The Joy of Reading Books

My kids wanted to gift me a Kindle for my birthday, but I was'nt keen on it..... electronics are encroaching too much into our lives. Some friends have taken to it, especially those who travel long distances frequently, but I do'nt - travel that is. Electronics for music, yes... not for reading surely!

I still like the smell & feel of books - whether new or old. If its new we take care of it like we do a new-born baby, gently opening the book, turning its pages, the smell of both is pleasant too! If its old, with yellowed dog-eared pages, it makes one feel a camaraderie with total strangers who have also read & enjoyed the book, laughing at its humour, thrilled at its suspense, been saddened by the story, imagined beautiful scenery described therein, felt the cold, warm, wet weather the same as the characters, felt enthralled by the beauty of its language...... There is an element of mystery in the sharing of thoughts, emotions, feelings with complete strangers of unknown identities. Yet it connects us in this world of vast humanity, across miles, countries, civilizations, races, religions, castes & classes, genders, attitudes, political divides.....

That is why I prefer reading to socializing. There are no divides, no misunderstandings, no airs or attitudes to confront. Only thought..... and the pleasure of reading.

Would like to share an interesting item on a bookmark (maybe not exact words)

Book readers will one day rule this world. Just as soon as they finish this chapter.