(December 10, 2009) — Books, movies and merchandise have always been intertwined somehow. With Harry Potter, the books came out first, followed by the movies and the pillowcases adorned with Daniel Radcliffe ’s face. However, from my point of view, the fields of literature, film and collectibles have always had fine lines of distinction separating them. This seems to have changed. Walking into a bookstore just a few months ago, I overheard an employee greeting a customer and telling her to “check out the new Twilight tote bags.” What caught my attention was the fact that a bookstore clerk was suggesting that people pay close attention to bags and merchandise, as opposed to what they’re supposed to be selling–new books. This led me to ponder the possibility that the worlds of merchandise and movies have finally overlapped with the world of books. Could the value of books have been altered? The public is now often seen chasing after shirts and bags, not books; the handsome faces of actors, and not so much the witty quips in their scripts. Are people still appreciating the art? One thing I’ve noticed is that people who watched Twilight for Robert Pattinson decided to go buy the novel and actually read it. Just as I applaud the fact that movies and merchandise have sparked interest in people and gotten them to pick up a book, I also pose the question: Has the industry taken advantage of people attracted to actors/actresses and milked their chance to earn profit from tote bag and T-shirt sales? Are we, the consumers, beginning to overlook the original works of art and turn to the pretty (and possibly petty) accessories they are associated with? The industry may choose money over art, but buyers must decide: are they in it for the art or the tote bags?