[DebraSeattleGrrl]

Paperbacks, granted, may not be as prevalent but I certainly don't believe that physical books will vanish. I do think, though, in the not so distant future, there will be a drastic shift in the ratio of new e-books to physical books.

I wonder what the advent of the e-reader means for our local libraries. Can you imagine the possibilities? Can you picture what it could be like in terms of textbooks and general learning? No more waiting in line at college campus book stores or loading up a child's backpack in the morning.

That being said, I've never had anyone ever autograph an e-book. I've also never had a book "break" or run out of power. I can not imagine what it would be like teaching a child to read without a tangible, individual book. Certainly less enjoyable I imagine. And, yes, I enjoy the aesthetic quality of a physical book.