During my high school days, apart from the regular subjects
like the languages, science, mathematics, and social studies, we also had some
additional classes on subjects like moral science, physical education, and so
on. One such class was the library class. It was probably called that because
it was handled by the librarian. It was a class that was completely dedicated
to discussions on books. English books, novels in particular, were introduced
to us in this class. It was a wonderful escape to the world of imagination.
Our teacher, DNR, was definitely a fervent book lover. He
had a very efficient way of introducing a book. I can see him in my mind’s eye now, as he appeared in the
class, greying-haired, bespectacled figure moving around in front of the black
board. He would start a session by first listing on the blackboard, with a neat hand, the main characters from the book he had chosen for the day.
Sometimes, if a break preceded the library class, this story outlining on the
blackboard would start even before all the students were seated in the class.
Later on, I have gone on to read some of the books that DNR introduced in those classes. Novels like The Lost Horizon by James Hilton, The
Airport by Arthur Hailey, a crime thriller titled Not Safe To Be Free by James
Hadley Chase, and so on. Each one of those books has left an impression on me,
not least because I first heard about them at an impressionable age. The love
of books and reading was in me from an early age. The world of English fiction
was introduced to me by DNR, and his library class. The selection of the
books was also appropriate, as these were stories that could
really hold the attention of a high school student. It was obvious
that he loved these books. The class listened to
him with rapt attention. The stories transported us into another world for the
duration.
The books introduced in these classes were mostly from the
genre of general fiction and thrillers and not the classics of literature. I
think this was a good approach. As we were for the first time getting
introduced to the joys of reading, light and entertaining kind of books kept us
interested. Obviously, as one gets deeper into the world of books, the
magnificent range and variety of reading material presents itself.
Later on, once out of high school, as I got more into the reading habit, I moved from the thrillers genre onto the classic genre. In spite of
not always being very accessible and easy in terms of readability, the
classics have offered me a great reading experience nevertheless. When I look back on my
reading choices over the years, I find that my list of books includes books from different genres, including a fair number of
classics too. In a way though, it all started with the library class.
These days we often hear discussions regarding the
importance and relevance of fiction. Internet is making information far more
easily accessible but it is also resulting in changes in the way we read.
The amount of reading has increased as a result of text-messaging, browsing and
so on, but the traditional way of reading books has decreased. Internet has
certainly increased the efficiency in generating and distributing information.
The question though still remains regarding the impact on the state of reading fiction.
So, why do we need fiction? The answer for that question can
never be universal. It is like asking why do we live. For one, maybe it is just the love of a good story. There have been hundreds of witty answers to the question on
reading. I liked this anonymous quote- “Anyone who says they have only one life
to live must not know how to read a book.” And this one from Gustave Flaubert,-
“Do not read, as children do, to amuse yourself, or like the ambitious, for the
purpose of instruction. No, read in order to live.”
I do want to believe in literature and its
possibilities.
DNR and his library class definitely helped in instilling
the curiosity and enthusiasm for literature. Years later, I had a chance to meet
DNR again. In 2010, I was back in my school for a reunion and he had come there
too. Now, completely grey haired and long retired, he looked older. I went up
to him and introduced myself. He seemed to recognize me but not distinctly. I
told him how much I used to like his library class and mentioned some books
that he had covered. I think he was pleased that I could remember some of the
books he had introduced to us.
More on my favorite books here-
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