From Popcorn to Paperbacks

I have always been an avid movie lover, and I still am. Movies have always been my preferred joyful pastime. And I never thought I would write this, as there was a time, ages ago, when finishing and truly understanding a book entirely was a daunting task. My study table in school and college days overflowed with books that I had borrowed from libraries like the British Council, American Embassy, Indian Embassy, and even the Russian Cultural Centre in Kathmandu. I was consumed by the idea of reading and reading only. As I reflect today, I feel that it was more like being a book collector than actually reading them.

In addition to my love for movies, nothing much changed after I came to New Zealand some eight years ago. The access to high-speed internet with undisrupted connectivity, availability of movie streaming services (mostly Netflix and Amazon) further gave me reason to hook up with movie and series watching binges. But lately, there has been a shift.

I have immersed myself in a voracious reading spree, which is an entirely different experience filled with unexpected challenges and profound joys. The initial journey was not easy but overcoming those hurdles (which everyone faces) led me to this point, which I wouldn't call easy, but rewarding.

Moreover, the act of reading goes beyond flipping pages and avoiding surrounding distractions; it's simply more than just passive absorption. It demands dedication, routine, and focused concentration. With every page you turn, you flow with the characters, plot, and emotions, demanding an active participation unlike watching movies or playing video games.

What triggered this transformation?

There is not a single answer. It could be a captivating writing style (that I would always like to call creative writing), immersing myself in a situation where a character resonated with me, or simply the genre that I felt close to my emotions. It's like embarking on a journey with an engaging adventure.

I have jotted down a few factors that I believe were reasons behind my book reading motivations that have kept me reading to this day:

Personal choice: In this age of connectivity, it's highly unlikely that you don't hear, overhear, or even read about a particular "good book" that has become the centre of discussion. Humans are curious by nature, and this personal choice of genre should ignite your imagination or resonate with your soul. It's good to go with recommendations from book clubs like library booklovers clubs, websites like fantasticfiction.com, but ultimately the decision falls with you. It's a personal choice, not just a mere recommendation. It sometimes takes real effort to find out what your personal choice is, as your mind drifts around from one genre to another.

Imaginative world: Unlike movies where you go along with the author's imagination and vision, a book provides you with unparalleled liberty of wilderness. You paint a vivid picture of characters and plots, or even sub-plots, imagining them with your own creative spark. Here comes a real challenge when you read fantasy fictions like Spinning Silver, The Poppy War etc. The characters, plots, and sub-plots are formed within your mind's eye, and you develop a deeper connection with the story, making it a unique personal experience.

Taking risks with unexpected detours: You may have been a good follower of a particular genre, but it's worth taking a risk to explore an unexpected detour from your regular choices. I have always been a lover of thriller and crime genre so was reluctant to detour from Shapri Lapena's books like The Couple Next Door, Someone We Know, some others like Last Call or The Wife Upstairs. But I reached a point where I thought I needed to try something different. The books like Shuggie Bain, Beach Read, Klara and The Sun came to my rescue. This tested my imaginative power, just like in a mystery movie, a minor character you may not have noticed throughout could be a central character in the end. This is applicable to reading books as well, as it leaves no room to drive you to the wonder-world of surprises that the author has to offer you.

Long-lasting impact: Movie scenes may fade away when the final credits roll (you may have skipped that end part anyway, just like me), but a book leaves lasting memories. Powerful quotes from the books resonate in your thoughts long after you complete the book, and you may take the liberty of using them somewhere in your email or report for your project, which has happened many times for me. For example, 'Forgiveness condones nothing, but it does cast off the chains of anger...' from The Beauty in Breaking hit me hard for a very long time. The impact transcends your experience, shaping your thoughts and perspectives in subtle yet profound ways.

Booklovers community: I never knew there could be a community for booklovers, both online and offline, who share your reading journey, and you might even find someone who shares your favourite genre. The connection that is developed through these communities reduces your hours of research for a good book. However, discussing plot, characters, and recommending books creates a sense of belongingness that has been declining lately, as Putnam aptly states in his book "Bowling Alone."

If you’ve made it to this the point of this article, it’s clear that you share my passion for exploring the wonders of literature. Remember, the journey has initial challenges but is a rewarding adventure. Explore the genres, don't feel disheartened to abandon a book midway through or even after flipping through the first few pages if it doesn't spark your interest. There are thousands, if not millions, of books, ebooks, or even audiobooks out there that closely match your interests, as the world of literature is vast and diverse. After all, reading is about a journey, an experience of unexpected turns, moments of joy and connection, not just a destination. Therefore, sit back, relax, and delve into the magic of words. Happy reading!!!