Articles we read (and loved) in May
Elly Clapin
1/ What it’s like to be a deaf novelist
By Sara Novic @NovicSara
A truly fascinating read to kick off our list this month, with Sara Novic writing about her experiences as a deaf novelist. Her article captivates immediately with mention of the audiobook version of her first novel that she will never hear, and goes on to explore her relationship with the English language, American Sign Language (ASL), and books. Novic is gentle and engaging in her discussion of the issues faced by d/Deaf* writers – it’s definitely an article worth reading.
*Novic explains that “the capital “D” is used to refer to those who associate themselves with the Deaf community; a minority are medically deaf but choose not to associate with that community.”
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/may/23/what-its-like-to-be-a-deaf-novelist
2/ When Did Books Get So Freaking Enormous? The Year of the Very Long Novel
By Boris Kachka @borisk
This article is intriguing not only for its discussion of the recent popularity of the “VLN” (very long novel), but also for its insights into reading behaviours in general. Kachka touches on the appeal of reading as a “discreet, solitary experience” that stands in resistance to the fast-paced tech world we all inhibit. The discussion of literary series as a paper-and-ink alternative to binge-watching a television series is also interesting, and on point.
http://www.vulture.com/2015/05/year-of-the-very-long-novel.html?wpsrc=nymag
3/ Rare pound note worth $1.5 million uncovered in National Library’s Collection
By Sally Pryor, @sally_pryor
Isn’t there just something so ENTHRALLING about a treasure hidden deep in the archives of Australia’s largest reference library? A chance inquiry last year unearthed Australia’s very first pound note, which lay undocumented, virtually untouched, and in mint condition in a non-descript binder in the building’s secure strongroom. It’s a pretty incredible find, and a fascinating read for anybody who likes history – or a little mystery!
4/ Australians’ library borrowings shows our fascination with crime and cooking
By Emma Wynne, @em_wynne
Did you know that nearly half of our population are registered library members? The Australian Library and Information Assocation (ALIA) conducted a survey on library behaviours to mark Library and Information Week, with some fascinating insights shared in this article. So far in 2015, it seems crime and cooking titles are high in demand! Don’t miss the comments from 720 ABC Perth listeners listed at the bottom of the article, either – it’s great to hear direct insight from other library lovers. As ALIA chief executive Sue McKerracher notes, libraries of today are “no longer the hushed and solemn places of old.”
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-05-27/popular-australian-library-borrowings-revealed/6500520
5/ When You’re Finished Reading This Book, It Turns Into a Tree
By Liz Dwyer @losangelista
This may be one of the coolest ideas EVER: a children’s book made from recycled paper and biodegradable ink, with Jacaranda tree seeds hand-swen into the binding. Once the kids are finished reading it, the book can be planted in the ground so that “the pages and binding will eventually decompose, the seeds will take root, and, with a little love and care, a flowering tree will eventually begin to sprout.” We have trees to thank for our most precious paperbacks, so this kind of repurposing seems wonderfully poetic.
http://www.takepart.com/video/2015/05/31/you-can-plant-this-book-grows-tree
