What a book can do for you

Last week, I was given a book by a friend and out of politeness I took it but with no intention of reading it. It was a compilation of serial killers in the world and the last thing I needed was to walk around as a pile of paranoia.

I was stuck in traffic when I pulled it out and three days later, it is still my source of happiness. I can barely put it down and when I do, I am rushing through whatever I am doing so I can get in a few more lines.

Many times, we convince ourselves that we are too busy for things like reading. Some just don’t have the reading culture while others just can’t find the time. Between work, school, children and relationships, some people don’t find time to read a book from cover to cover. What they don’t know is that reading a book doesn’t have to be another errand.

As long as it’s not in preparation for an exam, no one is going to judge you for taking your time on a book. Sometimes it feels like everything is spinning around us and a book can be the best opportunity to escape from it all and calm the pace of things.

A good story can be a distraction from long working hours, children’s doctor’s appointments and the fact that your neighbour seems to be a robot mum and wife. You could be stuck in traffic, waiting in line at the bank or nervous about a job interview. Another ideal time to pick up a book can be those few minutes before you fall asleep.

Expense is no longer an excuse too because there are many bookstores with affordable prices. Some have already used books which are guaranteed to be cheaper than new ones. I also stumbled on websites where you can read many chapters of a book.

Although they tend to hinder how much you can read, it can give you an idea of what you would want to buy. It is also the solution to that afternoon hour when your mind feels stuck and your boss is too close for you to sign into facebook.