Reading Books Keeps the Mind Ticking

You know you have read a good book, when you turn the last page and feel you have lost a friend – an avid reader

- Sudhir Nair

Reading books have always transported me to places I never thought I could be in, middle of a war to peak of a mountain to the deep mysteries of the ocean or kitchens of royal household in an era gone by. I have always been a seeker with a lot of questions; my colleagues would often get irritated with my questions. They would tease me by saying, here goes the why-man. I frankly wouldn’t interest myself in studies, but I would be intrigued by origin of practices, traditions and rituals. I was once asked to move out of a ceremony by my father when I started asking many questions.

Early in my life I found solace in the quietness of my travel and constant company of books. I did try digital reading but somehow it didn’t give me the warmth and feel of reading. As a matter of fact, I keep myself updated with different news apps but I would never miss a chance to read a physical newspaper whenever I have a chance.

I read a wide range of subjects. Being a chef I have decent collection of cookery related, theory and science of food books. But a major part of my books are devoted to the past in one form or the other. Be it in form of history, biographies, wars, evolution or travel. I do also indulge in psychology and management texts.

Reading started as a medium to pass time; today I make time to read. It keeps me charged and opens possibilities in life and work. I don’t know if it is normal for others to do but I usually read two books at a time and try to keep the subjects as different as possible. Doing this forces me to think and recollect the read part of the book and revises the entire context in my mind every time I pick the book to read.