What comprises a good book? And how do you decide if a book is worthy or unworthy of being read, if you can ever come to that conclusion? Is there such a thing as reading the right books? And most importantly, do you think there should be some sort of a censorship (public, parental) to reading, an age when you should read a particular work? The Week spoke to some avid readers to find their take on the much-debated matter.
A book for me is reflection of fact, emotions and imagination. A good book will always have a good presentation and choice of words and images. Alignment with the title is equally important as the title sets the expectation among the readers. The art of installing continuous motivation for the readers to keep flipping the pages is of paramount importance to me. A good cause or an objective will make a good book.
While choosing books for myself, temporal factors play a vital role. It also depends on what the circumstances are referring to. Also peer recommendation plays a good role. In my case, I decide which books to read mostly based on the writers reputation and sometimes offbeat topics also draw my attention. I believe there is an appropriate age as to when you should or shouldn’t read certain works. There are both sides to this matter. On one hand, it’s about focus and proficiency, and on the other hand it’s about freedom and innovation on learning. In my opinion, appropriate reading would be more relevant for student and the challenge here would be how to make reading more fun.
Sugarika KC,
former Miss Nepal
I am ready for a ‘live debate’ with Deuba: Oli
Different people seek different things from books. While some look for knowledge, some seek entertainment and a good, gripping plot. It’s really a matter of perspective and choice. I’m a poet and I look for beautifully crafted language and words in books and based on that major criteria, decide if a certain work is good or not. If a book is heavy with jargons and too informative, and doesn’t tug at my heartstrings then I don’t invest too much time in that work.
A book needs to be able to strike an emotional chord with me. It needs to be able to jostle me and get me thinking. For me, a good book is one that keeps you thinking about the characters, and the plot even when you’re not reading it. It has to keep you connected, and hooked. Everyone has a preference, and their reading list will reflect that.
Reading is very subjective and why should it not be? No two individuals are alike. Just because a book is considered ‘good’ doesn’t mean everyone will like it. And just because a work has been banned, doesn’t mean people will stop seeking it and even liking it. I believe a ban works in the favor of the book because human beings, by nature, are curious beings and if a certain book has been banned then the curiosity factor increases exponentially.
Usha Sherchan,
poet
I mostly read books related to my line of work. Then I read books recommended by friends, and then works by renowned authors. If I know that an author I like has a new book out, I’ll make sure to buy it but sometimes the works will disappoint me despite my love for the writer. However, I think a writer has the right to be bad. It’s his prerogative.
It’s up to the readers to decide what works or doesn’t work for them. There is no such thing as a bad book, I believe. Just books that might be wrong for you, and those books might be just what someone else is looking for. Having said that, I think this is why censorship is important till a certain age. What you read can have a long-term psychological impact on you.
But I condemn a public ban to all forms of art because art, by its very nature, should not be confined to any rules or protocol. Not that a ban can contain the work, or make it impossible for people to get their hands on it but it’s still ludicrous for some people to decide what should or should not be available to the public. Let the public decide that. And most importantly, who gets the authority to impose a ban on arts or books? Who are those passing such directives?
Ghimire Yubaraj,
director,Shilpee Theatre
How do you decide that a book is worthy of your time? You won’t know unless you read it yourself. You can decide, to a certain extent, by the blurb and the author’s previous works but reading is a personal experience. I tend not to go by book reviews because reviews again, just like reading, is a personal viewpoint and you won’t know whether or not you agree with the reviewer unless you read the book yourself.
You might also not like what your friends like and vice versa. So it depends on the readers’ choice and sensibilities. Having said that, I do believe there are some bad books out there. By bad, I mean those books where facts are distorted or exaggerated and where things have been misrepresented. These books are a complete waste of time, and paper too. Also, not all books are meant for all kinds of readers.
Though age is not a factor that determines what you can or cannot read, you definitely have to consider your interests, viewpoint, and sensibility while choosing a book to read. This is where parental/school guidance comes in till a certain age. But I don’t believe in government censorship because banning books has never stopped readers from seeking it out and reading it nonetheless. You should let the audience decide what they want to read and like or dislike. No one should take that away from them.
Janak Raj Sapkota,
writer
