Rethinking The Bible As A Social Book

Are books better as standalone, pristine works or as social objects to be modified and commented on by those who read them? We are about to find out. Today, Rethink Books is launching ist SocialBooks software which allows publishers to turn their books into iPad apps . The apps makes it possible for readers to share their highlighted text from a book on Twitter or Facebook, along with their comments, related photos and videos. Private groups can also be created for more of a book-club feel. The first book to become socialized in this manner will be the Bible (published by HarperCollins). In this way, the Bible could be illustrated with depictions from paintings and other art, as well as video clips from Biblical movies. Of course, people could also upload clips from Monty Python's Life of Brian , but that's what makes social media so much fun. Even personal photos or videos could add a fascinating layer of contemporary commentary and personal interpretations to the good book.