Looks May Be Shallow, But Stories Are Forever

I have yet to come close to the end of a book so far this week, but that’s because I keep picking up new ones. Not only are there hundreds, if not thousands of books out there that literally cry out: “Don’t I look fabulously interesting? Take me! Pick me up!”, but publishers have really begun to master the art of the alluring cover, and they work—even on me. Judging a book by its cover is supposed to be a faux pas, but the outside design of a book usually reflects what’s inside in terms of style, albeit less so quality. Most “Chick Lit” novels, for example, are distinguished by their curly writing, and white, pink, black and/or blue colours. Personally, I love smooth covers with spot varnish.

The handsomest jacket of all the books I am presently reading belongs to a novel by Karen Connelly called The Lizard Cage. I just started it, so I’ll let you know how it is a bit later on; so far, so good. I loved her first book, a work of non-fiction entitled, Touch the Dragon a Thai Journal, which won the Governor General Award.

Speaking of quality books… A new reading tradition just started in my household, and I think it will stick. Every night in bed, I read a chapter or two of a classic to my husband. The current selection is Alice in Wonderland, but I think it will be Dickens next.

I believe that adults need to be read to as much as children. The magic it inspires does not diminish with age; indeed, it becomes more appreciated. Audiobooks address this yearning for oral storytelling to a degree, but there’s nothing like an actual person reading aloud in front of you, or more importantly, especially for you. Close your eyes and listen...