The Beauty of a Book
By Susan Knight | Beyond the story contained within it, the physical book itself is a source of beauty and pleasure.
Written by Susan Knight for Sankarsingh-Gonsalves Productions.
I love books. Not just the words on each page and the story being told, but the actual physical book itself. I love the beauty of a book and all that it represents.
I remember sitting cross-legged on the carpet in elementary school with all the other students, listening as the teacher read to the class. It was always a big, hardcover book with a plastic protective covering that crinkled with every touch and movement. I loved that crinkling sound! As the teacher reached the end of each page, there would be a pause; and it would be quiet enough to hear the sound of the page slowly being turned.
I can’t remember any of the book titles or the actual stories that were read. What I do remember vividly, however, is how calming and soothing those sessions were. So many years later, the sound of plastic crinkling and pages turning remains etched in my mind, wonderfully clear and sharp.
I still have books from childhood. There’s “Pondus the Penguin” brought over from England when my family moved to Canada in the 1970s. What’s not to love about a penguin living in the Copenhagen Zoo who wears a delightful red scarf — “He stuck his nose in the air, and thought how fine he looked in his scarf.” — as he excitedly waddles off to see the monkeys he’s heard so much about. As I hold this book in my hands, it serves as a tangible link to my early years in England. It doesn’t bring to mind distinct memories, but rather the essence of a distant place and time.
Then there’s “My Wonderful Gift Book of Fairy Tales” with stories like Sinbad the Sailor and Rumpelstiltskin. No crinkling plastic cover, but a beautiful hardcover book nonetheless, with a fanciful mix of colourful artwork on the cover depicting all the adventures contained within. Opening the book, I see the inscription on the inside cover written in neat cursive handwriting:
Dear Susie,
Wishing you a Very Happy Christmas
From Auntie Jean with love
I’m so grateful books were almost always included in birthday gifts and Christmas gifts when I was growing up (even if I wasn’t always appreciative at the time.) Those early books didn’t just nurture my love of reading; they gave me an appreciation for the power of language itself and all that it can do.
Sinbad’s travels may be exciting, and Pondus with his red scarf may be charming, but reading preferences change over the years, and there’s a vast world of literature to explore. My latest book purchase: a collection of four novels by the late writer R. K. Narayan. I was introduced to Narayan’s writing through his short stories. Those stories swept me away, simultaneously filling me up while leaving me hungry for more.
When my R. K. Narayan book arrived, it wasn’t the paperback I expected, but a hardcover, a wonderful surprise that made the book even more special. The dust jacket bears a photo of Narayan seemingly lost in thought as he looks off to the side, chin resting in hand. A lovely image of the literary genius who works magic with his writing and transports me into a different world.
There’s more to enjoy under the dust jacket, with the actual book cover being a gorgeous deep red. Before reading a line, just holding this book, looking at it, and feeling its weight in my hands is an absolute pleasure. And then — is that a glint of gold I see peeking out from the bottom? Another unexpected surprise, a gold ribbon bookmark attached inside. The perfect finishing touch!
E-books and audiobooks may have their advantages, but I’ll skip them for now. I’m too much in love with the beauty of physical books and the pleasure they provide. And I like the idea that decades from now, I'll have something to hold that reminds me of an earlier time.
About the Author
Susan Knight | SGP Featured Writer | http://skfreelance.com
Susan is certified health and wellness coach, focusing on personal growth and inner wellness. She was a regular contributor to Social Work Today Magazine and is now a featured Health & Wellness Columnist for SGP.
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Thank you for so colourfully illustrating what books mean to you Susan. Although I didn't come to the joy of reading - and only non-fiction - until my late 30's, I can feel the warmth that a good book brings you. Nothing better than a nice drink in a comfy chair by a fireplace with a new book you can't wait to dive into. The childhood story that always stayed with me is that of the little match girl, barefoot out in the snowy streets of London. I never forgot it.
Vernon, would you believe even though I recognized the title, I had no idea what the story of the little match girl was about? I just looked it up and was surprised; not the fun, lighthearted story I expected. I can understand why it stayed with you. Thanks so much for your comment and for bringing that story to my attention.