Many of you found my blog because you are readers, or both writers and readers. In other words, you have a vested interest in a healthy publishing industry producing lots of wonderful books, whether they be e-books, paper books, audio books, or whatever.
This will only happen if you pay them money. Libraries are great, and so are secondhand book stores. BUT, they don’t bring money in to those people who actually write or produce or print or record the books.
For them to benefit, you have to actually give them money.
And the Christmas/holiday season is a great time to do this. If you support the industry, then you will get more great books to read in the future. If you are a writer, then publishers will have more money to pay you an advance…
This time of year is also a great time to introduce others to reading for pleasure. It is a great time to give kids something that has been a source of great enjoyment to you: a book. It is a great time to share your discoveries with someone else.
Perhaps you remember the first time you discovered – as an adult – the wonder of reading a fantasy or science fiction book and realised that those great challenging stories are not just for kids.
Right now, times are dark, and this is where fantasy comes into its own: escape this world for another. Get away from your troubles into a world where ordinary people can be heroes. Give others books and a way to leave the real world behind over the holidays.
If you don’t know what to buy, well, try a book token or gift certificate, available from any bookstore, which can be ordered and delivered to your recipient online.
Pix: Books I have read this year, or will be reading soon.— C.S. Lewis
The greatest gift is a passion for reading.
— Elizabeth Hardwick
Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend.
Inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read.
— Groucho Marx
I find television very educating.
Every time somebody turns on the set,
I go into the other room and read a book.
— Groucho Marx
Your pile of books looks very similar to mine…you obviously have fabulous taste *grin*.
I don’t mean to boast, but I’m going to anyway. That pile of books would last me about a month. I devour books, reading is one of my greatest joys and has been as long as I can remember and that’s a loooong time. I just don’t understand anyone who doesn’t read, Matt doesn’t really. An occasional non-fiction or, once in a while, a novel. It teaches you language, opens up new worlds, often teaches you history and geography, plus being a form of escapism. I venerate people like you who can give me such pleasure and envy your abilities. Thank you Glenda, in this neck of the woods you are much appreciated.
Loved the quotes by the way, especially the last one. Fits us to a T except I stay in the same room.
Well said Jo and Glenda – I’m with you all the way!
I can’t imagine a world without reading either, Jo. I have been keeping a record of what books I’ve read this year. I’m a bit behind (see the left sidebar) but it is over a book a week. I read less now than before I was a published writer…
I was kidding you somewhat Glenda, I don’t have to write or do anything else much. Bit of volunteering and some bowling, but that’s it, so I have loads of time to read. I do dust once in a while LOL
I just read your book list, didn’t realise you read Jim Butcher’s Dresden files. I love them. I also read his Codex Alera novels. A lot of the books you have read, I have also read. Similar tastes I guess.
🙂 Yep, we all have good taste…