From 1920s flappers to 1960s hippies and some war-torn Americans today, people and events are not the only elements that define reality and perpetuate stereotypes. In the background – and often taken for granted – are objects that occupy our everyday lives. We have the Internet, cell phones and even digital books. These advancements and material possessions have become signs of the times. So to what extent should we push forward, often snickering at those who would rather hold onto “older” objects that mark their childhood or youth?

I recently worked on an obituary for former Los Altos Hills historian Rosemary Meyerott. Her daughters recalled the tapping of Rosemary’s red Spring-O-Later shoes and manual typewriter as indicative of her youthful soul.

Treasure Trolls, Teddy Ruxpin, “Fraggle Rock,” “Alf,” cassette tapes and Nintendo’s Game Boy were all staples during my 1980s and 1990s childhood. And my longtime love of reading began at an early age – reading at least one R.L. Stine “Goosebumps” book a day.

Although it may be hard to imagine belongings as an extension of you, advancements have slowed for that reason.

During National Public Radio’s one-hour “On the Media” program last week, the way we buy, search and read a book was discussed, including the various demands tugging at the changing industry.

When digital readers were first introduced, I immediately wrote off the idea. It was impossible to imagine having a personal experience without physically turning the page, anxiously awaiting what would happen to those characters I vicariously lived through.

But as part of the declining print industry, I found the debate on whether paper is eternal between media critic Bill Powers and Michael McCreary, head of research and development at E Ink, invigorating.

Not only is it economical to invest in something like Amazon’s Kindle, but technological advancements may one day give it the feel and look of a traditional book.

Although it is easier for me to understand the benefits now, it is ultimately hard to let go of this object – the book – that seems to have shaped a large part of my personality.

I am no different from my grandpa, who would rather use phone cards to call home than a cell phone, which everyone else seems so palm-ready for these days.

And, like my grandpa and me, we all have objects that are hard to let go of, no matter how “easy” the advancements may make society.

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