The saying goes that ‘The book is always better than the movie,’ but is the book always better than the app? This GalleyCat contributor would argue yes. At least in the case of Keri Smith‘s bestselling Wreck This Journal versus her new digital offering, Wreck This App.
The book is a subversive guide that encourages readers to make a mess of the book itself through coloring, ripping and defacing it. Keeping with the same spirit, the app begins with the subtitle, “To create is to destroy.” And yes, users are invited to “scribble violently”, “color outside of the lines,” and “pretend you are doodling on the back of an envelope while on the phone.”
But somehow the fact that you are not really damaging a physical book makes the app less effective. There is always a chance to undo and go back. Having the erase button and the option to save your creations sort of defeats the cathartic exercise of destroying an actual object.
Still, the app can be creative exercise for your brain, digitally painting your iPad screen and drawing with your finger on your touchscreen.