Some books find their way to us unexpectedly. Some remain on our wish
list for a long time, waiting for the right moment. A Book of Books
by Sonali Bendre Behl belongs to the second category for me. It had been a
long-standing dream of mine to own this book, especially after reading so many
reviews and recommendations from readers around the world. When I finally got
my hands on it, the dream came true—100 per cent!
Published by HarperCollins, this is a book that is impressive in
more ways than one. It is literally heavy because of its size and weight, but
it is equally heavy in terms of its content and quality.
From the moment you open it, the colourful presentation draws you in.
The smooth pages, attractive fonts and delightful illustrations scattered throughout
the book make it difficult to put down. Designed by Rohini Thapar, the
book is visually inviting and thoughtfully put together. Even adults can become
a little crazy about simply holding and turning its pages—and the joy of
reading gets doubled.
But this is much more than a beautifully designed book. It takes readers
on a fascinating journey through the world of books and reading—from ancient
times to the present day. Libraries, books, different formats of reading, book
clubs and book recommendations are all explored with enthusiasm and care.
What makes the book particularly special is its larger purpose: to
encourage people to read and to help them discover or rediscover the joy of
reading. The message is not merely stated; it is supported with information,
examples and evidence, making the book a testimony to the wonderful world of
books, readers and the reading habit.
The profound joy of reading is presented throughout the book in an
accessible and encouraging manner. For someone who is new to reading, it offers
a gentle beginning. For those who have drifted away from books for some time,
it provides the encouragement to start afresh and continue. That assurance
comes through clearly.
The importance of developing the reading habit from a young age is also
emphasised, with suggestions for children as well as adults. The
recommendations and guidance are presented step by step, making the journey
into reading feel achievable rather than overwhelming.
I particularly enjoyed the interactive elements. Some pages are
deliberately left blank, inviting readers to pause, reflect and respond to
prompts. These exercises encourage us to focus, imagine, set a vision and think
about our own relationship with books and reading.
A Book of Books is, therefore, not
simply a book about books. It is an invitation to become a reader, to return to
reading, and to celebrate the happiness that books can bring.
For anyone who loves books, for those who want to develop a reading
habit, and especially for those who have somehow lost touch with reading, this
is a must-have addition to the bookshelf. It is the kind of book you can
return to whenever you need to strengthen your reading habit or simply remind
yourself why you fell in love with books in the first place.
By the time you close the book, you may feel as though you have climbed
a mountain—or risen like a great tower—with a sense of pride and happiness at
being part of the wonderful world of books and readers.
A book of books, indeed—and a celebration of the profound joy of reading.
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