Books and the beauty of technology.

So this weekend, not feeling overly ambitious, I finally read a book. I have felt horribly guilty not reading lately but I just couldn't bring myself to do it and I've no idea why. But I did it. And it wasn't that good. Highly disappointing. So what was this book...well, you know how I was telling you about Spanking Shakespeare earlier? Well I read Jake Wizner's second novel Castration Celebration. With a title like that I was giggling before I even read the book. However, it wasn't as fun to read as Spanking. He even pulled a few teacher moves-paralleling Shakespeare in the book. But the jokes are lame, the rhyming isn't that witty, the plot line is more predictable than my breakfast when there's only one box of cereal in the house. And for me, what seems like one of the most interesting side plots doesn't even get reconciled. That all being said if you're looking to read a book/play about Much Ado about Nothing set in a summer arts camp with semi funny modern teenage humor, it's worth the 4 hours that it takes to read it.


Now, my main reasons for writing today. I know I have a tendency to rant about technology and its ill effects on literature. But I want to say I'm not against it. I, for example, have learned about soooo many books I likely would never have heard of if it wasn't for the world of the internet. Harry Potter would never have got so big if it wasn't for the internet. I wouldn't have found out about this kids book called It's a Book by Lane Smith if it wasn't for the internet. And most importantly I wouldn't have witnessed one of the sweetest moments of my week last week if it wasn't for the internet.

You see, with Estevan booming the way it is in the oil patch we often take temporary boarders to help us pay the mortgage or save for a trip-whatever floats our boat. And right now we have a guy from BC with two little kids back home. The other night he came home with a brand new Dr. Seuss book in his hands and I questioned him. And he told me that it was almost bedtime for the kids and that his job is to read them their bedtime story. So, just like the cute computer commercials you see on TV that make you feel all warm and fuzzy, he actually uses SKYPE to visit with the kids every day and read them their bedtime story every night. These kids may grow up missing their Dad as he travels around the country working but what a precious connection they will forever have to books, bedtime stories and thier father. And without the internet or SKYPE that never could happen. Awwwww, I love you technology!