Today’s daydream…

You know those RSA Animate video summaries of popular business books?

Great stuff.

But why limit them to business books?

I’d love to see those for fiction. Imaging the possibilities…animated CliffsNotes!

I know that sounds blasphemous, but there are so many classic and contemporary novels that I’d love to read but just don’t have the time for. (I’m looking at you Moby Dick.)

I may be in the minority on this daydream, but it’s still a good idea just for the impact it could have on story education in this country.

Students would love these videos. Kids don’t want to read, and while they’re much shorter than a full-length novel, CliffsNotes and Wikipedia summaries are still reading. If teachers had snappy videos that could catch their attention, more students might actually pick up the book. Having a 10 minute overview of the book sprinkled with helpful commentary could also make some books more accessible. (I’m looking at you Sound and the Fury.)

The best place to start?

Shakespeare, the Bible and Greek mythology.

There’s so much wisdom and heritage in those works that’s fading away because the original texts and stories aren’t easy to read and understand. We shouldn’t get rid of these canonical stories, but we do need to prime the pump for students. (And let’s admit it, adults, too.)

What book would you like to see animated in this style?