Serendipity in reading

by Shireen SENADHIRA

The reading habit, is it increasing or decreasing? It is towards the latter that the reply is pointed. Why is it so? A few decades back the reading habit was flourishing. Now it is certainly the opposite. Why? It is because, in this age, browsing the net, sending SMSes and playing with funky handsets are the order of the day. Reading in a peaceful corner of a library is certainly not in fashion. To most, it is an archaic idea.

Technology has surrounded us. Therefore, the reading habit is fast declining. The libraries are without the voracious readers who used to flock there almost daily. Apart from a few people, among them, mostly elderly and some students, the libraries display a deserted look. Some of these libraries in turn, are neither well stacked or well maintained. In others, abundant books lie on the shelves gathering dust. This situation is due to lack of staff and funds for renovation and replenishing.

A couple of decades ago, if a person had not read Tagore, Shakespeare, Chekov or Tolstoy, that person didn't amount to much in the literature sense. At that time, there was a strong sense of accountability and responsibility among the youth. The dictum that prevailed then was to be well read. But with progress bringing in 'globalization,' life has become mechanical and money-oriented. Students are always spurred for performance and intrinsic values for them get misplaced in the mad rush of life.

Sad to note that the reading habit of children too are on the decline.

Multimedia games and the TV has promoted this. Exceptionally, in the case of Harry Potter, the children were clamouring for the book. But, it could be another phase, soon to fade out. One cannot blame the children for this situation of the declining habit of reading because it's mostly the fault of their parents, for they mount pressure on children with tuition classes. With the many subjects a child has to offer for his secondary schools exams, he has to read many texts and therefore, there is only little time left for reading for pleasure.

Children constantly move to larger institutions. Thereafter the first initial readings in the primary classrooms, many more demands will be placed on their ability to adapt to a variety of complex curriculum contexts, where reading will become a major vehicle of their individual learning. Therefore, interest in reading must be inculcated in children at all levels.

Pleasure elements associated with narratives that embody worlds that are already familiar to young readers will result in widening and deepening the choice of young readers. There are stories in everyone's life and stories have the ability to excite children's interest in reading and give children the message that learning to read is enjoyable, purposeful and magnified.

Shared reading

To catch their interest, shared reading could be introduced. This way, they find out at the very beginning that books are worthwhile and have an important part to play in their lives. Shared reading encourages positive attitudes, the reading and enjoyment of the stories is seen as its own reward. There is no hint of competition or the need for extrinsic reward; no need to please mummy or teacher or to get to a higher book. Sharing stories in this way emphasises that reading is a sociable activity, for when children read exciting stories they want to share what they have found with others. Even the quietest child is stimulated to talk, express feelings and ideas, this way.

One of the difficulties with this starting point for the teacher is in determining exactly what kind of stories will effect this transformation and particularly as children grow older, which books they themselves choose as a 'good story' as opposed to the books that are recommended as pleasurable by their teachers. Knowing the children will make it easier to guide them in choosing the books. This type of reading is an important facet in the children's lives.

Another reason why the weaning from reading occur is, in most cases, it is found that the parents themselves discourage children reading any other than textbooks. Intense and tough competition too has added to further deepening of the insecurity in middle classes. But what they fail to understand is that for all round development, the reading habit is essential. One must cultivate the reading habit at primary level. Otherwise, it will be difficult to develop this habit at university level. This is the very reason that reading should be made compulsory in schools. Presently, when dubious methods and short cuts are used to pass exams, the reading skill, if it had been instilled in the students, would make the students savour the learning and this, in turn will build their confidence in themselves and their abilities.

But all is not lost, even though the libraries show low attendance, there are still ardent readers who do come regularly. A great plus is that many contemporary writers are emerging with their masterpieces on different subjects. At a time when mechanical learning is happening, there still are the book lovers who never stop their habit of reading. Also, it is heartening to know that there are mobile libraries. They function in the suburbs in some towns. There should be more of such. Children or anyone for that matter, are very happy to go down their lane or walk to a centre close by and be able to pick up or exchange books.

Research shows that if you read ten books per year, you are in the few top percent of readers. Though it doesn't take much to be well read, it is important to get started. The following are a few suggestions to strengthen your reading habit:

Try and keep a log of the books you have read. This way it'll help you easily to pick out the new books. Next is, to make a list of what you want to read.

These two lists will help you immensely. Ask your friends what they are reading. Watch out for recommendations in the newspapers and magazines. This way your enthusiasm will not waver. Thus, your reading habit will be enforced and boosted.

Do not switch on the television unless you have a programme that you need to watch. Of course, you have to watch a television show that you really enjoy. But most of the time you scan channels to find 'something to watch.' This is the time to switch it off and pick up a book instead.

You can listen when you can't read. Say, for instance if you are doing gardening, you can always get a 'walkman' and listen to reading.

There are numerous audio versions of all sorts of books. So while you are tidying the home, cooking, gardening or exercising on a machine, you can listen to a book you like on tape. Listening to a book will give you the experience, imagination and ideas in the same way as reading the book.

Another interesting way is to join a book club or a reading group. These groups usually meet once a month. Joining such a group will give you the impetus to finish the book. It will also provide you with a good forum for discussion and socialization around book themes.

Delightful ways

One of the most delightful ways is, to spend some time in a library or a book store. Of course, you will go to a book store with a list to buy, but if you can find just a little more time, do browse among the shelves in the book store. Let your eyes do your work. Then voila! Let serendipity happen. You will come across a book that will interest you when reading the synopsis. It might even sweep you off your feet. The excitement has begun.

You will find your nerves tingling. You will turn the pages and read from here and there. You've got it. Clutching the book you'll rush to the cashier, buy it and take it away tenderly. Don't forget the list you came to get in the first place.

When you finish your errands you will go home and can't wait to take a peek or read.

In case you are busy, you can't wait to finish your work and start reading. This is what a good book will do for you. When you do read it, it will open up new vistas and thoughts for you. It will reenergize you. Your mental needs will be satisfied.

Have you had this experience? Sometimes, when finishing a book that you enjoy, you regret that you have arrived at the last couple of pages and wish you were still in the middle of the book, even though you have read at breakneck pace to get to the end.

Also, if you have enjoyed it, you will be analysing it in your own mind and this will go on for a few days. You could also make up different endings to it and arrive at the way you wanted it to end. Then you keep comparing it with other books with similar stories. Such experiences are so thoughtprovoking, invigorating and exciting.

So, why don't you let this happen? Why don't you get into a book store or library and let serendipity happen?