Meaningful Reads

Fiction is well and dandy and make for entertaining reads, luring one into the mind of the author and allowing one insight into the wisdom and thoughts of great writers and thinkers. To the reader, the joys of reading cannot be explained but has to be experienced - how words come alive and sometimes, seduce the reader to a literal tango that leaves one breathless and desiring for more, or perhaps in an emotional furore. 


Jane Austen summed it quite well in saying, 'The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel must be intolerably stupid.'


But there are books and there are books. These are the tomes that often evoke similar emotional tensions or feelings that tug at heart strings, and possibly even inspire action or some form of resolution from the part of the reader. Unlike their novel counterparts, these are true stories - many reflecting the harsh realities of life and how individuals have made a difference or had their lives changed in dramatic turning points. But for the cynic, the question begs - is this really true? How is it possible that such things can happen or could there be exaggeration on the part of the author/publisher to drive sales? One will never know unless some form of investigation reveals any untruths. 


And yes, such things do occur. One such founder of a charitable organisation in the United States recently came under fire when his biographies were 'exposed' and found to be largely untrue, portraying him as a humanitarian who misappropriated funds among other accusations. It has certainly caused quite the scandal and ignited some readers who have posted their displeasure online, all of which prompted the organisation in question to quickly set the story straight. While it is not up to one simply as a reader to pass judgement, it is certainly something to ponder upon. 


What is the intention for reading such books? A feel-good factor or encouragement to do good? Perhaps some truths are not meant to be taken so literally; but it is the spirit behind what is written that one can reflect upon. Fiction or non fiction, the intent of the writer is the same - to bring across a message through the weavings of words on the pages in an anonymous connection of sorts. 


As Alan Bennett once said, 'The best moments in reading are when you come across something – a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things – that you’d thought special, particular to you. And here it is, set down by someone else, a person you’ve never met, maybe even someone long dead. And it’s as if a hand has come out, and taken yours.'


What is a meaningful read to you?