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What would life be without books?
Probably different things for different people.
For me, it would be hell.
I love to read. It’s a great way to relax. I enjoy reading while at the same time soaking in my big, super isolated bath. The water stays warm for at least 30 minutes, so that’s definitely a couple of chapters in the book of choice for that day.
What was life like without books?
What did life look like before the stories were printed?
Well, even without books there were thankfully still stories. It was only relatively late in history that they were put down to paper, or in our case, digitally available. Stories have always been there. From the earliest rock paintings (pre-historic comics?) to travelling storytellers, people have always been entertained by tales of heros, countries & worlds far from home and strange mythical creatures.
Life was hard.
There were no 9 – 5 work days. No holidays. No weekends. Especially for the majority of the people. For those who didn’t have status or money, life was one laborious day after the other. There was no internet. No TV. No radio. Most couldn’t read. They trudged through their lives with only the stories to entertain them.
Millions found release from their difficult daily life in the tales they were told. They could escape to another life. One that wasn’t so burdensome. One where there were fairies, heros and heroines that won the day. Where the villains lost and received their due.
It was an escape.
And now?
Well, stories are still a release from daily life. Even if the manner of storytelling has changed. Small travelling acting troops have been replaced with hundred-million-dollar movie projects. We can even stream our favourite tales when we want, through the multitude of streaming services. There’s something for everyone.
And the demand for stories has increased exponentially. Millions of books are available at the click of a computer keyboard (or phone). You can read them, watch them or listen to them whatever takes your preference.
We are surrounded by stories.
Real-life ones and made-up ones. Hundreds of genres and sub-genres opens the readers attention to new and established authors.
All I have to do is look up my favourite subjects and I am once again surrounded by new tales that call at me to read.
Looks like I’m in for a lot more long reading baths.
Here are some more great books from friends.
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