For as long as I can remember, I have always been passionate about reading: the discovery of a world unlike my own; the different perspective and the authenticity of the characters are a few of the reasons reading is so enticing. Reading is also an incredible way to spend time alone and relax, something we often forget to do with the ever-growing demands that work, school and life in general throws at us.

Capucine Mamak and Cara Marett, fellow sixth form students at Ursuline High school, also share this passion of reading, with Capucine stating that ‘reading provides escapism into an alternative reality far from the everyday worries and pressures of real life. It can provide us with alternative ways of looking at our world, and uncover important truths which we need to learn.’ Cara added that reading ‘allows you to indulge in the lives, struggles and happiness of the characters in the book. It’s exciting to watch and be a passenger to a story where you see the plot unfold; where truths are unraveled and identities revealed... There is a huge satisfaction in reading a book in a short space of time. As you are thrown straight into the story, you literally cannot put the book down.’

 

With the busy lifestyles that most of us lead, it is important to discover, or rediscover, the joy that reading can bring to our lives. Whether you are a child or more advanced in years, the power of reading is limitless. The beauty of books is that regardless of their colour, creed or gender, their characters are a reflection of us and human nature. This celebration of books and the gifts that they give us will be marked on 5th March: World Book Day. Ursuline High school will be celebrating by allowing some of its students to dress as their favourite book characters. So why not join in this year’s celebrations? Happy World Book Day!

Nema Lwanda,
Ursuline High School