Once more we have the
opportunity of celebrating “World Book and Copyright Day”. Last year was very special because we marked the 4th centenary of the death of
Miguel de Cervantes and that of Shakespeare and as a result, a wide range of
events were organised worldwide. Apparently, this year may not be so relevant
but if you have a look at the UNESCO webpage, you will discover that there is
always a very interesting initiative which is linked to the celebration of this
red-letter day. For
instance, Conakry, Guinea, has been designated World Book Capital 2017, in
recognition of its programme to promote reading among youth and underprivileged sections of the
population as we must bear in mind that one of the goals of UNESCO is “the promotion of a better understanding of
issues related to disability and the recognition of the dignity, rights and
wellbeing of persons with disabilities as well as the benefits of their
integration in society”.
But what about your own way of celebrating this
day? Have you come across one of those books that are randomly scattered all
over some cities? Books in search for readers, readers in search for books… There
isn´t just one way of enjoying this special day but, being on a Sunday, on a
sunny Sunday, what about a walk to have a look at the stalls where the latest
book releases as well as the classics are on display? What about paying a visit
to your favourite bookshop where you can indulge the sheer pleasure of watching
the diverse book covers and the special scent of a brand-new book which cannot
be compared to the experience of switching on an e-book? This year, my own way
of celebrating this day is doing a lot of catching up with my reading. Why?
I´ve found that those books will turn into films shortly and I´m so fond of the
characters that I really wish to read the books before they are taken to the
big screen. I´m also looking forward to watching the stories on the big screen
but watching the films after reading the books is not comparable to reading the
books after watching the films, I hope this doesn´t sound like a tongue
twister, actually, I expect every reader to feel the same way. Reading implies
discovering and creating your own world thanks to the guiding hand of an author
as his or her creativity triggers your imagination, therefore the experience of
reading is unique and personal. Once you have watched the film, the story will
be the story that the film-maker has chosen to depict, a story which may be
similar to your story or not, but
once you have created your own story, you can feel free to compare your version
with that of the director of the film and you can enjoy it as much as the
written story or not, and that´s fine, isn´t it? The stories that you read become part of
you – in the same way as the stories
that you watch on the big screen become part of you – so it´s up to you to
discover a new one by opening a book or by becoming an e-book reader.
HAPPY BOOK DAY!!!
