By now I’m sure you have heard of the recent closures and liquidations of Borders Books (both National and International) along with Angus and Robinson. I remember at the time being quite saddened as I visited my local Borders Books. A store which once stood in glory. I had fond memories of enjoying a coffee and browsing the books.
It wasn’t until this last weekend that I realised why the fate of the traditional bookstore had been sealed. Sunday morning started out with some TV flicking until I landing on a ‘highlight’ hour of the The Circle. For those not in the know, The Circle is the Australian version on The View where a panel or four or five women have conversations and interviews.
The particular story which caught my eye was the interview with former Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police, Christine Nixon. Now I’m not big TV watcher and will avoid the news like the plague, however everyone in Australia has heard about the Black Saturday fires and apparently the way Ms Nixon handled herself that day.
To me this didn’t mean much and I wasn’t overly interested, however what was evident fairly quickly was that Ms Nixon is a very intelligent woman. She was the only one to reach the level of Chief Commissioner within the police force and is, in fact, an advocate for women in leadership roles. The story explained how her book shares her life, the tough decisions she had to make and where to from here. Sounded to me like I needed to read this book.
I did a quick Google search, obviously not a very good one – more on this later – and discovered the book was released on the 2nd August, so only a few days ago. With plans for a family lunch and a birthday afternoon tea, I didn’t have a lot of time for searching at bookstores. In between lunch and afternoon tea, I convinced my partner to visit Pacific Fair with me where they have at least two book stores. Being a new release, I was sure to find a copy.
Enter the first book store which was a former Angus and Robinson, now called Book Stars. The twit behind the counter had never heard of Christine Nixon (and I thought I didn’t watch much TV) or the book. And of course she didn’t have a electronic search – so very helpful.
Second attempt was at Myer – don’t they always have the new releases??? As common as it’s becoming in Myer, there were no sales staff around. We eventually found one in another department but when asked, she hadn’t seen the book.
So two stores down and no book, despite it being a new release, and I would have assumed a fairly big release in Australia. Instead of trekking to another bookstore I decided to call QBD. The lady I spoke to was the only helpful one who informed me that it was released on the 2nd August and they should have it in the store in the next few weeks. Few weeks, seriously!
Whilst walking back to the car I searched on my iPhone for an electronic version of the book. Being an Australian book, and a new release, I didn’t like my chances. But my saving grace was Amazon and Kindle. I had the book downloaded before I got the car. It was a bargain at only $9.99. Earlier in the day I had done a quick search and found that the RRP of the book was $36.00. Moral of the story: Why Would You Shop Anywhere Else!
When I first got my iPad and Kindle I was determined, when reading fiction or biographies for pleasure, never to replace a printed book for an electronic version. I’ve always found pleasure in the look and feel of a book and always enjoyed holding them when reading. I’m finding, however, that purchasing and reading electronic books is just so convenient, that I rarely purchase a printed book.
When travelling I always carried three or four books, along with magazines. When I think … it’s quite an inconvenience. Now when I travel I have all my reading, both fiction and non-fiction, in one place. On my iPhone. And I still have the ability to turn pages.
The demise of the book store is well on it’s way. Electronic books are just so easy and convenient … and have many of the characteristics of printed books, and so much more. Overall it’s a great way to read and I’m not looking back!
How do you prefer to read? Book, iPad, Kindle, share your comments and experience below.
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