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Focuses on the author's views that the reading of literature has become a dispensable activity, used primarily as an entertainment for those with leisure time. Statement that literature has become an increasingly female activity; Opinion that literature is an experience of learning about human nature; Comments on Microsoft Corp.'s founder Bill Gates' goal of putting an end to paper and books.

Presents a picture diagram of the money-making machine that has become the Harry Potter books. Harry Potter games and accessories; Amount of ink, paper, and man-power used to print the books; Money made by the Harry Potter movies.

Electronics is catching up with newspapers. Really. Late last month in Tokyo, Sony took an important leap in this direction by introducing Librie, an e-book reader. The device, which costs $370 and is about the size of a paperback, holds the equivalent of dozens of books, which readers can download from the Web for $2.20 each. Although it's available only in black and white, Librie has the most important characteristic of paper: it reflects natural light. That means it can be read on sunny days or viewed from any angle. You can even choose your own font size. Sony expects to sell 5,000 units a month. Is this finally the beginning of the end of paper?