Stop, drop and read

Bibliophiles here and globally should mark World Book Day by taking time out to read

World Book Day is the cue for people to stop and pick up a book. Lee Hoagland / The National
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Don’t be surprised if at some point on Thursday, some of those around you suddenly break off from what they are doing, grab a book and start reading. “Stop, drop and read” is being promoted in the UAE and elsewhere to commemorate World Book Day in the best way possible: by actually taking time to delve into a favourite tome.

There has been plenty of action to encourage reading, such as the designation of 2016 as the Year of Reading in the UAE. But sometimes it is important to leave aside for a moment abstract arguments about the benefits of books and actually delve into an alternative reality through one.

This can be a classic being reread. The Catcher in the Rye, for example, is a completely different book when the reader is aged 15 compared to 40. Others might take the chance to explore new genres, including the rich seam of Arabic literature in translation. The important point is to grab a book today and dive in.