reading a standard print book, intonations and rhythms are not dictated by an arbitrary narrator. Perhaps this will seem unimportant to some, but written material allows the reader to view the correct spellings of names and places. Moreover, one is easily able to see what punctuation an author chose to use. If you find this unessential information, imagine attempting to cite a quotation from an audio book; indeed, knowing about an author’s punctuation is crucial. When strolling through the charming gardens and pleasant paths in Anne of Green Gables, not a detail in the scenery is omitted when reading a standard book. For a reader’s “convenience”, audio books are often abridged. The result is not a book but “the bones of a plot, and a razor-thin modicum of style” (Barbara Kingsolver). Abridged books are literary packing pellets and should not be taken seriously unless the reader has very little time. Print books allow for exquisite detail that many audio books lack. STANDARD BOOKS: DISADVANTAGES As a Braille reader, I am only able to read one word at a time. Consequently, I am generally able to read only 90-120 words per minute. Though rewarding, using a non-audio format can be tedious for me. Moreover, Braille books often come in numerous bulky volumes. My Bible, for example, consists of twenty volumes, each two to three inches thick. Imagine taking this entire collection to church! (I usually have to take whatever books I read in bits and pieces in order to save space). The situation is similar when considering print books. Depending upon how quickly you read and the book’s interest level, it may be faster and more convenient to choose books in audio formats when possible. When reading hardback material, it can be tedious to travel with your literary delights. I shan’t delve into this, but I know of a Christian devotional book that is somewhat larger than many of my Braille volumes. Nowadays, audio books are available in MP3 format—a much simpler solution to carrying a plethora of bound paper. MISCELLANEOUS THOUGHTS Although convenient, audio books frequently feature narrators that attempt to enhance the book and serve as interpreters rather than merely readers. Many recordings feature multi-voiced narration, dramatic sound affects, music, etc. Some believe that this aids in concentration and gives the book a bit more character; I, on the other hand, become distracted by anything save simple narration. MY EXPERIENCE Considering my promotion of the written word over the spoken one, it may surprise the reader to discover that I generally attempt to locate audio books. I am generally unable to locate my favorite titles in Braille, and do not wish to sacrifice a great deal of time in order to read. However, when I listen to a book, I do just that: I do not clean, write an Epinion, do aerobics, etc while I listen. Rather, I make it my goal to improve myself with every delicious word. The library from which I order these materials has a colossal collection of recordings, all of which are unabridged. The narrators generally present the story accurately, with no vocal interpretation. My lengthy sojourn in Audio-Ville, therefore, has not been a difficult one. When more books are available in Braille, I shall again begin reading them. IN SUMMARY Indeed, it is best to purchase or check out written material if at all possible. One seldom risks having books mutilated by abridgement-happy sellers, and one is treated to an opportunity for imagination. For those for whom standard books are not an option, attempt to obtain unabridged audio books; this is possible, if you are willing to do a bit of leg-work. If dramatic narration disturbs you, attempt to check out or buy books from Recorded Books, Inc. Audio books can be wonderful experiences; however, the importance of standard books should never be neglected. Above all, however, is the value of reading—whichever material you choose. Find something you enjoy and devour it until you have squeezed from it all it has to offer. Books are like oranges; if you read them, you could transform them into a delicious orange drink. If not, they rot in your refrigerator. Be cautioned, though; if abridged, they become orange flavoring for hard candy.  |
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