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Is It Really Technology?

Thirteen months ago I wrote about Spritz, a speed reading technology that Michael finally mentioned on Books on the Nightstand this past week. And even though I think it’s an awesome technology for non-leisure reading, I want to talk about something else.

2015 04-09 Turtleback Cover

I don’t remember when I bought this, but it was definitely pre-2003 and I completely forgot I owned one until I stumbled across it last December in a desperate attempt to find my passport. I decided to write about it as I’m trekking through The Witching Hour which clocks in at over 1,000 pages and the cover was starting to get pretty beat up from being shoved into my bookbag constantly. And this will most definitely help out with that. If you didn’t read what the left half of the photo says, I’m sure you’re asking what the hell is that?

I knew what it was, but I didn’t know its official name and I  spent way too long trying to find them online. Apparently, they’re not available anymore, but after searching the ISBN “699192000013” I found the official name is a “Turtleback: slip on hardcover for paperback books.” Have you processed the pure intelligence of this device yet? Here, look at how you put it on:

2015 04-09 Turtleback Covered

Now do you get it? I mean it’s genius! It’s not 100% perfect, but it works for me. The cover easily covers this brick of a book with lots of extra spine-space (top, left panel). It’s a bit bigger than a standard mass-market paperback, but not quite as large as a trade paperback (bottom, left and right panel). Either way, I’m still glad I got it when I bought it!

Now you’re probably asking why anyone would need or want one of these. I’ve got you covered and here are quite a few reasons, all of which have applied to me at some point:

  • You’re slightly OCD about bent covers and cracked spines.
  • You’re a commuter and store your paperback books in your bag.
  • You read embarrassing romance novels with half-naked men and women on the covers. (Not really an issue for me, but it could be handy!)
  • You’re a book nerd and you just love book related things.

Now, of course this is book technology and my opening question was rhetorical. I had to grab your attention right? This might be comparing an iPhone (Spritz) to an arrowhead (Turtleback), but I get so tickled and fascinated by how technology has changed just in my lifetime!

What’s your favorite piece of non e-technology related to books? Have you ever seen one of these before?

7 thoughts on “Is It Really Technology?”

  1. What a brilliant idea! Am gutted that these are no longer available – I’m in the OCD and commuting categories ( though not the half-naked hunk on the cover category – honest!). My fav bit of book stuff is a Book Bean bag which I bought last month. I’d had a Book Deck Chair which is fine for a table etc – what I love about the Bean Bag is it holds my book up on all sorts of surfaces – I love reading while lying on the sofa and this saves me having one arm ache holding the book up! Which must make me the laziest bloke ever really!

    1. The book beanbag looks pretty cool but I feel like I don’t read sitting down enough to warrant one! I’m sure these are still available randomly at used bookstores. I know that’s where I picked mine up ages ago. They’re probably just sold under a different name.

  2. I almost bought one of those book covers years ago, but decided against it. I have regretted that decision numerous times over the years. Heh.

    I also have one of those book bean bag things, but haven’t used it in a long time.

    1. I’m so glad I kept it! It was in a box of random stuff that has traveled with me all over the world. I doubt I’d use a bean bag one enough to make it worth my investment.

    1. I know right?! I almost wish I would’ve bought a bunch at the time. They have to still be out there somewhere in little used bookstores or handmade etsy shops! They’re too good not to be.

      Thanks for stopping by!

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