Conversation Starter--Video Killed the Written Word

Over the past year I have been exposed more and more to the world of streaming. There are video streamers for games, movies, music, fashion, and even books. You name a topic, you can find someone who has a streaming channel through a growing list of platforms. Admittedly, I even have a YouTube channel that I typically only use for random creative endeavors or instruction materials to help my students. With all this and more one has to ask has video killed the written word?

So, their is song Video Killed the Radio Star. Well I honestly think it only helped the radio, as it is another platform for individuals to begin their conversations, but how about the written word. Even prestigious papers, such as the New York Times and Washington Post have video available on their website. In that last year and a half of working at the library, I've noticed my student patrons leaning towards what has been turned into a movie more than books that aren't movies, yet. It is only a matter of time that more books are made into movies, as I'm seeing more remakes and sequels than anything else, unless you go to the indie film circuit.

I've also seen an increase in our audiobook requests and check outs. Some of it I do believe stems from students struggle to comprehend what they are reading, but at the same time when provided the option of being able to read a novel that provides insight into the character's inner thoughts and a film that really only touches on the surface of the novel, they choose the film. Do to less time, more action, less need for practicing comprehension and imagination skills.

Individuals who find that I have a blog dedicated to trying to share about different novels out there, they are cynical and comment that I would get more individuals participating if I made it a vlog on YouTube than the written word. Why don't I? Well, one I don't like the idea of filming myself and just talking, I'm not a graphic design genius who can make videos that have the razzle dazzle a lot of people have access to, and I'm in love with the written word.

This is why I ask my fellow beings on the internet, has video killed the written word?

Let's BookTalk: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

from Goodreads.com

“Once upon a time there was a hazel-eyed boy with dimples. I called him Khalil. The world called him a thug. He lived, but no nearly long enough, and for the rest of my life I’ll remember how he died” (p. 442-443).

Starr is a teenager caught between two worlds. One world is where she lives with her family and helps them with their store in Garden Heights; a low income, hardworking neighborhood, facing violence in the streets due to the competing gangs in the area. The other worlds is where she goes to school, Williamson. In this world there are gated communities, suburbs, and what some would call “champagne problems.”

Both her worlds are shattered, when a police officer guns down a childhood friend in her neighborhood during a “routine traffic” stop and all she could do was watch from the passenger side of her friend’s car.

Now, she must make a choice. Silence or Speak Out?

“I always said that if I saw it happen to somebody, I would have the loudest voice, making sure the world know what went down. Now I am that person, and I’m too afraid to speak” (p. 35).

Conversation Starter--Teens talk about reading

Courtesy of Ms. Stimpson's 7th hour Language Arts Enrichment

So, what about teen reading? I sat down with some teens ages 15-16 (sophomores in high school) to talk about there reading habits and what they like or dislike about some of the books that are out there.

 Why do you read?

5 of them said they read for fun, while 13 of them said they read if they have to, such as for a class assignment.

Some genres you like to read...

“I like comedy.” –Alvaro C., age 16

 “I like stories that are true.” –Monic J., age 16

 “I like fiction, like fairy tales and fantasy and stuff.” –Andrea G., age 16

“Umm.. I got to think about this hold up, I’m not sure. There are so many out there. I like to read a lot. Like emotional books.” –Selena A., age 16

“Me, mystery.” –Andrea Z., age 15

Others mentioned were mystery, horror, suspense, contemporary ("None of that old stuff." –Juan A., age 15) and romance.

But, what about the classics? What do you like or dislike about them?

“The hard thing about reading these stories, like Shakespeare, is it's hard and really confusing language.” –Andrea G., age 16

“I read them to know how things were back then (in the past).” –Monic J., age 16

“It just depends on the story.” –Juan A., age 15

“I love classics.” –Lauren A., age 16

 “They are original. They usually make movies out of it, and then they ruin it. Then you have to read the book and people say the book is better than the movie…You’re basically creating your own movie in your mind.” –Selena A., age 15

Any favorite classics?

Alice in Wonderland was talked about by Destiny T. (age 15), Andrea G. (age 16), Lea M. (age 15), and Lauren A. (age 16).

“I like how the cat disappears...and the crazy old rabbit.” –Lea M., age 15

“The red queen is cool...also the tea party.” –Andrea G., age 16

“My favorite part is when Alice freaks out because of the cat disappearing.” –Destiny T., age 15

To Kill a Mockingbird was also given a mention by Juan A. (age 15), she said, "It was good...Boo Radley stood out to me in the story the most."

Other books were Wizard of Oz and The Scarlet Letter.

So, what do you look for in a book?

“Interesting plot points.” –Monic J., age 16

“I like good authors. Good story line, and a nice cover.” –Selena  A., age 15

“I like it when we can watch the movie after (reading) the book.” –Andrea G., age 16

“A good ending.” –Lauren A., age 16

“I don’t know.” –Andrea Z., age 15

What can reviewers do to get your attention to read about a book?

“What grabs my attention is the back of the book.” –Destiny T., age 15

“Use good quotes.” –Juan A., age 15

“Tag lines, like with movies.” –Jose L., age 15

“Really what grabs my attention is the title of the book.” –Selena A., age 15