I had a mini crisis the other day while browsing the many shelves of my local used bookstore. After collecting some possible purchases and getting lost in the many selections, I came to realize that I was the only customer in the shop. No one joined me in the hunt for the perfect book or peaked over my shoulder at the numerous titles and authors.
Though my purpose in coming to the bookstore was to relieve some stress in solitude, I hadn’t realized just how infrequently people shared the same experience. Is it not common to go to the bookstore anymore? Would everyone rather stay in the confines of their homes, possibly with an ebook in front of them or, *gasp*, a cellphone?
It may seem we’re already slaves to technology, but I refuse to believe we're completely doomed. There is a certain satisfaction that comes with turning the last page of a hard copy that just can’t be reinvented by these new advancements we’ve become accustomed to.
To the few who agree with me, have no fear, I’ve come up with a list of reasons why books can never, and will never, go out of style.
1. The vintage aesthetic
You know what I’m talking about. That tumblr-coffee-shop-cool-non-perscription-glasses aesthetic. You never see the cool kids carrying a kindle, but rather a beat up copy of Moby Dick, or maybe some of Poe’s tales if you’re lucky.
2. The growth of the Young Adult genre
After the release of Twilight, the YA genre increased exponentially and is still on the rise.
Teens have the time to binge-read or question their lives of angst and self discovery. What could appeal more to them than a nice John Green book, or maybe some Sarah Dessen?
3. Instagram
You know it’s true. Coffee table books litter the shelves of Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie, giving us all the perfect photo op. The picture of our dream apartment in New York City couldn't thrive without a copy of Alexa Chung's It laying out, now could it?
4. Amazon Prime
Oh yes, this package has more uses than just its unlimited episodes of Sex and the City. One can’t refuse the free 2 day shipping and discounted popular books at the click of a button. They just can’t.
5. There’s always going to be those people
The book collectors, smellers (yes, smellers), English majors and English lovers… need I say more? There will always be a demand for these treasures we call books, especially by those who appreciate them.
