Do Books Beat iPad Apps?

No, that isn't a question I need you to answer for me. That is, in all seriousness, a question posed by the USA Today Books twitter account.

My response: "Is that a real question?"

I would not have even read this article if it weren't for the fact that it was part of an interview with John Green, one of my favorite authors, about the upcoming Nerdfighter Summer Book Club and the book of choice, Fahrenheit 451. So, I read this article, and yes, USA Today genuinely wants a response to whether or not books are better than iPad apps. I don't even think I need to argue that point- anyone who is reading my blog probably appreciates books more than apps- if that is untrue, I sincerely hope you found me on accident and aren't actually like, a friend?

Thankfully most of the responses were eloquently worded- "duh." But now I have to wonder. Because Green did mention that there is talk in the publishing world about how there is a push to make books more like apps- quick and flashy and ... applike? Is this a thing that I have to worry about? Don't get me wrong- I have (and love) a kindle fire, and a smartphone with a kindle app, and I frequently read on those devices, but the books are still the same as the hardcover versions. Is my future going to be books that are completely flashy and require an iPad or kindle to read? I'm envisioning links and video embedded in every new "book," and if I'm being honest, that sounds just.. gimmicky. (Tiny Book of Tiny Stories, anyone?)

I don't know, man. The future scares me.

Also, is anyone else amused by the fact that every single article mentioning either Green Brother has to define Nerdfighter?