Book Run!

It’s time to create a quick list of potential purchases this Fall.

My reading style is a bit odd because even though I am in the middle of a series, I tend to intersperse books on different subjects as little breaks. Thus, I am in the middle of choosing what to get, here are my options currently:

Science!

Genius:  The Life and Science of Richard Feynman – The epitome of flamboyance and eccentricity, but one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century.

Einstein: His Life and Universe – Need I really explain this option?

Isaac Newton – An in depth look into the beginnings of one of the greatest intellectual minds, ever.

Erwin Schrodinger and the Quantum Revolution –  He’s the father of Quantum Mechanics; it’s a must-read.

In Search of Schrodinger’s cat – I think my bias is showing.

Everything Else.

1Q84  – An epic by Murakami spanning a little over 1,000 pages, I welcome the challenge.

David and Goliath – I want to Malcom Gladwell, I really do, but I probably won’t.

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My Barnes and Noble wishlist is hovering right around 100 – needless to say, I’ve left out a few – but, as I stated, this is just a quick review of the books I am considering.

 

 

 

 

eReaders & currently reading

eReaders

I am not a Luddite – I understand the use of technology and generally embrace it – but neither am I classified as an Innovator or Early Adopter on the Law of Diffusion of Innovation scale. I’m skeptical with new technology; not for an irrational fear of it becoming sentient, but because early editions of technology have bugs. I tinker with things – systems – and if I had purchased one when it released I would have been too preoccupied with improving it. In any case, the advent of eReaders went largely unnoticed as I have a preference for actual books, and while I still do not own one, I can understand the convenience of such technology.

I’m a frequent flyer and voracious reader, so when I created the perfect need to want to space to weight ratio that could fit inside a weekender bag it did not include the eReader variable. My natural inclination to improve systems would lead to the logical conclusion that the purchase of an eReader would drastically alter the formula. My weight would significantly decrease consequently allowing more space due to the removal of physical books (never more than two). The rough estimate of a hardcover a smidgen under 500 pages would be a bit over a 1lb plus a second book, normally paperback, that is around 350-400 pages is roughly 17 ounces.

The ‘best’ eReader on the market is $119 and 7.3 ounces. The average total cost of both the hardcover and paperback is $47 and would round to 2lbs. However, the eReader allows for infinitely more books independent of physical space while actual books would hamper space and weight. Thus, as any INTJ would, I have weighed the benefits and the true cost to own as well as the long-term worth of such a purchase.

The eReader’s use would only be when I am flying – which is every 3 months – and in the end would cost $119 + $30 (case) + $20 (removal of ads) + 16.99 ( hardcover ebook) + 9.99 (paperback ebook) =  $196 the first day. The weight saved is around 1.5lbs which is admirable, and the space is negligible as it has been accounted for by the eReader in it’s case. 1.5lbs alters the threshold for tangible weight difference which could result in less strain from 9lbs to 7.5lbs when carrying it through terminals. However, I am a creature of habit and once I begin a book I must finish it, and that would mean having to purchase two of the same book – physical copy and an ebook – every few months in order to continue reading while I am absent.

Is there any other way? If I designed it I would create a seamless ISBN transition from physical copy to eBook with the only stipulation being the inclusion of a receipt of purchase. It’s simple, easy, and excludes pirating.

Would an eBook be worth it? In short, no.

The length of the trip + the cost of eBooks + the horrible formatting I constantly hear from book ports + no audio-book functionality +  I prefer actual books.

 Currently Reading

My introduction to Haruki Murakami’s work came on a whim – a rare impulse purchase at the bookstore – with Kafka on the Shore. I enjoyed it, and as the title suggests it was very much Kafka-esque. Essentially a contemporary rendition of Oedipus mixed with Murakami’s quirky sensibility and other-worldly story-telling. Kafka on the Shore led me to The Windup Bird Chronicle which was paced a bit slower, and continued the multi-dimensional, otherworldly style that I enjoyed with the previous work of his I read. Finally, I landed on Hard-boiled Wonderland and the End of the World. 

An odd journey to say the least. I am not revealing any plot points or going to discuss the book in detail – but, I’d advise you to take a look at his work. It is a departure; and that is the most apt way to summarize his work in four words or less.

What now?

Now begins (or I re-enter) the world of the Dark Tower – Stephen King’s self-proclaimed Magnum Opus spanning 8 books of epic scope, depth, and proportion. The release of the Wind Through the Keyhole prompted a re-read of the entire series; here is the breakdown.

Have read:

The Dark Tower l: The Gunslinger
The Dark Tower ll: The Drawing of the Three
The Dark Tower lll: The Waste Lands
The Dark Tower IV: Wizard and Glass

Currently on:

The Dark Tower IV.V: The Wind Through the Keyhole

Up Next:

The Dark Tower V: Wolves of Calla
The Dark Tower VI: Song of Susannah
The Dark Tower Vll

Related:

Little sisters of Eluria (short story)

I may or may not read the prequel short story, but in all likelihood, I probably will. Closure, and all that.