On Books

Ever since I could, I have loved to read.

I can remember reading what I thought of as my first proper book, some sort of story about an boy who’s mum marries an ice cream man. I also remember reading horror novels when still a pre-teen with The Exorcist and The Rats and the Crabs books being favourites of mine when I was maybe 11 or so. I have found almost a second home among the bookshelves of libraries and have spent many a happy hour browsing the books at boot fairs or bookshops.

To put in metaphorical terms, when finding a secondhand book, it’s almost like adopting an unwanted child. In effect you’re rehoming it. I love the feeling of turning pages that have been handled before, of releasing that books story to be told again. There’s something utterly entrancing about the feel of a well worn book, or the smell of the pages. In fact that smell can be called one of my favourites and the way a secondhand bookshop smells is wonderful.

Then again, I also love the feeling of being the first person to read a brand new book. I love the feel and sound of the virginal pages turning. It’s almost as if the book in question is a songbird singing for the first time. Perhaps I overanalyse at times but to me, the written word ranks among mankind’s greatest achievements. The power of the written word is almost beyond compare and be used to bring about good in society as well being used to wrought evil.

When I would be going through a bad time, such as being bullied at school or being imprisoned I would escape that by delving into a book. To my mind that is the real power of the book, it’s ability to transport you to a different time, a different place. Books have the ability, like movies, to stay with you long after you have finished them. They can plant seeds in your head, seeds that sprout into ideas, into careers, into endless possibilities. A book thrill, excites, saddens and moves your emotions and mind around at will. The good writer has the ability to pull you into the book. The feeling of lights coming on, of gaining knowledge that can only be garnered from reading is wonderful.

I love reading, and if I am ever lucky enough to become a parent I hope to be able to pass on a love of the written word. If I can manage that then I will consider myself to have done a good job.