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Reflections on World Book Day #WBD2020
I faced a real dilemma last week; how to select just one favourite book from a lifetime of reading? For a book to stick with me, it has to make me think, reflect, or challenge my preconceptions.
A form of escapism, yes, but the writer’s craft is an intricate one – the author weaves together the plot skilfully, employing devices that I don’t think about when immersed in the roller-coaster, but which I can unpick later.
Which brings me to my next point: I am still learning and that is the power reading brings: you can’t help but acquire new language!
Do you know the meaning of 'recidivism'? Well, Year 11 taught me last week – yes, I am a Maths teacher imparting knowledge and skills most days (I hope!) but I became a teacher as a result of my love of learning, my passion for education – reading, then, is food for the soul.
My reading pile at the moment? It comprises two or three leadership tomes, an anthology of mathematical methods, a 1920s mystery and a couple of cookery books – it’s nothing if not varied!
The story that is sticking with me at the moment, though, and the one that I chose for my #WBD2020 recommendation, is Mitch Albom’s 'The Time Keeper', a story in which the reader is challenged to think differently about those days we wish away (how many times a week do you wish it was the Easter holiday already?). An excellent reason, if ever I needed one, to find a quiet spot, pick up a book where I left off, and spend half an hour in another world.
