This is so fascinating. My 12-year-old daughter recently read a novel that she loved and couldn't stop talking about, which, of course, was music to my book-loving ears. But she talked almost as much, and even more passionately, about how much she hated the book cover (it was a paperback copy of The Silver Linings Playbook with pictures of Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence). I thought she was just being her weird little self, but of course, as so often happens, when I think she's being weird she's actually evincing the TikTok zeitgeist. Thank you for explaining my tween, Alyssa!
As an old books professional (aka miss bible) I can definitely see how books have always been aesthetic objects throughout their history and I love that we have come around to being interested in a more almost artisanal approach to book design with the sprayed edges and special editions. It's interesting to see how interest in book collecting has evolved with technology - I've always been really resistant to the kindle because I want the object itself! But I love the idea of the trophy books and I could totally get behind that practice. Maybe I'll become a kindle girly?
This is so fascinating. My 12-year-old daughter recently read a novel that she loved and couldn't stop talking about, which, of course, was music to my book-loving ears. But she talked almost as much, and even more passionately, about how much she hated the book cover (it was a paperback copy of The Silver Linings Playbook with pictures of Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence). I thought she was just being her weird little self, but of course, as so often happens, when I think she's being weird she's actually evincing the TikTok zeitgeist. Thank you for explaining my tween, Alyssa!
This is so interesting, Sarah! Thank you!
As an old books professional (aka miss bible) I can definitely see how books have always been aesthetic objects throughout their history and I love that we have come around to being interested in a more almost artisanal approach to book design with the sprayed edges and special editions. It's interesting to see how interest in book collecting has evolved with technology - I've always been really resistant to the kindle because I want the object itself! But I love the idea of the trophy books and I could totally get behind that practice. Maybe I'll become a kindle girly?
Miss Bible! Thank you for your unique perspective. I do think you should become a Kindle girlie, I will send you some stickers :)