This..that and books!

The world. A five letter word with a lot of impact. 

There is just so much going on in this world at this point in time. The world scenario is changing as we speak. Politics is a favourite topic all over, be it America, Russia, France or our very own India.Terrorism has not ended (there is an even higher chance of us dying in a terrorist attack than get hit by a truck!). People are still committing heinous crimes. And we are still reading about ALL of this in the newspaper every morning over a cup of tea (if British and Indian), coffee (if American, Indian or whoever) and the new Herbal Tea, and commenting about how bad the situation is and how its never going to change (boy, so much positivity early in the morning!?). 

*Sigh*

Now, I am thinking to myself what should I write about? The politics is all over, so that is out. Terrorism is something I have never felt anything about. Plus, a bunch of stupid people who think about nothing but themselves and thrive on publicity are not worth it. And heinous crimes, well, that is something we read and talk about every day! It is now, sadly enough, a "part of our life". 

So, that leaves me with what? My life? My friends life? Films? WHAT?! (I am writing this as I am feeling it and the feeling right now is of complete and utter confusion).

*one hour later*

"No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance."

Confucius

I have over the period of one hour struck gold. While talking to a friend I came up with the next topic I want to talk about. 

Books. 

I am an ardent reader. I like books or rather I love books. I have a book in my bag at all times. Once I start reading I keep just cannot put it down till its finished. It is an addiction of sorts. 

But, all that being said, what I do not get is why we have stopped reading?! Back in school, when we were given Oliver's twist and Scarlett Pimpernel, I would run away. Miles away. My mother would read the book and then tell me the story for me to pass the exams. Then something big happened. Harry Potter. The magic of that story being weaved around the young minds of my generation. The eleven year old's waiting eagerly for their parents to go to the nearest Crosswords and make that purchase. Ah! That was the best feeling. 

It was a revolution. Now now, don't smirk at my words, if you recall it was quite a phenomenon. Children picked up books and started reading. And they read and read some more and then some... 

As young adults we had Harry Potter all the way. We grew up with them. But there was a section of children who just did not have any interest in Harry Potter. Understandable. Happens at that age. 

Time flew, wham! We grew up. We changed. Paper back books became e-books and a Kindle started replacing paper back books. 

All that is just fine. 

What is a little saddening is the fact that people stopped reading. The stress of the work life is just a bit too much for people to sit down and read. Then there are the school kids and college students. They have many other things to do than read. 

Adding to that is the fact that books are being turned into films. That potentially drops the market of readers. People find it so much better to watch the films rather than read. 

Ah! Only the person who reads knows the joy and mystery of a character. There are no preconceived notions.  The world is yours to form and run. It is an adventure. An experience. 

The little things that an author wants the reader to notice and then perceive on their own. 

Sigh. 

My whole idea of writing this post is not preaching. Who am I to?! 

All I am saying is that the joy that we get from reading a book and experiencing the smallest of things is worth it. (Now I just sound like a Lo'real commercial!) 

But, seriously, if you've not read a book for a while, catch up! Its fun! 

And if you just "hate" reading, well, I just do NOT get you. I don't. But, whatever. 

But seriously, without sounding like a complete ass, READ people! Don't miss out on this. 

"The habit of reading is the only enjoyment in which there is no alloy; it lasts when all other pleasures fade."

Anthony Trollope

That is more than enough for now! 

Stay Alive.

Peace out! 

xoxo