Sucking Readers In?
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I listen to a lot of audio books. Might as well since I easily top 20,000 miles a year in the car. A good book performer can make a decent book good and good book great, but one recent work I heard was unlike anything I’ve ever encountered. In fact, the publishing world is trying a few different things lately to grab the attention of a distraction-filled world.
The interesting book I discovered is called The Chopin Manuscript by Jeffrey Deaver. I had never read his stuff before but knew the name. He’s well known and respected enough to have been tasked with writing the newest James Bond novel, Carte Blanche, which released earlier this summer.
The interesting thing about The Chopin Manuscript is that the book was written along with 14 other noted authors. Deaver created the characters and set the plot in motion before handing off to the waiting group of collaborators, each of whom took a chapter. Eventually the book wound its way back to Deaver who finished the story off. Pretty good stuff from a group of people who recognize that novels should be, well, novel. I enjoyed the story, especially as it was read by Alfred Molina who’s a gifted actor. My only complaint is the lack of an afterword by Deaver. If ever a book deserved some discussion regarding the creative process this was it.
The publishing industry has a couple other novelties on the way these days. Two of these endeavors are quite fascinating and could change the way some people read books.
This article in The Atlantic describes recent attempts, particularly by a company called Booktrack, to provide soundtracks for books. The idea is to allow readers with electronic devices to sync premade music, ambient sounds, and effects to their reading pace.
The process has plenty of kinks to work out but isn’t likely to go away. The concept kind of reminds me of the books on records I listened to as a kid. Does anybody remember those? You would start the record and read along with a colorful insert. The narrator would say something like, “Every time you hear this sound *Ding!* turn the page.” My favorite was Alice in Wonderland. I can still hear the nervous rabbit and cackling queen.
Another new marriage of technology and reading comes from Gregg and Evan Spiridellis, the brothers who run a great site called JibJab. If you’ve never encountered this hilarious site, they offer e-cards that can be stand alone or customized by putting personal images into a variety of wild videos and snapshots. Great fun.
According to this USA Today story (video included), the brothers are taking their concept to children’s books. These new books allow children to truly enter a story by becoming actual characters, visually and nominally, in the tale. Digital readers and iTunes make the process possible. Great ideas are often remarkably simple, and this one is no different. The entrepreneurial brothers are really onto something here.
Perhaps these experiments will forever change the world of books. Like anything else, some of you probably consider yourself purists while others will dive into whatever novelty heads your way. So what do you think? Are any of these ventures appealing or are you gonna pass?
Did you ever listen to those books on record or CD?
What do you think about these publishing attempts to mix things up?
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Life. Culture. Education.
Life as Pop Culture Professor Clay Morgan
In The Matrix, Morpheus tells Neo he can take the blue pill and go on believing whatever he wants to believe. Or he can take the red pill to stay in Wonderland and find out how deep the rabbit hole goes.
This is a red pill type site that provides information in an entertaining way. It’s about clear thinking and good writing. It’s about finding meaning amidst the absurd. It’s about humor and truth.
I’m a writer / speaker who teaches history and political courses at a couple of local colleges. Where is local, you say? Well, that would be Wonderland of course.
On topics ranging from pop culture to the meaning of life, my brain’s always poppin’. Take the red pill and unplug.
This is the first I have heard of all this new technology. I remember working as an Illustrator in Madison and they had “a chapter a day” on public radio. I used to look forward to that more than anything.We drive to Wisconsin each summer and in the past we have listened to books on tape.
Since I started writing in February the whole books on tape idea hadn’t even crossed my mind. Lots to think about!
Great post!
Thanks Susie. I’m in the car by myself a lot so it’s easy for me to listen to what I want. When others are involved I don’t listen to any books.
We had those books as kids, they were great! I remember Dumbo, Pinocchio and Br’er Rabbit the most. The ideas are great but I’d probably say I’m more purist when it comes to the idea of having ourselves as the “stars” of stories. Although I’m probably thinking about it incorrectly; imagining tales like Snow White and the others where the fact would probably be a bit different.
I just keep thinking of that Simpsons episode where Homer made Lisa a star of a story that didn’t quite go as planned…
I think I had Pinocchio as well and definitely had Snow White. Loved it.
I’m in children’s publishing and I still make those books on tape. Although they’re not on tape anymore – they’re on CD now, even for the kids.
We’re also doing a lot behind the scenes to turn some of our existing classic books into different formats such as for the iPad. The characters can become animated and the kids can touch the screen and make them do different things that go along with the story. There’s also music and sound effects.
I’m not sure I’d want the novels I read to have soundtracks because it would really influence my reading of the story. I’d be willing to give it a try though.
