The book is an essential part of the lives of almost every person on Earth. Libraries, schools, homes, religious institutions, almost every single place you go will have some sort of accomdation, or inclusion for books. Books provide a tangible item for people to seek out an emotional roller coaster on, a feeling that I do not think can be replicated as well by a Kindle or a Nook.
When Bolter talks about closure that comes with reading from a hard copy I could not agree more. There are many times whne I catch myself reading an article online that I do not see myslef as satisfied when I am done, a felling that I think I would get if I had read the same piece of text in a newspaper, magazine, or book. Reading on an electronic device to me does not only place more strain on my eyes, but I also find that I become distracted much more easily as well. As a sucker for newspapers (I prefer the Star Tribune for local papers (I work at the Minnesota Daily)) I think the novelty that comes along with it is also very nice. Getting the Sunday paper, pulling all the ads out, and reading the extended sports section all cannot be replicated by the electronic market to me.
Nice job commenting here on your preference for the book over other media. I find myself agreeing that the book IS here to stay, even as other media forms increase in frequency.