We need to create a reading revolution

Jan 29, 2013 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,
It took me a long time to come up with the courage to express these thoughts about an essential pursuit that I am convinced will genuinely make this nation develop, mature, progress, advance and stand tall among others—reading.
I travelled throughout London in buses, trains and sat in the parks from time to time, and on every occasion I found people reading a book. I am well aware of the benefits these people derive from such practice.
Reading sharpens the mind. Reading helps to develop your thinking. Reading strengthens your memory. Reading inspires and motivates you to positive action. Reading makes you see things that you never saw before. Reading puts you ahead of others and places you in advantageous positions.
I know of instances where several young people [adults] go to work every day in a company bus, travelling for over an hour, every morning, and all they do is look around from the window where they are seated to see who is passing by. It never crossed their mind that they could be reading an inspiring book based on real life.
Many years ago I served my community as a local librarian. Many adults would come to the library and borrow books while others would seek to purchase. In those days [1970s] there were no cell phones around and internet services to take up people’s time; rather, reading was the culture of the young and old.
Men took pleasure in reading, whether it was a James Hadley Chase special, an Agatha Christie mystery or a J.T. Edson western. Some people would read biographies, while others would lose themselves in Harold or Denise Robbins novels, a James Baldwin or a recent Mills and Boon classic.
Sometime last year I spoke to a young man whom I knew was preparing to write his CSEC exams. I asked him one question – How is your reading? Without thinking, he answered, “I Texting!”
Now this answer speaks volumes of the state or culture that has taken over our future generation.
There must be something we can do as a Nation to revive and restore the culture of reading and make Guyanese and Caribbean people readers once more. When people read, their thinking capacity is enhanced, and such practice prepares them to comprehend and face the many issues and challenges that lie ahead of them.
We need to create a reading revolution across continents, showcasing Guyana with a book that is regarded as a gripping and inspiring story of life, highlighting areas of life-changing experiences that would move the reader to heights beyond the natural mode of income and lift them to unlimited potential of prosperity unimaginable, thus bringing them into a new, exciting and exhilarating reality of a changed mindset. A book they will never want out of their sight.
A revolution in their reading appetite should be created. Such book should be distributed free to schools, communities, and institutions for single families or where disabled persons abide.
Reading is the epicentre of a nation’s development, progress and maturity. Twice within a ten-year period [1992 to 2002] I volunteered my services to two schools to do a session [45 minutes]. At a primary school located on Church Road [Middle Walk], Buxton, East Coast Demerara, I taught the children to read poetry. The poem I wrote for the children brought first prize at a national or regional function in that time and season. [Reading of poetry helps to quicken and sharpen the memory]
Again in 2008/9, during both years our church managed a program for young people to write and read their poems at the National Library and offered awards for their efforts.
As a writer and publisher for over thirty years I have been making presentations of books that I have written over the years to organizations and persons from different walks of life. My vision for 2013 is to continue to do the same, as many people who need to read sometimes cannot afford to go into a book store and purchase one.
My greatest satisfaction in not in making a fortune in selling my books, but in receiving a phone call every now and then from conscientious readers who would compliment me on the book they just read, and ask when is the next book due. These calls would come from as far as Nigeria, Africa; Athens, Greece; Jamaica, Suriname, United States of America, Canada or London.
Apostle Vanrick Beresford
Senior Pastor

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