2.08.2014

A New Kasama...Farewell, Sony. Hello, Kobo.

Some of you may have heard/read the news on NPR that Sony is closing its e-bookstore, the Reader Store, next month. This was very sad news for me because I own a Sony e-reader, the Sony Daily Edition. I even have the Reader Store app on my phone in case of a reading emergency.

I bought my first and only e-reader before I left for Peace Corps Philippines, and I chose my device with deliberate care. I decided on the Sony Daily Edition because it was user-friendly, had  plenty of storage space along with an SD slot for additional storage (just in case), and most importantly ( for me) because Sony is committed to using open formats. I chose my perfect reader, and it was my faithful Kasama* during my time in the Philippines, and continues to be a wonderful travel companion. The closing of the Reader Store made me sad, but then I continued reading...


Sony is closing its e-bookstore, the Reader Store, and transferring the accounts of American and Canadian customers to e-reading company Kobo. In a press release, Ken Orii, Sony's vice president of Digital Reading Business Division said, "Kobo is the ideal solution for our customers and will deliver a robust and comprehensive user experience. Like Sony, they are committed to those most passionate about reading and share our vision to use open formats** so people can easily read anytime and anywhere." 

Awww Kobo, friend to passionate readers, open formats, and indie booksellers. Farewell, Sony Reader Store. I will miss you dearly. Hello, Kobo. I'm pleased to make your acquaintance. I look forward to getting to know you better.

*Kasama strictly translated means companion. As a female volunteer, I was told/instructed that women in the Philippines did not travel anywhere alone.  While the veracity of that statement is subject to interpretation, it is true that when I went out unaccompanied, I was often asked where was my Kasama or if I needed a Kasama. To enjoy the solitude that I needed and craved, I took to referring to my e-reader as my Kasama.

** emphasis mine

2.06.2014

Good News Part 2

Pauline Robinson Branch Library is an official pick-up site for World Book Night 2014

Good News Part 1...I'm a Giver



 2014 logo
  
Spreading the Love of Reading,
Person to Person
   
Dear Regina,
Congratulations! You will be a 2014 World Book Night giver...after you do one more thing!

First:  We are delighted to tell you that the book you'll be giving away is Where'd You Go Bernadette, Maria Semple.


Where'd You Go, Bernadette

2.03.2014

Truth in Fiction Flora & Ulysses The Illuminated Adventures

 Flora & Ulysses The Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo


Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures
"The giant squid is the loneliest of all God's creatures. He  can sometimes go for the whole of his life without seeing another of his kind." Dr. Meescham to Flora


"That squid is a villain," said Flora out loud. "He needs to be vanquished. He's eating a boat. And he's going to eat all the people on the boat."

"Yes, well, loneliness makes us do terrible things*..." p. 124

* emphasis mine