Reading takes on various forms and motivations, from an intellectual pursuit to a fashionable pastime. There are those who brandish their reading achievements like trophies, tallying up book counts as if it were a competitive sport. Then, there are the pragmatic readers, diligently poring over texts to ace exams and excel in their chosen fields. Yet, amid this diversity, a few universal factors emerge: the quest for information, honing effective communication, academic pursuits, and navigating the intricacies of personal beliefs (including religion, spirituality and faith).
Why does reading matter? Beyond the veneer of personal preference, reading is a fundamental survival skill. It grants access to a vast realm of information, fosters critical thinking, and challenges conformity and biases. In today's complex world, it's an indispensable tool for personal growth and navigating the deluge of information which can sometimes be FAKE NEWS. But as we dive into the worlds of both old and modern literature, we encounter a different facet of reading culture – a culture marred by bullying, elitism, classism, exclusion, copyright wars between authors, publishers & Artificial Intelligence - ‘Oh, is that actual writing?, Oh, Is this worth reading?
Who is going to publish this? AI stole my script’…the chaos just described coupled with the sanctimonious judgment of readers with diverse tastes and backgrounds, casts a shadow on the otherwise enlightening world of books.
Authors and readers share a
complex relationship, underpinned by responsibility, accountability
and inclusivity. Authors must uphold the sanctity of truth and transparency in
their writing, avoiding distortions and misrepresentations. Acknowledging
evolving personal beliefs is equally crucial, as is engaging in respectful &
inclusive discourse with readers. Readers bear the duty of discernment,
scrutinizing text, and questioning assumptions. They must also recognize the
influence of their own biases on their interpretation of a narrative.
Ethics looms large in the realm
of literature. Instances of authors misleading
their readers, as seen in James Frey's fabricated memoir or the ethical
questions surrounding Ben Carson’s Gifted Hands, Donald Trump’s Trump 101 book
amongst others, Wole Soyinka’s controversial and sometimes alarming stands
on socio-political issues even when the FACTS
stare him in the face - it begs the question, can you separate the artist from
their controversial actions, as exemplified by R. Kelly ‘cos sometimes these
actions cast long shadows over the credibility of their written or other works.
A
good book/author can lose relevance over time. Books, like any form of art, can
succumb to the relentless march of time. The enduring quality of a book hinges
on its ability to resonate with universal human virtues & experiences.
While some books are evergreen and maintain
their relevance across generations, others are bound by the epochs they
represent, fading into obscurity. So, what defines a 'good' book or read? Is it
a shared consensus, or does it reside in the personal connection forged between
the reader and the text? Can a well-crafted narrative overshadow ethical lapses
by its creator? - ‘cos you
can actually feed readers with BS and they’ll believe it just ‘cos the author
wrote in Gregorian English or the optics were right or an Ivy League School
reviewed the book. Again, what makes a 'good' book or
read?
The Future
– while the book world experiences revalued traditional reading experiences i.e
people craving and appreciating physical books in the digital age, highlighting
a tangible connection to written words which screens cannot offer, there’s also
visible dynamic changes; a transitional phase where digital platforms like
Amazon, Kindle and others are creating more spaces for independent publishing
and unfiltered voices suppressed by mainstream narrative voices. Here the
author’s original voice rises above traditional/bureaucratic processes. It also
transforms reader-author relationship, making it more direct, intimate &
interactive. As more digital platforms join the competition and with the
emergence of AI, ecosystems within the book world will be decentralized just as
creativity too.
In
the end, the role of authors and readers is intertwined and multifaceted, with
no one-size-fits-all answer. It rests upon all stakeholders to navigate the
moral complexities of literature and determine their level of engagement, all
while championing critical thinking and cherishing the diversity of voices in the
ever-evolving world of books where everyone contributes and everyone benefits.
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