Throughout the ages, there has always been a great

Photo Credit: Matt Neale

respect for and love of reading in the world. I believe this respect will only continue with the advent of new publishing technologies. Not only do we want to learn more about ourselves, we want to understand how events were recorded in the past and to learn about other people’s points of view. We also want to be inspired by characters we read in a story and imagine a different or better world. The answer to the question of why reading is important can be found in the clarity and enjoyment we find embedded in the words in front of us. Reading is an important editing tool I use to stay up-to-date in my business.

It is one thing to enjoy reading alone in the comfort of one’s home. It is even more enjoyable to share that with other people. My involvement in two book clubs is always a highlight of my month. I’m a member of a Shakespeare reading group as well as a book club which chooses contemporary novels to read. I find the process of reading a play or book a dynamic one. It is a process that can transport us to another world, letting us explore intriguing themes or compelling characters who engage us in behaviours which can really stir the soul. A classic novel can be something substantial enough to inspire and guide entire civilisations for generations. See what is a novel.

I always find the discussions around each month’s book club read fascinating. The name of the contemporary group is ‘Cacophony Club’; a fair reflection of the volume of chatter coming from our meeting room at times! But great clarity is often the outcome of our discussions. No matter whether we have enjoyed the novel or not, there are always interesting themes which come up for the readers as they relate the plot or characters to their own lives. Stimulated by reader’s questions, this discussion invariably reveals some common views among the group but also some contrasting ones. As a professional editor, I find it an invaluable editing tool to compare and contrast my views with the considered insights of other readers. I can really gain a broad understanding about what works in a book.