Portals to Another World

Teleportation doesn’t just occur in the sci-fi, fantasy world of Star Trek, it exists right here, right now. In order to be transported into another realm, we need only open a book. As we enter into the imaginative world of those pages, we can experience lives ancient and modern; observe and enter into the minds of others. And perhaps most excitingly, experience any number of lives:

A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies … The man who never reads lives only one.

George R R Martin, A Dance with Dragons

That isn’t even an option on the Enterprise.

Books have been on my mind, of late, in part because I have been chatting with bookish friends; exchanging titles we have enjoyed and making a long awaited visit to my local book shop.

Why read?

One of the first questions I ask my English students is: why read? They often look at me a bit blankly then try to think what the correct answer might be. Some come up with things like improving spelling or garnering more information about the world, but few get much further than that. So I shall attempt to answer that question here and I hope add a few more ideas to your arsenal when others ask the same question of you.

The study of English at the university level is rather more recent than you might think. It began in Scotland and the US in the early 18th century and not until the mid 19th century in England. And it was not a common university major until the latter part of the twentieth century. Up until the 19th century, one’s literary education revolved largely around reading the classics and religious texts. The seismic shifts in science, religious belief and the social upheavals of the 19th century led to literature being a source of moral guidance and cultural focus. In a world of ethical uncertainty, books offered an anchor of sorts. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_studies)

Reading makes you good

Reading novels in the 18th and 19th century was generally viewed as at best, a waste of time and at worst, morally ruinous. (Women might, after all, be tempted to run off with the wrong man or neglect her household duties!) As time went on, though, arguments were made to suggest that reading – especially more worthy literature -actually improved morals. The jury is still out on whether this is true. Odious individuals have been great readers; however, there is plenty evidence to support the idea the reading increases the quality of empathy. In a book, we can walk not only a mile but for hours, ‘in a man’s shoes’. Understanding another’s perspective and experiences is almost impossible with our brief encounters with one another in real life; however, it is feasible in a novel. I’m currently reading an excellent one called The Wolf Den by Elodie Harper. It concerns the lives of prostitutes in a brothel in Pompeii – not something I am going to come across, but while I read about these slave girls and their lives in the ancient world, I am also conscious of the parallels of modern slavery and especially sex trafficking. I’m trusting that my novel will have a more satisfying outcome that could be expected in our modern world.

Readers are good for business

While researching all things bookish, I came across an interesting article by the Harvard Business Review that noted some of the benefits of a workforce of readers. It certainly supported the argument for empathy, stating: ‘reading literary fiction helps people develop empathy, theory of mind, and critical thinking.’ Further, it promotes emotional intelligence – a vital component of any team based activity. The article continues, ‘ When we read, we hone and strengthen several different cognitive muscles, so to speak, that are the root of the EQ. In other words, the act of reading is the very activity—if done right—that can develop the qualities, traits, and characteristics of those employees that organizations hope to attract and retain.’ Readers are a premium in the job market.

Further, readers are good at suspending judgement and willing to consider alternative views. In a world where unconsidered thinking is all too prevalent, this is a boon both for the flexible thinking required in the work and for democracy itself.

Reading reassures

When we read of a character’s challenges and their overcoming of adversity, we are able to reflect on the difficulties that our own lives contain and hopefully, see them more clearly and positively. Bibliotherapy works in just this way, showing at the very least that we are not alone in our suffering and often promising that the future may well be brighter than we think.

Children’s stories, and especially fairy tales, help the child build resilience and courage to face not just the monsters under the bed but the very real challenges of growing up.

If nothing else, a good book transports us into a different realms where, for the time of reading at least, our everyday concerns can be forgotten for a while.

That’s entertainment!

The one thing that disappoints me most when asking students the ‘Why read?’ question is that no-one has ever said, because it is fun. Perhaps we can blame the rather more obvious appeal of social media or children being force-fed long, out of date and difficult novels. Perhaps reading is just for oldies like me, but when I think of the excitement and enthusiasm shown for books such as the Harry Potter series, I wonder too if we are just not giving kids what they want or the time and leisure to idle away an afternoon immersed in a story.

Buy the book

I’m as guilty as the next person for borrowing, sharing and buying used books, but I do think we need to support authors by buying them new when we can. I’ve even started indulging in getting hardbacks. They may cost a little more, but the larger print, gorgeous sturdy binding and satisfying heft make it worth it.

We also need to support independent book shops. Here we may ask advice, browse real texts and get recommendations. My local book shop, Much Ado Books, is so good and the owners know us and our reading habits so well that when we go, we simply ask them to choose a selection for us. It’s like having one’s own personal shopper. Perhaps it helps too that it is a magical place to be.

Book groups

Many of you reading this are members of reading circles. The one I started with a friend when my youngest was a babe in arms, is still going strong 28 years on. Sometimes the attraction is more for the wine and socialising, but it does give a good excuse to read at least one book a month and to try authors that are new. It is impossible to enjoy every choice, but I have never failed to gain something from our selections and I have certainly been introduced to some treasures. If you are looking for a group to join, an ideal place to start is the local library. They are sure to point you in the right direction and probably have a group of their own. Or, find a few friends to join you and work out the most suitable way for you to run it. Don’t be afraid to experiment. I have been to book groups who have regular speakers; know some where they have dinner alongside and others that meet in the pub. In the past, we have met in each others’ homes, but this month, we are trialling meeting at a local hotel for afternoon tea. Book groups needn’t be dull and worthy.

The best part about books is sharing your thoughts and recommendations. So if you have a ‘must read’, please put it in the comments box below. Who knows where they will take us.