In his 1901 book Anticipations, H.G. Wells predicted how the world would develop in the 20th century. Here with a different set of predictions are the winners from the 10 Days in Google Books contest we held this summer.
To enter the contest, users had to submit a short essay describing what the experience of reading will be like in 100 years. After combing through some tens of thousands of submissions, we're excited to present the winners, who will each receive a Sony Reader.
The winning entries range from science fiction to drama, from heartfelt to humorous, and demonstrate the wide range of thought and uniquely personal connection that people have with books and reading. The entries were selected based on a number of creative factors including originality and expression of the theme. (Please note, the opinions expressed in these essays in no way represent the view of Google or those of us working on the Google Books team.)
With that said, congratulations to our first 10 winners. Stay tuned this week for the other winning entries!
"A completely immersive experience. Seeing, feeling, smelling. I run, I jump, I fall. My heart races as I experience it. And then, as I get closer... "Stop reading" I hear. "Come do your chores." I'll have to land tomorrow."
Richard Stewart, Famington, UT
"Books will still exist for those who have not chosen The Implant. The rest of us will mentally turn on the Neural Implant Knowledge Stream anytime we like and let it run subconsciously. We'll control the "volume" mentally, allowing us to tune in -or out- the things around us."
George Beecher, Lawrenceville, GA
"When you walk by a book in the bookstore or your home library, the books, if determined to be of interest to you, will call out your name and given a short description of themselves to you."
Jacob P. Silvia, Houston, TX
"In twenty-one-o-nine, they'll make a new vine. It will flex and twist and sway, and words will form in such a way. When news is bad, and life is hard, you'll read it from your luscious yard. It's hard to feel any despair, when standing in the garden air."
Richard Call, Sonora, CA
"Books will come equipped with music players specially designed to play complementary music to the books as they are being read. Music will change as different events take place, much like the soundtrack to a movie."
Shaina Dyson, Taylorsville, NC
"In 100 years, most modern literature will be written by apes. Through the haphazardly combined efforts of global warming and cosmetic testing gone horribly wrong, apes will develop the skills to read and write. Many critics will be bludgeoned to death for bad reviews by tortured ape artists."
Erik Good, San Jose, CA
"In 100 years, reading will still be a popular way to wind down from a hard day. Stories will be read to sleepy children before being tucked in. The way we access books might change, but those who love reading will continue to make it a part of daily life."
Jennifer Garcia, Hartford, CT
"Reading a book will be prescribed as a relaxing activity for folks with a variety of health concerns. There will emerge a variety of "reading spas" where people can go to read books in calming environs."
Adam Ness, Long Beach, CA
"My daughter will celebrate her 100th birthday in the year 2109. Aging vision will not deny her the pleasure of reading a book; rather, the whole library of human civilization will be accessible and portable. Textual appearances will adapt. Pages will flood with summoned content: words, images, and sounds interacting."
Andy Unrein, Scottsbluff, NE
"100 years from now reading will still inspire, inform, and entertain. Students will have not only the local library but the entire world's library at their fingertips. Information abundance will be organized so as to be useful and relevant, leading to informed decision making."
Nadine DeMartino, Anaheim, CA
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