Our next Shelfie Feature, when asked to introduce herself, got back to us with… Line about me….book lover, librarian and supporter of Street Lit. Thank you for being a part of this Mohini Padayachee, and for your support.
She also mentioned, “Two certainties of life are death and taxes, but a good book makes the journey fun.”
And, “In the movie City of Angels, it is said angels reside in libraries, that is a wonderful thought don’t you think “
What do you love about reading?
Words are insufficient to describe the passion and feelings that arise within me when it comes to books. I wish the world was full of readers who could share the wonder and magic of reading. I love reading for so many reasons. You are never alone with a good book. You can travel the universe in the comfort of your own chair. A book is a friend, companion, a teacher, a comforter, a portal to another world, be that another part of this world or a world of fantasy and so much more!
There is a book for every person. Ranganathan who is considered the father of librarianship states, the right book in the right manner at the right time. This is one of the principals of librarianship, which I see so beautifully embodied in the Street Lit vendors, they know their books and understand their clients.
As Ranganathan states a collection of books without readers has no more right to be called a library than a group of readers without books, and that the mere juxtaposition of books and readers without the service of staff who know how to effect contact between the right reader and the right book at the right time, in the right manner, cannot constitute a library either (Ranganathan 1931)
What was your favourite book last year?
My favourite book last year without doubt was Jessica’s Ghost. It is a children’s book which is so captivatingly written. I was hooked on the opening line and could not put it down. A great book is a book that as you get closer to the ending you are longing to know the end but at the same time wishing that you can prolong the ending, as you are with the most amazing companion, and you do not wish them to leave. I would recommend Jessica’s Ghost by Andrew Norriss. The book deals with topics of self-discovery, isolation, bullying, friendship and mental health in a touching, humorous and sensitive manner. It is a book that would appeal to children and adults. I would recommend parents of school going children read the book with their children to engage with the topics in the book. The book has the ability to not just change lives but save lives and if I had the power to do so, this book would be studied at school.
What are you reading at the moment?
I am reading the Mahabharata. It is a Hindu religious book written five thousand years ago.
Shelfie Feature – Mohini Padayachee
