639 Immersed in Print (with Geoffrey Turnovsky) | My Last Book with Liz Rosenberg
Oct 3, 2024
auto_awesome
Geoffrey Turnovsky, a scholar of early modern French literature, shares fascinating insights about the evolving relationship between readers and print in our digitized world. He challenges the myth of distraction-free reading and discusses the emotional connections forged with texts over time. Liz Rosenberg, acclaimed author, reveals her choice for the last book she'd read, sparking a heartfelt reflection on literature's profound impact on our lives. The conversation dives into how reading fosters empathy and the shifting dynamics between print and digital formats.
Geoffrey Turnovsky reconsiders the traditional notion of immersive reading, suggesting digital formats can enrich the reading experience when approached thoughtfully.
The emotional connections between early modern French readers and authors highlight a dynamic intimacy that transformed literary engagement into a form of celebrity culture.
Ternovsky emphasizes the need to reassess the benefits of reading by recognizing its contributions to both emotional development and practical literacy skills.
Deep dives
The Nature of Immersive Reading
Immersive reading involves the profound experience of losing oneself in a book, a state often described by bibliophiles as being absorbed or transported into another world. The conditions that foster this experience include a quiet environment, an uninterrupted time, and an engaging text that captivates the reader's attention. While traditional print texts have historically been seen as conducive to this immersive state, the conversation raises the question of whether digital texts can achieve a similar effect despite their potential distractions. Jeffrey Ternovsky posits that our understanding of immersive reading may need to evolve, as the digital format can also complement or enhance the reading experience if approached thoughtfully.
Renaissance of Reading and Relationship with Authors
The podcast discusses how reading in early modern France was particularly characterized by readers' emotional connections with authors, such as Rousseau, who corresponded with fans. These fans often expressed their emotional engagement and unique relationships with characters as if they were tangible companions, showcasing an unprecedented level of intimacy between readers and texts. This dynamic facilitated a new realm of celebrity culture in literature where readers felt a personal investment in the stories being told. Such correspondence represented a shift in cultural practices surrounding reading, moving towards a collective yet personal appreciation of literature.
Primary vs. Secondary Benefits of Reading
Ternovsky distinguishes between primary benefits of reading—like fostering empathy, enhancing cognitive skills, and encouraging focus—and secondary benefits, which may involve practical skills related to comprehension. While primary benefits highlight the enrichment of emotional connections through narrative immersion, secondary benefits focus on reading as a means to acquire functional literacy. Ternovsky suggests that traditional discussions on the benefits of reading often overlook the full scope of its value in everyday life, emphasizing the point that reading fiction is not the only path to achieving personal growth. This perspective invites readers to reconsider how various forms of reading may contribute to their understanding of the world and their capabilities.
The Impact of Technological Evolution on Reading Practices
The historical evolution of reading practices demonstrates how changes in technology influence readers’ experiences and behaviors. Ternovsky argues that earlier reading was often fragmented, with readers engaging with texts in a discontinuous manner, particularly with the use of scrolls, which could limit immersive experiences. The advent of the codex allowed for a more structured approach to reading, which fostered the immersive narratives readers now associate with literature. Furthermore, as digital formats have emerged, there is a growing recognition that reading practices will continue to adapt, requiring contemporary readers to reassess the implications and benefits of their engagement with both print and digital texts.
Challenges of Community and Individual Experience in Digital Reading
The internet and social media have transformed the reading landscape by fostering a communal experience while also complicating the individual connection between reader and text. Unlike traditional immersive reading experiences, where a solitary connection was deepened with the text, online reading often prevails within a context of sharing and commenting, sometimes disrupting the deeply personal engagement. Ternovsky highlights the need to understand the complexities that digital reading brings to our empathetic capacities, acknowledging a potential shift in how reading fosters emotional connections. Ultimately, finding a balance between community and individuality in reading experiences continues to challenge contemporary readers.
Bibliophiles everywhere know the sweet feeling of getting lost in a book. And like all good literary snobs, we tend to think that full immersion requires a distraction-free relationship between reader and text. But was it always so? After examining early modern French literature, Geoffrey Turnovsky (Reading Typographically: Immersed in Print in Early Modern France) thinks that the answer might not be so simple. In this episode, Jacke and Geoffrey discuss the stereotypes and myths centering around the act of reading a print-based book - and what insights they might deliver to readers in an age of digitization. PLUS Liz Rosenberg (A Strange Life: Selected Essays of Louisa May Alcott) stops by to discuss her choice for the last book she will ever read.
Enjoy this episode? Looking for something else? Try these from our archives:
