The UAE has declared 2016 as the Year of Reading and this attribution could just as well have the phrase, ‘The Joy of Reading’ as its adjunct, given the incalculable pleasures to be derived from this mental activity. After the written word imprinted itself on the human mind, the habit of reading enabled mankind to realise the transformative power of words. But having said that, for every bookworm on the planet, there are those whose relationship with books borders on the nonexistent. It is the latter category that needs to be persuasively drawn into the world of books for the myriad payoffs in waiting. The Year of Reading, with its multi-faceted initiatives to bring books and people close to each other, is an effective mechanism to achieve this purpose.
From children to adults, every one can benefit by acquiring this habit, which has the fortuitous ability to transform into an abiding relationship with time. And there is no better time than now, with the summer school break and vacation time round the corner, to embark on this relationship.
A summer list of books, comprising just 2-3 titles even, is a good way to begin. Children and adults can take their first steps this summer into the wonderful, immersive world of books — whether through their own intuitive selection of titles or the tried and tested recommendations by avid readers. Both approaches work. Soon, the new entrants will experience the irresistible charm of the place from which they seek no return.
For book-loving parents, whose children don’t read, the Year of Reading is the perfect opportunity to redress the situation. Use this summer vacation to treat children’s high fever of gadget-addiction with a daily dose of reading. It is a panacea that works.
