I have always loved reading. As a youngster, I loved being read to before bed. I also loved reading under the bedcovers with a torch when the light was switched off. I thought my parents were ignorant of my nighttime reading. I bet they knew what was happening when they saw me bleary-eyed in the morning.
My favourite books were The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton, Snugglepot and Snugglepie by May Gibbs and anything by Doctor Seuss. The Cat in the Hat was my favourite. His hat and red and white socks were like magic to me but the rhyming words were the best. If only I could remember them now. Doctor Seuss was an American author who published 60 books, 46 books were specifically for children. I think they were for adults too. He is widely recognized for his contribution as a writer, poet, cartoonist, animator, screenwriter, and filmmaker. He died in 1991.
When I was teaching the best part of my day was reading aloud to the children. I loved to read Morris Gleitzman, Paul Jennings and Roald Dahl and more. Roald Dahl’s books have sold more than 250 million copies worldwide. The Twits by Roald Dahl was read so frequently in the classroom it fell apart so I bought two more books as backups. Even the older students asked me to read aloud to them it was a time everyone enjoyed especially me.
Fortunately, during this bout of depression, I can read. During previous bouts of mental illness, I have not been able to read at all. Very, very frustrating. I think this was due to my anxiety which affected my ability to concentrate on plots and characters. I was able to listen to audiobooks which was a relief.
Now thank goodness I can read. Hallelujah! A life without reading is not ideal. Recently I have read Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton. This book has been partly drawn from the author’s own experiences. Set in suburban Brisbane with wonderfully described characters I really enjoyed it. I have also read several Kate Atkinson books. Life after Life and a God in Ruins are both great reads. Human Croquet, Emotionally Weird and Behind The Scenes at the Museum I found humorous. Finally All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doer is an excellent book. I am so glad I am part of a local book group. Having to read and then discuss a book once a month encouraged me to continue reading even when I thought I couldn’t.
Where would we be without books? I can’t imagine. Spare a thought for those people who can’t read or don’t have access to books. Something most of us take for granted.
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