If you love reading books you’re the best

I have been very fond of books and magazines since my childhood days. Be it in my city or in any other city, even today the most favourite places of mine are bookstores, magazine stalls and libraries. Magazines are gradually disappearing from the stalls, but books are everywhere, from book shops to airports and your mobile phones. Reading e-books has its own benefits. They are easy to carry and do not require any space. From the very beginning, there was an inclination to buy books, so a small library has been developed in the house. The places of living kept on changing when I was working for the newspaper houses, but the stock of books kept traveling together. As soon as I get free time from the busy work schedule, I feel like picking up a book and start reading. Books transport you to another world. Last year, I had to stay in the hospital for a long duration, where my favorite books stayed with me. With this, positive, creative and happy thoughts kept coming in my mind. When doctors and nurses saw me reading a book, they used to leave with a smile and give good compliments.

Vani, a well-known journalist and author, whose second novel -  ‘Seconds Letter’ is in news these days, says that "She cannot even imagine a home without books. Reading books gives motivation to write, and books introduce her to the experiences of other writers. During the last two years, when everyone was forced to stay indoors, it didn't make much difference to the book lovers. They were happy to get a lot of free time to sit comfortably and finish their favourite books, which was not possible earlier.” These days Vani is busy writing a self-help book for women. As food lovers feel good in a sweets shop, the book lovers get satisfaction in a bookstore. One day I said to the owner of the English Book Shop that you are fortunate to be surrounded by so many books; you can read any new book you want." Can you imagine what his answer was, he said, "I have studied only till 10th standard. That’s why I cannot read all the books but I can smell and tell which book will sell more." There are people like him also.

If someone asks what are the benefits of reading books, people will tell you different benefits. I believe that the biggest advantage of reading books is that you can live many lives in one life. Different authors must have poured many years of experience in their books, the benefit of which you can get within a few hours only. For those who want to improve their language, learn new words, then reading is a good way out. Reading has great benefits for your mental health. Reading is like an exercise to the brain. While reading a story, your mind can indulge in imaginations. Reading is fun. That's why many movies and TV shows are based on books. Reading increases concentration and introduces new words. The more words one knows, the more intelligent that person is. If you make a habit of reading a book before going to bed, you will definitely get a good sleep.

(Writer is a senior journalist & columnist)