World Book Day and The Joy Of Reading

My relationship with reading has changed and evolved throughout my life. There have been seasons when you'd never find me without a book, and times when reading was the last thing on my mind. Over time, I have come to realise that immersing myself in the world of reading does me a lot of good, not only as a writer, but in my day to day living too. Reading presents me with the opportunity to learn, to escape, to imagine, and to dream - there are few opportunities like this precious experience. This is why I thought I would use this space to talk a little about the joy that can be found in reading (both as an adult and as a child), as well as to share some of my recommendations this World Book Day. 

Reading As A Child

The books I read as a child are entrenched in my memory and etched on my heart. My favourite books could often be identified on the shelf because my name would be written in felt tip pen on the inside cover, and they'd be a little battered from weeks, sometimes months and years, of reading and rereading. 

The stories I appear to have cherished most are those that had both rhyme and rhythm, or that had characters whom I could fall in love with. It will be no surprise to many that several of my favourite children’s books had a message or something to take away from them (which now is reflected in the way that I write). Reading as a child enabled me to escape, while also weaving me into the fabric of living - it was a beautiful experience that even now I think of fondly. I thought I would share a few of my favourites below:

1. 'Millie', written by Linda Jennings. This book was a childhood favourite (and not just because the main character shares the same name as me)! I have fond memories of reading this book with my mum in particular. 'Millie' is a book that celebrates difference, and adventure into the unknown. 
2. 'No Matter What', written by Debi Gliori. 'No Matter What' has the power to make me cry even as an adult! Gliori beautifully depicts what it is to love and to be loved through the eyes of grief and uncertainty.
3. 'Giraffes Can't Dance', written by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees. This fun book was a regular read for me at my grandparent's house. All these years later, I can hear the way that they would read this story. I even hear glimpses of their soft-spoken voices reminding me that I too could dance to the beat of my own music beneath the stars and the moon.
4. 'Handa's Surprise', written by Eileen Browne. This is a fun story with beautiful illustrations. This book was read in class when I was around 6 or 7 years old, and it has remained with me ever since. 
5. 'The Chronicles Of Narnia Collection', written by C.S.Lewis. This series of books has remained a firm favourite of mine even into adulthood. I was given this collection in one large hardback book that came with pages of truly magical illustrations that had me lost in the world of Narnia. The layers of hidden meaning in amongst his stories have reached into my adult life, and their timelessness will keep me coming back again and again. 

(Honourable mentions include: Kensuke’s Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo, The Longest Whale Song by Jacqueline Wilson, Sophie's Adventures by Dick King Smith, The Gruffalo/The Snail and The Whale by Julia Donaldson and Charlotte’s Webb by E.B White)

Finding The Joy In Reading As An Adult

There is so much joy to be found in reading, regardless of how you choose to enjoy the books that you read! Some like to start at the beginning, work their way through, and complete the act of reading without much consideration for the book beyond the point of the final page. Others prefer to immerse themselves in the world of reading, reflecting on the characters, the themes, or the plot (fellow book annotators - do reach out as I would love to connect with you)! 

When studying at school, and even to some extent at university, I found there was a real dip in my love of reading. There was always so much concern over reading work that was considered 'literary', or analysing the work of others in a way that squashed my need to respond emotionally and creatively. Ultimately, I rediscovered the joy of reading in adulthood when I stopped worrying about what or how I should be reading, and found unique ways into a world beyond my own.

Here are some of my recommendations for books I have most enjoyed as an adult reader:

1) 'The Keeper Of Lost Things', written by Ruth Hogen. Hogen's novel is beautifully considered and moving in subtle ways. If you're looking for something warming, touching and unique, then this is the book for you. I love the concept of this book, and the heart of it is evident throughout. Julia, a friend of mine, lent me her copy when I stayed with her in the summer and I've reread it three times since (time to buy my own copy so she can have hers back)!

2) 'Little Women', written by Louisa May Alcott. 'Little Women' is a classic book that I have loved since first reading when I was in my late teens. As a sister myself, I see so much of my own family relationships within the story of the March sisters. My love for this book was then enhanced by the most recent film adaptation. Some like to separate books and films, but I believe that they can co-exist because each retelling brings the story alive in a new light. 

3) 'A Man Called Ove', written by Fredrik Backman. This book is one of the most heartwarming texts that I have ever had the privilege of reading. When I finished the book, it was like I wanted to hold the pages gently, and Ove's story reminds me frequently to appreciate the simple joys in life. 

4) 'The Great Gatsby', written by F.Scott Fitzgerald. Gatsby was one of the few 'school' books that I enjoyed reading! The Great Gatsby challenged me to write with a greater sense of time and place and to read with a more significant investment in the characters. 

5) 'The Salt Path', written by Raynor Winn. Winn's memoir is stunning! There are so many things that I could share on this incredible piece, but the best thing that I can say is read it yourself!

This World Book Day, I would encourage you to take the opportunity to find what your joy in reading looks like! Experiment with audiobooks, or books with different structures, themes and voices. Invest in the characters by responding emotionally to the words you're consuming. Or simply escape into the worlds created for you! A hidden part of the world belongs to those who love to read, and you'll be glad to know that it is also yours for the taking!