A Good Book

Often I am surprised when I hear someone say thatdoctoral degree, I found it difficult to read a book
they can't stand to be alone. I love to be alone. Youfrom the beginning to the end. I was so used to
see, I follow my aunt's theory. She used to say "Atreating books like reference manuals which were
book is a good friend".consulted for specific chapters or even paragraphs in
When I arrive at an airport, I head straight for thesearch of quotes. I had to re-train myself to read
bookstore. Usually I know exactly what I am lookingfrom page one right through to the end and that
for because I have kept a list of topics or authorstook patience.
that have been recommended to me or beenI strongly believe that if you can read - you can do
promoted on television programs. My "Wish list" onanything. Universities base their programs on the
Amazon also holds the items that will form part oftheory that if you spend 10,000 hours on a topic you
my next order.become an expert. Imagine what would happen if
I have hundreds of books - at my office, in the livingyou read about any topic for 10,000 hours. There is
room and on the bed. Some of them are manualsno doubt you would become an expert in that area.
that lead me into the wonders of how I can enjoyA few years ago, my daughter-in-law told me a
features for new technology. As my own tutor, Istory that impressed me. My grandson's teacher told
can learn to set up "favourites" on my big-screen TV,the class that she would give them a party once
download pictures from my camera or set up speedevery person in the class had completed reading a
dial on my telephone.specific number of books. The furthest thing from
Some books bring understanding of topics that helpJustin's mind or desire was to read. He was a boy's
me with my career. I read about treatments forboy who much preferred to play trucks in the dirt.
disorders, business ideas or leadership traits.Well, time was running out and Justin was the second
My health is improved by books that promote goodfrom the bottom when it came to completing the
lifestyle and nutritious eating.reading task. His mother was worried because she
I learn about other cultures and countries throughcouldn't seem to motivate him.
books. Preparation for trips is easy and reminiscingThen something interesting happened. His classmates
enhanced through reading.began pressuring him. Justin starting bringing books
Sometimes I choose a novel as an escape and amhome from school. He stated, with mixed urgency
transported into fascinating stories involving crime,and frustration, that he HAD to read the books so
romance or integral plots.that the class could be rewarded with the party.
My favourite books, however, are the biographiesWith each book, Justin's reading skills improved and
that tell the tale of individuals who have overcomeas they improved he began to enjoy reading. It didn't
life's problems and strived to improve our world.take long until he had completed his reading
I always learn something from the experiences ofassignment and the class all celebrated at the
others and frequently write to the authors to thankpromised party!
them or discuss a specific topic. This week I receivedI marvel at the wisdom that Justin's teacher applied.
an email reply from Dee Dee Myers who wroteShe set up a goal with specific tasks and offered an
"Why Women Should Rule the World". Last night Iincentive for her students. The result was that each
accepted Lee Iacocca's invitation to contact himone of them increased their skills and began to realize
about his latest best seller entitled "Where Have Allthat the world was open for them to learn about
the Leaders Gone?" Authors want to hear from theiranything they wanted to learn. All they had to do
audience and usually reply to those who makewas open a book and begin reading!
contact.My aunt was right. A book is a good friend. And the
There is an old expression that claims "Use it or loseadded bonus is that if you can read - you can learn
it". This is definitely true. After convocating with myanything!