The Wonders of Reading

We have all heard that books can take you places you never knew existed. That half the joy of reading, is the adventure you go on. I have bought into that way of thinking, and I bought in long ago.

I have met all the creatures residing in Narnia. I have seen Paris bars and cafes after World War II ended. I have seen the future, and I have traipsed through the past. I have done all these things because I put my nose in the pages of a book. I have been enthralled, and I have been disappointed, but I have taken all these journeys because of books.

Currently I am reading Cockroaches by Jo Nesbo, it is the second Harry Hole mystery, and I am rather enjoying it. I started it the other day and even thought I noticed that the chapter headings were dates, I didn’t quite put two and two together, at least not for a couple chapters anyway.

You see, the dates coincide perfectly with the year we are currently in, and not only that, but I found that I was reading the book on the day it was taking place. It wasn’t just that the dates were January, but also that they match up number to day with this year, and so I started to give my imagination more leash.

I have never been to Thailand, but I have read about it, various articles on cultures and crimes. I have a basic knowledge of the area the story is taking place in, so why not pretend it is happening right now? Why not pretend that this is factual, something I suppose I would be doing anyway, but this gives it more gravitas, if you will.

This book is no able to take on a new life with me, because I am seeing it in the light of a harsh reality. The story takes place many miles and pages away from me, but it is taking place right now. The time crunch exists as I type these words into this blog. The book has left me for now, venturing into a future that is hours and days away from me, but it is there showing me what will happen. It is there showing me what is occurring in that part of the world, letting me see something that I wouldn’t have otherwise.

I am taking another journey because of my love of reading, but this one doesn’t have me traveling far. This shows me that it isn’t the distance, but rather the adventure that truly matters. Now I suppose that is something I already knew, but it is nice to have it reinforced now and again. I imagine it is that brand of thinking that invented stay-cations, the idea that you can take time off and enjoy your current surroundings just as much as a far off land.

I am going to go back to seeing what Harry is getting up to while he looks into the murder of an ambassador, pretending it is playing out in my near future half way around the world. It is a wonder what has been happening since the 7th of this month, almost unbelievable, but altogether very possible.