As
an ardent book lover, in recent years I have often despaired on hearing dire
warnings of the imminent demise of the printed word. The steady, unceasing
march of technological advances has meant that at times it seems as if the
entire human race is permanently glued to their iphone or other electronic
device.
Over
the Christmas period I was much heartened by the news that far from being in
decline our desire for the printed word has received something of a revival.
I
have tried, I really have. I have heard all the arguments about the portability
of such gadgets, and the ability to download practically anything, never mind
its intrinsic worth, or lack of it. I have owned a Kindle for over 4 years and
in an effort to get with the times, proving that I am no curmudgeon when it
comes to embracing technology, I got the all-singing, all-dancing version. With
my eyesight not quite what it once was I will readily admit to the usefulness
of being able to alter the font size with electronic devices is useful. I find
that unless it is a non-fiction reference book I need for research purposes I
now select books for my personal reading pleasure by the size of the font and
style of typeface!
However,
after an initial fit of misplaced enthusiasm, during which I downloaded The
Bible, Mein Kampf and other dubious works of literature, just because they were
available free, I have yet to use it, and have long since forgotten the
password to get the wretched thing started. As someone who likes to travel to
out of the way places, a Kindle is not much good if there is not a regular
electrical source for charging it up.
For
me there is nothing like the feel of a proper book. Reading a book engages most
of the senses; sight, touch, hearing the rustle of the pages as they turn, and
the musty, foxy smell of something with a history.
Certainly,
as a recipient of literary gifts, very often second hand finds, I delight in
the quirky books that friends manage to find on my behalf. The latest tranche
included a book on railway catering and one on the healing power of Champagne;
both right up my street. I like to think that I have a catholic taste when it
comes to my choice of reading material, which may be chic lit., travelogues,
biographies or the latest award winning best-seller. When on holiday or
travelling, I can usually work my way through a book a day, with the bonus that
at the end of the week, as I dispose of my paperbacks leaving them for someone
else to enjoy, I have extra room in my luggage for souvenirs and the odd bottle
of wine.
Locally,
phone boxes in many villages have been turned into mini book exchanges,
providing a great source of interesting literature, and all for free. I cannot
imagine life without books, which is one of my reasons for being so passionate
about Ilminster Literary Festival, now coming up to its second year; the
opportunity to meet our favourite authors in the flesh and to find out more
about makes them tick is not to be missed. Long may the reprieve for book
lovers last.
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