We all know the world is suffering a recession right now. Banks and the automakers are asking for bailouts, and retailers are shouting in pain, even as we enter the month-long holiday frenzy. Publishing, struggling with ever-changing technology and media, is not immune, though some have said before that books are recession-proof.So I guess it should not be surprising that this week, the largest Christian publisher, Thomas Nelson, was forced to lay off about 10 percent of their workforce. Reportedly, Random House, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Borders are suffering this week, too. This, of course, saddens me for the individuals whose lives are being affected. It's easy to read a story about the economy and think about the big picture; it's more difficult to allow myself to think about the people behind the story. The people who don't know how they'll pay their bills or feed their families or ever retire. I'm sad for those people, because I've been there and could someday be there again.
But I'm also sad for the publishing industry, this world of books that I so want to be a part of. (Even if I ended that last sentence in a preposition.) I'm sad for the company that kindly gave me an informational meeting in October. And to be honest, I’m concerned about what this means for my future career possibilities.
So, as you go about your Christmas shopping, I urge you: Buy More Books!
** crickets chirping **
What? Are you remembering my confession that I prefer to check books out of the library? Or thinking that we could probably make arguments to buy most any product as a way to boost the economy? Or do you think that we shouldn’t buy anything this season and save our money under the back porch or the guest bed?
Okay, okay, these are all valid points. Well, maybe not the hiding the money thing. I don’t know how well greenbacks hold up when under dirt. I realize I’m not exactly the poster child for supporting the publishing industry, a sad hypocrisy when compared to my love of books and desire to work in editing. But I’ll have you know that both Photobaby and my grandma are getting books from me this Christmas, and my niece and nephew will both receive a Borders gift card. So, I’m trying here.
What about you? (Seriously.) Do you think books are good gifts?
A book is a gift you can open again and again.
~ Garrison Keillor
Do give books - religious or otherwise - for Christmas.
They're never fattening, seldom sinful, and permanently personal.
~ Lenore Hershey
