Reading

I started reading when I was 10. Back in the days, I used to finish two books by Enid Blyton in a day. I used to read in the rickshaw while going home from school, at home (Lots of free time since I didn't go to tuitions!!), in school during recess and at a lot of questionable places. Our school had two seperate buildings; one for the primary section and the other for the secondary and higher secondary. The library was located in the secondary section. Also, we were allowed to issue or return our books only during our recess time which was only of 20 mins. So, I used to finish my snacks and run to the secondary section to return the books. Our librarian was lean, tall and shared a common name with our principal. Everybody had the same recess time so whenever I went to the library, I found him having his lunch or snacks. Initially, he issued the books very gladly but then his attitude changed. He questioned my reading speed. He claimed that no 10 year old kid could finish two books in a day. I told him I could. I guess, me, interrupting him in his break time caused this change in attitude. I, being a rebel, starting reading faster and managed to interrupt him every day. Sometimes, I wonder where all that innocence went.
These days, as I'm about to be 21, I realise that I've been reading since the past 11 years. I have lost count of the number of books I've read but I'm trying to add books on Goodreads and as much as I've managed, it turns out I've read around 234 books. That averages to around 21 books/year. What a shame!
Reading has helped me become a lot of things I am today and I'm very grateful for that. I wonder what I would've been doing today if Dad hadn't bought 5 books from a scrap collector for me 11 years back. I've always encouraged people to read and I've always liked people who read. I like reading so much that even today if I'm going somewhere and have to pack a bag, I'll pack my books before packing clothes. When I was in first year of college, I used to see students using their phone during lectures. Now, in my fourth year, I see a few of them reading a book hidden in their desks and if nothing, that does bring a smile on my face.
#Reader