I have loved books, especially fiction, since I was very young.
My mother taught me how to read but was told off for it by teachers when I started school because she hadn’t done it in the correct way. I think these days she’d probably be given a medal. Mind, with all the issues in the news recently, I sometimes wonder how any of us of a certain age ever made it through the 1970s!
Certainly I don’t regret Mum teaching me to read. Indeed I owe her a huge debt of thanks for this alone as without this special gift there is no way I could compile a Top 10 list of books.
A lifetime of reading generally starts young.
The joy of reading and, later, writing my own stories is immense and without the love of books in the first place, I doubt if I’d be writing stories at all.
You have to have that spark which comes from reading something wonderful and then realising you’d like to have a go.
My top ten reasons to love books are:
- You can visit any era, country or world (real or otherwise) at your convenience and without leaving a comfy chair. Even Doctor Who can’t do that. He needs the Tardis.
- The range of topics covered by either fiction or non-fiction is truly breathtaking.
- There is always the joy of re-reading an old favourite and/or author. For me, this means re-reading Terry Pratchett, P.G. Wodehouse and Jane Austen in particular. I’m also fond of Agatha Christie and find TV and radio adaptations make me then re-read the original books. I must confess I’ve not read any Dorothy L Sayers but the Radio 4 Extra adaptations of her Lord Peter Wimsey stories are wonderful. The radio adaptations have Ian Carmichael in the lead role, with Peter Jones (of Just a Minute and the Rag Trade fame) as Bunter, his butler. (There is more than a nod to Jeeves and Wooster here).
- This joy can only be topped by discovering a new favourite book and/or author. This means having whole new worlds of stories to explore for the first time (which will, hopefully, go on to become much loved favourites). My most recent new-to-me discovery is Jasper Fforde, especially his police procedurals featuring DI Jack Spratt.
- Books as a form of entertainment are relatively cheap. And then there are the different formats. There’s bound to be at least one to suit you.
- You look intellectual when you’re reading! (It helps if, like me, you also wear glasses. They give gravitas). Okay this is not the world’s best reason for loving books but I thought I would throw this in as I like looking intellectual, some of the time anyway!
- Books are a wonderful form of escapism and you can tailor your reading to suit your mood. It probably says something for me that I love humorous literature so much. (Well when the real world is violent, sad and depressing, name a better form of escapism that is legal, you can’t overdose on it, nor does it make you put on weight and so far you can’t be stopped by the authorities for being “over the limit” on books!).
- There are truly beautiful books out there so those that like aesthetics will find something to please. And then there is something amazing about seeing early editions of classic novels. I find those awe inspiring. Good books last.
- While those of us still lucky enough to have libraries realise that luck and make the most of it, books are one of the few forms of entertainment where you can borrow them, decide if you like them and then make a purchase or not. It’s a good way of testing a new author out. You always learn something from a book even if it is you discover you don’t like it!
- And you’re not limited to the “classic” formats of paperback and hardback either, whether you purchase or borrow. Libraries have offered ebooks and audio books as well for some time now. My favourite format is paperback and I was pleased to discover Michael Morpurgo’s Radio 4 Extra programme about his late father-in-law, Allen Lane of Penguin, to whom a great debt is owed for getting books out to the public in general (and via paperback in particular).
Chandler’s Ford Library
Chandler’s Ford library also offer the chance to borrow emagazines (as well as traditional print ones), DVDs and CDs.
I think this range of formats enhances the library (and its chance of survival) as the more people of all ages they can attract through their doors the better. This in turn is more likely to happen if people know they will find a format they like or take the opportunity to test a format via the library before committing to it at home.
There are also computers, photocopiers and scanners available and wifi for public use so libraries are adapting to meet changing technologies. They just need more support.
Chandler’s Ford Library: Grade II listed building status
And I was surprised and pleased to see our lovely library has been recently awarded Grade II Listed Building status. See the link taken from the BBC News website (Entertainment and Arts). I very much hope this award strengthens Chandler’s Ford Library in terms of its ability to survive.
