Reading – a single, simple word that
carries more weight based on the perspective in which it is used. You can ‘read’
almost anything. The top ‘reading activity’ that might come to one’s mind when
we see the word is ‘reading the newspaper’. Sadly, it also happens to be the
standard, bland response most children nowadays come up with when asked about
their hobbies. It gives original readers and bookworms a sad realisation that
they are a rare species – those people others should approach with hesitation
and caution. Either for the fear of having their ears blasted off in a
unsuspecting, totally unintentional lecture of sorts about their favourite book
(or the one in their currently reading list) or for the pure cluelessness of
having to deal with what would mostly sound like Greek and Latin.
True readers are those rare people who
actually derive pleasure from reading the words printed on paper (or electronic
devices nowadays) and constructing the magical scenarios in their heads. These
people tackle ‘reading’ as an art, a slow sensual romance between them and the
book they read. Most often, you will find these people at the local bookstore,
thumbing through copies of books to find that one book that would capture their
heart. They will serenade with the shelves, trying to locate that title they
have been wanting to read for some time now or maybe for that single elusive
title that might immediately capture their attention and thereby their soul.
Then once the book is located, begins
the actual process of enjoying. It usually starts with the admiration of the
cover and the title (yes, even though we don’t buy or reject a book solely
based on its cover, it still plays a vital role) then the attention moves
towards the book’s summary. It is a slow seduction as the reader then begins
familiarising with the book. The necessary ‘get to know’ routine – gently sliding
fingers across the spine, admiring the lettering and the opening the cover
itself, savouring the smell (new book or old book smell, they each have their
own charms) and then slowly reading the title and the description word by word.
Once the ‘reading’ actually starts, the
reader enters into a world of their own. From then on, they are with the
characters, delving into the pages and becoming one with the characters. The
words seem to possess a magical quality as they broaden the minds and create
worlds that wouldn’t otherwise exist. For in each written word, a tale is told
and in each chapter of a book a new perspective dawns. Reading is a pleasure – it
is magical.
To encourage more people to take up
reading and to show our support to the original magicians – the authors, to
continue writing more such awesome books, we are celebrating ‘International
Authors’ Day!’.
Please enter the EXCITING GIVEAWAY to win ONE
PAPERBACK COPY of ‘The Elephants’
Child’ by Marion Eaton.
ALSO TO BE WON: A
digital copy of either of the exciting titles, ‘The Lion Mountains’ and ‘The
Elephant’s Child’ by Marion Eaton!
Enter HERE
Participating Blogs:
(Cannot add links: Registration/trial expired)
Enjoyed reading about your experience with reading :) Happy hopping!
ReplyDeleteGreat post about the reading experience. Words definitely more powerful and weightier than their weight! It is great to meet so many other readers and writers during this celebration. Nancy’s Blog
ReplyDeleteI loved your essay on reading! Spot on. I enjoyed reading so much to my son, that he does read, It is such a great tool. Happy Hopping .
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