Dolcy D’Cruz
Every year on August 9, readers around the world celebrate National Book Lovers Day, an informal observance dedicated to the simple pleasure of getting lost in a good book. In an age dominated by smartphones, social media and endless scrolling, books continue to offer something unique. They invite readers to slow down, immerse themselves in stories and ideas, and engage with the world in a deeper, more meaningful way.
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The Department of English at St Xavier’s College, Mapusa is commemorating National Book Lovers Day with a unique book swap and a book recommendation to nurture the love of books and reading. Besides the college event, Goan author Mario Coelho, will conduct a session for the Department of English students of St Xavier’s College at Broadway Book Centre, Panjim, on August 10 at 10.30 am. He will highlight the importance of reading, the crafting of stories, the writing process and will speak of his sojourn into writing fiction discussing his books, ‘The Twisted Child’ and ‘Betaal Pachisi,’ his upcoming book.
Shirlene Fernandes, assistant professor, Department of English, St Xavier’s College, Mapusa says, “Reading has always been my quiet refuge and my greatest companion. It offers me an exploration into worlds that deepen my understanding of life. I am especially drawn to books on wildlife, animal behaviour, and travel because they reveal the extraordinary stories hidden within the ordinary world. Whether it is following the silent movements of a tiger through a dense forest, observing the remarkable intelligence of elephants, or travelling through remote landscapes with a gifted writer, I am captivated by narratives that blend knowledge with compelling storytelling.”
Speaking about creative authors, she says, “I admire authors who have the ability to bring reality vividly to life, making me feel as though I am walking beside them, hearing the sounds of the wilderness, and experiencing the pulse of unfamiliar places. Such books inspire curiosity, empathy, and a profound respect for nature and its intricate rhythms. Every page I read enriches my imagination and reminds me that the world is far more fascinating than I could ever have imagined.”
Sharlet Mary Alvares is an accomplished writer, and the author of two books ‘Rising Stars’ and ‘Signs and Autism together’, as a part of the ‘Specia Knowledge Series’, a unique collection of educational books crafted for learners with special needs. She finds reading books thrilling. “The impressive part about uncovering the knowledge in books comes with analytical precision and sound reflection. Reading books is a trip you go on by sitting in a stationary position and wandering through the details of what gets narrated. The best part is how you can find yourself by discovering the qualities of characters and the missions at large. Reading a book every day is getting to know yourself in a different way, with a new perspective that stays,” says Sharlet.
Margao-based Archana Nagvekar is the founder of The Out-Of-Context book club in Goa. “Reading books makes a person more empathetic to life, fellow humans and the planet in general. We cannot travel to all places in a lifetime, books transport us there and give us a chance to peep into unique cultures. Genres like, fantasy, magic realism, thrillers etc. allow us to be our alter ego. Well written, researched and accurate historical fiction/non-fiction can teach history better than any text book. The list is endless. Books are also a great starting point to a conversation. It’s not just about the title or the author, but the idea presented in the book, that throws up so many talking points. Conversations with book loving friends are always deeply enriching and lively,” says Archana.
She further adds, “For me personally, books have kept me grounded and helped me to tide over loss and the daily stresses of life. To me, they are my first love and lifelong partners, providing entertainment, comfort and succour.”
Fr Myron Jeson Barreto, president of Dalgado Konknni Akademi, has always highlighted the importance of promoting literature through creative writing. “Reading has always been my habit, and it is through reading that I developed my passion for writing. Reading enables me to broaden my knowledge, understand contemporary issues, and stay informed about the latest developments. Reading is a mental exercise that keeps the mind active, alert, and sharp. If you develop a love for reading, you will discover a deeper appreciation for life. The more you engage your mind through reading, the greater the intellectual treasure you will gain. People may steal your material possessions, but they can never take away the knowledge and wisdom you have acquired. Reading is a powerful tool that guides, inspires, motivates, and transforms individuals. It broadens our horizons, enriches our understanding, and helps us make informed decisions. Above all, reading is an instrument that brings joy, fulfilment, and lasting happiness into our lives.”
10-year-old Rachel Dias has been promoting reading as part of her ‘Books for All’ campaign to help kids with literacy resources. She shares her love for book, “Reading is the best because I can go on these totally epic adventures without even leaving my room. Whenever I flip open a new book, I get to meet cool characters, explore magical worlds, and try to guess the mystery before the author tells me. I take books with me everywhere so I’m never bored. I always pack them when I’m stuck sitting through my brother’s endless matches or when I’m just riding the bus. I’ve been reading since I was four years old, and now I’m totally obsessed with reading those big, fat novels. I read the entire Harry Potter series. It was like a dream come true when I went to the UK recently to walk right through the actual places at Oxford University where the movies were filmed. Reading teaches me so much and nothing beats that super cozy feeling of curling up with a really good story.”
National Book Lovers Day is about recognising that books are more than just pages bound together. Maybe this can be the perfect day for you to pick up a new book and venture into a new world.