I also like the way libraries have a range of events to draw people in as well as offering a place for clubs and societies to meet. I make no apology for the shameless plug for our library as I think we lose something of our soul as a nation with every library that is shut down, bookshop which fails and so on. Books, to me, are as necessary to the soul as food and drink are to the body.
Newsagents and bookshops are amongst my favourite places to visit as I love magazines almost as much as I love books.
Online book buying has had a major impact of course but I think there is some backlash as independent book shops especially have unique qualities to draw people in and are a huge support to local authors trying to get established. I think this is beginning to be realised and “exploited” more and I hope that trend continues.
Yes, I have used online book shopping and found this useful for obtaining a long out of print book I needed for some background reading to help me flesh out the world of my stories. But I do not want to see online shopping as the only way to get books (or magazines).
Bookshops are vital. There is very little to beat the experience of happily browsing book shelves, discovering something you like and buying a wonderful new story to enjoy. (And if you have come from the library having carried out some research into a new-to-you author first, even better!).
Supporting Chandler’s Ford author Richard Hardie
From an author’s viewpoint, having your book launched locally is very special. Richard Hardie has had book launching events at local bookshops including The Book Shop at Lee-on-Solent.
I came across a bookshop blog which goes into some specifics about attracting customers which I found fascinating to read from both a potential buyer’s and local author’s viewpoints. And while this particular blog is Australian based, the principles hold true worldwide.
Books are one of the most special “commodities” available to most of us. For centuries, people have dedicated their lives to writing and publishing them.
Where would we be without books and stories? The country’s economy would be severely damaged for one thing. How many millions come into the UK economy as a result of:-
- book sales
- people visiting say Stratford-on-Avon as a result of Shakespeare’s output
- broadcasters earning money via book adaptations for radio and TV and so on (both within the UK and exporting programmes around the world).
- someone has to write those stories behind our TV and radio dramas which don’t originate from novels. How many of these programmes are then exported around the world, bringing in income?
- Jobs within publishing, the library system, teaching creative writing etc where people are working and paying taxes into the overall system, again benefitting the economy.
- People visiting theatres and cinemas to “see” stories for themselves. How much does London’s West End’s Theatreland bring into the UK?
So why do you like books then? Do you prefer fiction or non-fiction? Why?
Note: Don’t miss Allison’s next post on Friday 14th August 2015.
Visit Allison Symes’ website: Fairytales with Bite
Read interviews with Chandler’s Ford writer Allison Symes: Part 1 and Part 2.
Read blog posts by Allison Symes published on Chandler’s Ford Today.
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You prompted me to look at my books. I have 16 metres of bookshelves and still books are piled in other places. We fail to keep our rule that old books must go when new ones arrive. Which to throw away? Many novels are passed on to friends or charity shops, many of my old medical books are out of date and have gone. I like and keep general science books on evolution, the ice ages and biology. I like books in touch with reality so pure fiction rates lower.
Electronic readers such as kindle are great when travelling but I still prefer a book.
With so many books being published there are increasing numbers of rubbish books. Why are nearly all books classed as ‘international best sellers’? Publishers hype, I think.
Many books are hailed as International Best Seller, or even just New York Best Seller, BEFORE they’ve even been released. Advance sales may account for some of that, but as you say, it’s mostly hype, Mike!
Mike, I must confess I very rarely get rid of books. I find it almost impossible to do given all the books I have I’ve read many times and they seem like old friends. (They’re also therapeutic when life is not going so well). One good thing is that my history books will never date (some pun intended!). And, yes, there is a lot of hype. I’ve always felt the truly good books don’t need it.
Let’s see what I can add, Allison…. probably nothing, however:-
Books educate, entertain, provide escapism, are companions, provide surprises and unexpected twists, make a room look lived in, each one is unique, are relatively low in cost, low in maintenance cost, batteries never run out (compared to a Kindle), don’t break if you sit on one (again compared to the Kindle) and without them authors would just be…. well. they just wouldn’t be authors!
