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jwells's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
I learned a few things from this fun little book. For example, the origin of "volume" - from Latin "volvere," to roll. Because the Romans rolled up scrolls. I do wish it had ended on a note that was more accepting of ebooks. A bit of author prejudice shining through there.
katykelly's review against another edition
5.0
I had to remember that this is a book written for children. I kept wanting more detail, more background. But for primary pupils and even secondary, it's an excellent straight-through history of the Book, where it's been and where it's going.
And the different thing about it? Book narrates it. It's a great hook, the character that normally shows us voices but doesn't have its own. Book has opinions on his own history and keeps it light. Even in Holocaust time of darkness.
From pre-paper days, there's a lot covered and it could prove a good jumping-off read for students who want to learn more. It's good to see eBooks aren't shied away from for a complete picture.
The illustrations make this even more entertaining and make it a short read at less than 100 pages of actual text.
For adults it might make an appealing stocking filler but it really is more an introduction and intended for a younger audience. For young readers interested in books or history this would be a well-received gift as well. And could even make a good KS2 class read.
And the different thing about it? Book narrates it. It's a great hook, the character that normally shows us voices but doesn't have its own. Book has opinions on his own history and keeps it light. Even in Holocaust time of darkness.
From pre-paper days, there's a lot covered and it could prove a good jumping-off read for students who want to learn more. It's good to see eBooks aren't shied away from for a complete picture.
The illustrations make this even more entertaining and make it a short read at less than 100 pages of actual text.
For adults it might make an appealing stocking filler but it really is more an introduction and intended for a younger audience. For young readers interested in books or history this would be a well-received gift as well. And could even make a good KS2 class read.
buchrose's review against another edition
funny
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
Die Geschichte des Buches aus der Perspektive des Buches erzählt. Fakten verwoben mit einer interessanten Geschichte. Einfach genial.
rlbeatty91's review against another edition
This unique book is packed with information, but told in the narrative style of a biography. It is the book itself who tells the story of its life, from oral traditional tales to clay tablets, rock carvings to parchment, and movable-type print to e-books. Book's story includes as much geographical information as historical, as it moves from Sumeria to China to Germany to Greece and around the world. It also goes on to explain a bit of the book's impact on culture and society. This is a great read for children who aren't fully comfortable with nonfiction, but are looking to learn and explore new subjects.
themartinmama's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this though wish they would be more inclusive of e- and audiobooks and not count them as separate.
aylea's review against another edition
3.0
This review originally published at The Children's Book and Media Review
Book: My Autobiography is the story of books as told from the perspective of a unique character, Book itself. Between black and white illustrations and an occasional quote about books, Book describes its history from the days of storytelling before writing was invented to the burning of books. It discusses the invention of paper and the alphabet, the evolution of copying books to the printing press, the development of libraries, and the potential future of books in the digital age. All of these things help provide a broad, simple overview of the history of books, writing, and storytelling.
Some people may find the history of books as told from a book to be cute or charming, but other readers might feel like it is trying to hard or that things are confusing because Book is talking about multiple books and time periods while trying to stay in singular first person. The style can be fun at times, but it doesn’t always succeed. The illustrations and quotes can occasionally get in the way of the flow of the story. However, the book is informative and has a lot of history about books and writing that is sure to surprise the reader with at least one interesting fact. Younger readers who are curious about how books have changed through time will be interested by this book.
Book: My Autobiography is the story of books as told from the perspective of a unique character, Book itself. Between black and white illustrations and an occasional quote about books, Book describes its history from the days of storytelling before writing was invented to the burning of books. It discusses the invention of paper and the alphabet, the evolution of copying books to the printing press, the development of libraries, and the potential future of books in the digital age. All of these things help provide a broad, simple overview of the history of books, writing, and storytelling.
Some people may find the history of books as told from a book to be cute or charming, but other readers might feel like it is trying to hard or that things are confusing because Book is talking about multiple books and time periods while trying to stay in singular first person. The style can be fun at times, but it doesn’t always succeed. The illustrations and quotes can occasionally get in the way of the flow of the story. However, the book is informative and has a lot of history about books and writing that is sure to surprise the reader with at least one interesting fact. Younger readers who are curious about how books have changed through time will be interested by this book.
banana83854's review against another edition
3.0
3.5-clever history lesson from the book's perspective. Quick read.