I don’t know much about your work but it sounds cool. You’re in publishing eh? Children’s books lend themselves to the use of these types of tech. Me and the boys listened to a lot of books on CD over the years. They would pick em out and we’d have the most peaceful car rides with nary a DVD player. They would really get into Goosebumps. I think we stumbled into that tradition when Wendys or some fast food joint put the CDs in their kid’s meals.
The Chopin Manuscript was great!
Once again we are tracking on the entertainment options. I’m at once pleased by the validation you provide and disturbed to be on the same wave length as you.
I have done those JibJab videos with my family’s faces on dancing characters and they are oh so fun. I am interested to see what they do with the children’s books. My kids would love to be characters in actual books/videos as they love to read and are completely self involved (they are children, goes with the territory). Thanks for the heads up Clay!!
I can still hear that “ding” in my head, even after all these years.
That ding will never go away. Glad you know how fun JibJab can be. I’ve had a blast with it.
What a novel concept for a book. It reminds me of those continuing stories from school days when someone would say a few words and the next person would craft their part of the story – it was truly a collaborative effort with some interesting results.
I like books with dramatic effects and music. Some of the earliest ones I remember were the Berenstain Bears on cassette tape.
The JibJab stuff is great. I can remember laughing ’til we cried at my family’s elves production. I hadn’t heard about their integration of children into their stories. It’s genius!
Those guys are genius methinks. Berenstein Bears huh? Never got into them. Did I miss out?
Interesting stuff. I like that they’re trying new things. I know that e-readers and e-publishing have marked the biggest change in “the book” since the invention of the printing press.
At a writing conference two years ago, a publisher was talking to me about the iPhone market for kids’ books. She was looking at making books available only in that format, with “click-throughs” to music/research/animation etc.
I too remember the turn-a-page “Dings.” My special book-on-a-floppy-record was The Jungle Book.
The publishers are looking at everything. I heard one editor describing a whole new strategy for their children’s market stuff. Really involved. Another editor told me to start writing for a website concept for teens they just developed as well. But I already had 17 jobs :-/
I wore out my record of The Haunted Mansion as a kid. Loved the spooky sounds in the background.
However, I never liked being read to, I’d always rather read it myself. I remember my 6th grade reading class and the teacher read us To Kill A Mockingbird, chapter by chapter every day. After the first couple days, I asked if I could read the book on my own in the hallway and (thankfully) she let me. I read very fast, but I often re-read sentences or whole paragraphs if I particularly like the scene or the imagery. When listening to books on tape, I feel like I am constantly missing something cause I have to concentrate on keeping up with the reader instead of concentrating on the writing. I wish I did like listening to books, though, cause it would be great to go for walks and “read” books at same time.
You were the smarty pants weren’t you Amy?
Going into the hall by request? Man, I spent plenty of time there but never asked!
I didn’t have those books as a kid, and honestly, I think it’s a shame we lose all those perks as adults. In some ways, the farther we get from childhood, the more remote “fun” becomes. Who doesn’t need a “ding” now and again?
I have been a huge fan of books on tape & CD for many years, and have frequently encountered a disdainful attitude when I say that. It’s not regarded as “real” reading. But I’ve found it to be an excellent way to consume more books, especially difficult literature by a good reader. A good audio book is an excellent companion to a long drive. And, many libraries have audio books that can be downloaded onto even simple phones. I had a tiny memory card in my clamshell phone and was able to download the books onto it. I’m no techie but it was a simple process. Now, let’s see if I can do the same on my new smartphone.
We went the library route for a while to get audio books. Not a bad option. And maybe those records as a kid are part of the reason I love audio books so much these days.
A group of young adult/children’s writers and illustrators did a book like that called The Exquisite Corpse for the Libary of Congress. One writer wrote the first chapter then passed it on. I think it is in print now.
I had a Captain America ding book that I loved. I don’t think people ever tire of getting read to if the narrator does a nice job.
The concept should def work for YA like that too. And Capn America rocks.
Thanks for the heads up on this book, I’ve always like Deaver’s stuff and have a few audio credits to spend. I love listening to audiobooks while in the car, or at home after everyone else goes to bed. Great way to spend some quiet time.
Glad you got a good tip. Enjoy and let me know what you think.
I loved my books on records. We had 101 Dalmations and The Aristocrats on records, with large picture books to go with them. I think I kept them somewhere. Now, I listen to audio books when I take road trips. I find they keep me awake much better than the radio does. As for the new evolution of audio books, I have mixed feelings. It seems like electronics are being used more and more to replace human interaction between children and adults. On the other hand, it kind of sounds like fun. Thanks for a great blog, Clay.
Those picture books were the best part. I was so into the stories. As for modern tech, the coolest part is when parents and kids can use the story together for a personalized touch.
Oh, I loved ding books. My little blue record player ran Cinderella and Snow White and all the princesses that were available back in the 1970s. In fact, those ding books, may be how this dingbat learned how to read.
Because I also remember making “Books on Tape” for my brother to listen to. And I would try to replicate the ding.
Poor kid.
I would love to hear one of your book productions on tape. You were already a teacher back then!
I can’t listen to books on tape/record/CD. Apparently, I have a pretty short attention span and my mind wanders in about 47 seconds flat. Whenever I try to do it, I listen to the introduction, and think to myself “Yeah, this sounds pretty good”, wait for the initial problem of the protagonist, and then, all of a sudden, I’m half-way through the book, the protagonist is on his death bed/fighting a war/baring his soul over the loss of his father and I have no idea how we got there!
I’m one of “those” types of people who just need to read the book. I know, I know…SO old-fashioned.
Lots of folks I know don’t like audio books, can’t follow them. I hear the attention span thing a lot. I guess we’re all different. But I won’t call you and old fogey.
I’ve never listened to a book on tape or CD. I think I would probably daydream and miss something important. Sometimes I do that when I’m reading something, but flipping back a few pages is easier than rewinding. Either that, or if I got too engrossed in an audio book it might be a driving hazard. What do you do if you arrive at your destination just as the killer’s identity is going to be revealed or something like that? Do you let the engine idle until the end of the chapter?
Haha great question. First off, my brain is custom made for audio books I think. I’m way more an advocate than most people. Driving isn’t affected at all and if my mind needs to do other work I cut the book. As for what to do when the story is peaking and I’m arriving, well, that can be frustrating! I’ve been known to sit in a car and extra few minutes if time wasn’t pressing. Otherwise, I shut it down at a reasonable point when I’m nearing my destination.
I love books on CD, but I’m more of a purist when it comes to sound effects and music. In fact I’m re-listening to the entire Harry Potter series right now, read by the incomparable Jim Dale. That man is a force of nature. I’ll have to check out the Chopin Manuscript at the library once I get done.
I never listened to Harry Potter in that medium but I should since I never read (and I’m sure will read) the HP books which are by all accounts brilliant. I just know what I give my traditional reading attention to. You reminded me though, one of the best audio performances I ever heard was for Going Postal by legendary Brit author Terry Prachett. Fantastic fantasy
I don’t know who read it but he may be the best ever.
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Like you, I’m an audiobook fan. It might sound nice to have the background music but if I have to read along with the music, I won’t bother. Now, on the other hand, if it’s incorporated in the audio book, that’s less work for me and I’d enjoy it more.
The idea behind The Chopin Manuscript reminds me of something Dave Barry, Elmore Leonard, Carl Hiassen and some other Florida writers did a few years ago. They wrote a novel called Naked Came the Manatee. It wasn’t a great book, but at least they donoted the money to charity.
1. No
2. I like it.
I’m about to record my book on audio and I’m at some point going to say Educlaytion in the place of Education, without warning or correction.
My background music will be Billy Ray Cyrus B tracks.
Another serial collaborative novel I enjoyed: Naked Came the Phoenix. It was written by multiple mystery writers: http://www.amazon.com/Naked-Came-Phoenix-Serial-Novel/dp/0312251947 I can’t imagine a narrator reading such different voices!
I am SO ready for the book soundtrack, or the JibJab visual books, or anything that puts different media forms together. I think it sounds fun and will enhance the imagination. Great post!
At heart, I think I’m a purist and complete luddite, but I know my sons will grow up to love all this stuff. And at the end of the day, people will always want to listen to stories and stories will always be there, in whatever crazy, sensory-overloaded form they may take on next. Thanks for the update–I hadn’t heard about some of those ideas…I’m intrigued.
I think that publishers, people, churches, organizations do well when they mix things up–as long as it is done well.
I spend four hours a day in my car, yes insane, no not trucking, I live 110 miles from my job. Without audio books I’d be even crazier than I currently am. I’m looking forward to checking out the Deaver book, thanks for the heads up. The HP books on audio read by Jim Dale are incredible, be ready to spend some time though, any where from 8 cd’s to 20 I think. It’s all on my ipod which makes transport a whole lot easier. Another great one to listen to is the Robert B Parker Spenser series read by Joe Mantegna.
Like you, I travel over 20,000 miles in my car per year. Audiobooks are my livelihood during the hours spent in my car. This week’s book is “The Four Hour Work Week.”
Soundtracks for books sounds like an awesome idea to me.
I’m finishing up a Robert Ludlum (the guy who did Bourne Identity) book called The Ambler Warning. He drags everything out so terribly. If I were reading a hard copy I would’ve stopped hundreds of pages ago. The audio version has kept me going just enough, but I’ll often turn those off for good too.
[...] If you’re really interested in some of the other ways the literary world is getting creative then check out my post last year called Sucking Readers In. [...]