“YOU know you’ve read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend.” ― Paul Sweeney
I got that quote from the book, “The Truth About Writing.” It’s a small book — shorter but thicker than a pocketbook. It’s handy and can easily fit inside my bag. The perfect companion for all times. One who doesn’t and won’t argue. One of my good finds from Mr. Wolf.
Going back to the quote, it’s right on point. It’s a general feeling among readers and for those who watch series. Series can be books, TV, or over-the-top services (OTT) or another term for on-demand video streaming services. These are Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and Hulu, to name a few.
On one hand, novels take you to unknown worlds, yet the characters become your friends and foes. The enemy of the hero also becomes your enemy. It’s our imagination at work.
On the other hand, streaming services, or OTT, make your imagination come alive. It’s now the director’s imagination being played right before your eyes. Those who read the book and then watch its movie or TV adaptation often get disappointed.
Common complaints we hear, or we say, “That’s not how he or it looks,” or “That’s not what happened,” and more. Or worse, “Why is the character black?”
Series make you binge-watch or binge-read. Series in book form are often not available at one time. You have to wait for a year, at least, to know what’s next. There are also times when you have to wait until the writer is inspired. Otherwise, that book you just finished reading is the final ending.
Series in streaming services are sometimes available at one time, or there are also weekly or bi-weekly series but limited to one season. The following season often comes a year later or even longer.
After reading an interesting book, you somewhat miss the characters. They have become your BFF, and there are times that you become one of the characters in the story.
The same goes after binge-watching a series. You can’t wait for the next season, and if there are no other seasons, you look for more shows of the actor to cure your separation anxiety. It doesn’t have to be the hero. Villains are frequently more exciting. They get on your nerves in a good way.
A book immerses you in the written words, while the video platform immerses you in a visual manner where characters come alive.
Whether flipping pages or surfing channels, both immerse you in a make-believe world where any story is possible. Each is a journey where stories await to unfold.
Disclaimer
Mindanao Gold Star Daily holds the copyrights of all articles and photos in perpetuity. Any unauthorized reproduction in any platform, electronic and hardcopy, shall be liable for copyright infringement under the Intellectual Property Rights Law of the Philippines.
