“Books and doors are the same thing. You open them, and you go through into another world.” – Jeanette Winterson
The truth of this statement could not be more relevant today.
A few days ago, I visited a well-known bookstore, expecting to find shelves full of books. To my surprise, the store was dominated by imported stationery and gift items, while books were almost absent. On inquiry, the staff candidly informed me that “people no longer buy books,” adding that several bookshops have already closed for lack of customers.
It was a sobering moment. Bookstores that once showcased rich collections of fiction, non-fiction, and beautifully illustrated books for children are now vanishing. Personally, I have always considered books to be the best gifts for young ones. Kate DiCamillo wisely observed: “Reading should not be presented to children as a chore. It should be offered as a gift.”
The Decline of Reading: Sadly, reading habits have declined drastically. Many parents attribute this to the rise of technology. With information now available at the click of a button, children are more comfortable with tablets and iPads than with holding a physical book. However, an important distinction often goes unnoticed: when a child holds a book, it is clear that he or she is reading. When a child is browsing the internet, it is not certain whether they are reading something worthwhile or simply scrolling through random content.
J.K. Rowling, the celebrated author of the Harry Potter series, once remarked: “If you don’t like to read, you haven’t found the right book.” There is always a book that can ignite a reader’s interest – if only we search for it.
Voices in Favour of Reading: Sirajuddin Aziz, a senior banker, author and columnist, has repeatedly urged the youth to develop reading habits. He often shares a thought-provoking anecdote: when Bertrand Russell was asked, “What is the best time to educate a child?” he replied, “At least one hundred years before a child is born.” Such is the importance of education and the cultivation of intellectual curiosity long before it becomes essential.
Books sharpen memory, broaden horizons, and enhance knowledge. As a Chinese proverb aptly states: “If you read ten books, you travel ten thousand miles.”
How to Develop a Reading Habit: The following practical steps may help in fostering a culture of reading:
1. Identify topics of personal interest.
2. Learn about and select good authors.
3. Read the foreword, preface and introduction carefully. Pay attention to blurbs and reviews from credible writers.
4. Purchase books rather than relying only on borrowed material. A bought book is far more likely to be read.
5. Once the habit develops, do not feel compelled to read every word. Learn to skim and scan to enhance speed.
6. Choose a quiet and comfortable corner to enjoy uninterrupted reading.
7. Carry a book with you when visiting public offices or doctors; it helps reduce stress while waiting.
8. For toddlers, parents must set the example. Children learn by imitation. Along with toys, place attractive books in their reach. Read bedtime stories to them and encourage them to narrate simple stories to their dolls or soft toys. Listen attentively as their imagination unfolds.
As literary scholar Rudine Sims Bishop wrote in 1990, “Books are doors, windows and mirrors” – they open access to other worlds, provide perspectives on others’ lives, and reflect our own experiences.
The Lasting Value of Books: Reading consistently imparts knowledge, introduces new ideas, and offers a sense of adventure unmatched by other forms of entertainment. Books, unlike any other companions, never disappoint.
Let us remind ourselves: A good reader is a good leader.
