One small follow up to my pitch
I noticed an article on Spiked-Online from Frank Furedi, he’s a sociology professor at Kent University entitled ‘Let’s turn a new page in the world of reading, Teaching children that books are mere resources to be ‘consumed’ is having a baleful impact on reading, culture and the quality of public life.’
It is worth reading and I think fits rather well with the call for an emotional attachment to books that I made at the BA conference.
It would be nice if the government would listen to the plea to stop making reading a chore and make it a pleasure instead. Somehow I don’t hold out much hope.
It’s so sad. I have had so much enjoyment from books–and learnt so much about life and how to deal with its problems from them, as well. I feel sorry for kids who don’t even have a book to turn to when things get tough.
It’s obvious to me when going through slush which authors read regularly and which don’t. The readers have a stronger grasp of language, of mechanics like spelling and grammar, and they aren’t out there re-inventing the wheel. Surely nobody could confuse “conscious” with “conscience” if they read books?
Books for the world. Please!