Oh Bookworm, Where Art Thou?

Lucky are the ones who never lose touch with their inner reader. 

But what about the other half? The ones that buy and buy new books, making futile promises of reading them as soon as possible. The ones who, once upon a time may have been voracious readers – but lost touch with their inner reader somewhere along the way. 

Reconnecting with your books is very much like reconnecting with a long-lost friend. 

For the longest time, you are aware of their existence. Despite the deadlines, parties, personal and professional commitments, gym sessions, and bouts of laziness – your books are never far from your mind. 

Your books pop by your mind at the oddest moments – sometimes for a fleeting second. You could be chatting with a friend, you may come across a quote, or maybe you’re just lounging on your chair. But when the memory flashes by you realise – my god it’s been so long! 

You ache to reconnect and return to your beloved books – they must be craving your time and attention too! And if you’re lucky, you pick up breezily from the same page you left off at. 

But, but, but (damned buts), sometimes it isn’t as breezy. Sometimes, a wave of overthinking engulfs you – prodding you with ‘what ifs’ ‘buts’ and ‘should I’s’. 

What if we don’t pick up from where we left off? 

What if it doesn’t feel the same? 

Should I wait until I feel it? 

But, dear reader, your bond is not that fragile – it cannot be vanquished by those second, third and fourth thoughts. And so, you take the plunge and reach out. 

The changes are evident. Dust-flecked book covers await your arrival while yellow spotting took over the pages in your absence. You face each other, wondering if it will be the same. You struggle to adjust and readjust to that one position that allowed you to read comfortably for hours on end. The book adjusts to your slippery grasp, shockingly slow reading speed and half-hearted rations of attention. 

It takes time, and that’s alright. Because it’s been quite a while, right? In certain instances, you both leave midway, mid-page – for a brief interval. Your gut brings up that dreaded question again and again – will it ever be the same? 

Of course, it will! Why won’t it? A few attempts are all that it takes. After all, those books have been your constant companions for as long as you can remember. From comic books to teen novels to self-help books to literature – you’ve shared many special memories. On the best of days and the worst, you lost yourself in each other’s company – unaware and uncaring of the world around. Some days, you couldn’t be seen without a book in your hand! 

The walk down memory lane surely brings a smile to your face, doesn’t it? You tell your gut – it will be alright. 

Eventually, it is like no time has passed. You pick up your attention and pace while your books revel in your hands. The reader within emerges in triumph and glory – for you did it! 

You are not long-lost friends anymore. 

Dedicated to all my bookworms and bibliophiles and their beloved, beautiful, brilliant books!