I totally agree about our library, Allison, and Radka Ford, the chief librarian, is planning great things in the months to come. For instance she and I are planning to do two sessions on writing books for different age groups on 29th October (half term). It’ll be ticket only, so watch this space! I’ll also be doing a book signing session in the library on the same day.
I’ll also be doing a book signing at the W H Smith local shop in Fryern Arcade within the next month or two, at a date to be confirmed. Please come and support your only local book shop and a local author!
Great news, Richard!
Tell us more and let’s spread the news.
We’re generating a great atmosphere for writing, blogging, and reading in the community, through Chandler’s Ford Today.
I’m great to see all parties have come together to help more great things happen.
Please keep us up to date and do keep up with your good work.
Thank you Allison for your inspiration.
Keep me posted on the dates, Richard, and I’ll see what I can do. Will you do a write up about your library sessions?
Allison,
So glad to hear about the news about the Grade II listed status for Chandler’s Ford Library. I didn’t know about that. I hope more people will cherish what’s around us, such as our precious library, and do what we can to support our community.
I haven’t borrowed any ‘e’ books / magazines from the library yet, as my very old i-Pad won’t work with the formet needed for downloads. I haven’t got a Kindle. However, I do borrow printed magazines from the library – one week’s loan only, but borrowing them saves me money. Magazines can be expensive, but sometimes I only want to read a few pages to get certain ideas (such as from craft magazines), so getting them from the library is the most convenient.
Janet, the news about the library is very recently (past few days). And I must admit I like the library building. It’s nice to have public buildings that are attractive as well as functional. (The Victorians did this well with railway stations etc).
I only subscribe to a couple of magazines (writing based ones naturally) and it was only when I researched this article I discovered you can borrow others from the library. Must try and get around to borrowing some myself!
Chandler’s Ford Library’s recent news was on BBC Radio Solent.
▶ BBC Radio Solent – Katie Martin, A Grade II Listed library and missing Teddy Bears, A Grade II Listed Library
I have never been to The British Library. It is an expensive building and was subject of years of delay. I used to tease my librarian friends that, now it is ready, we don’t need it any more. We can see the Magna Carta and other gems on the net.
The building looks industrial and on a scale that seems to belittle the users. The architecture of a building should make you feel inspired and privileged as you walk into it, not overawed and dominated by its giant features.
On the topic of the British Library, it is worth celebrating that the British Library’s collections on Flickr Commons offer access to millions of public domain images, which we could explore and re-use.
Flickr: The British Library
For example, this category contains images of Architecture, found by the community from the Mechanical Curator Collection.
This category contains Maps, found by the community from the Mechanical Curator Collection.
I hope writers and readers will make use of the vast bank of image resources from the British Library.
Bad breaking news: Southampton to close 6 libraries.
Six Southampton libraries may shut as council cuts costs. (From Daily Echo)
I’ve never been to the British Library either, Mike, but I would love to do so one day. If you ever get the chance to see the Magna Carta in the Chapter House at Salisbury Cathedral, assuming you haven’t already, I’d highly recommend that. It is awe inspiring to be so close to such an important part of our history.
Thanks for the tip about Flickr and the British Library, Janet. Will try and explore that.
Can’t say I’m that surprised by yet more libraries closing. Talk about knowing the price of everything and the value of nothing. What price knowledge? Even in this day and age not everyone has internet access. Others still prefer to look things up in good old fashioned books and libraries mean you don’t have to buy everything you might have a need for! (Just as well really, my better half has put up enough bookshelves I think!).
The Magna Carta in Chapter House was mentioned in History: The TV Show – Chandler’s Ford Today.
In May we visited Salisbury Cathedral again, to see the best preserved surviving 1215 copy of Magna Carta.
The display area has been much improved. Now it includes some touch-screen displays, and simple questions on an interactive board to help you identify sculptures in the building.