Mahagun Morpheus has recently started a Book Club as part of its initiative to build a more inclusive society; and what better way to bond with each other, if not books.
While browsing for books, I came across some fascinating work that authors around the globe have done when it comes to children’s books. There are books on empathy, self-confidence, worries, anxiety with beautiful illustrations. When you look deep within, you realize that the child within you is loving them just as much; as C.S. Lewis wrote, “A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children isn’t a good children’s story in the slightest”.
Imagine a generation that grows up reading “It’s okay not to be okay” or “Giraffes can’t dance” or “The Lion Inside”, a whole new beautiful world they will build and that’s how the idea to start a Book Club germinated.
We got some good support from residents and young kids are our most enthusiastic loving members who show up for every meet. For the younger lot (3-10 yrs), our residents narrate beautiful stories while the senior kids take initiative for art-n-craft activity for the small kids. For the senior lot (10yrs+) we decide on a book, let them read it and then meet up for discussions. It’s extremely refreshing to get a young perspective on so many emotions, virtues that we take for granted. We not only discuss books but also different scenarios and situations, it’s a lot of fun.
We hope that more and more kids and parents rediscover the joy of reading. In an age where screens are omnipresent and AI is becoming our new reality, slow reading nurtures human connection, mindfulness, attentiveness and an appreciation for the intricacies of language. As a very famous author wrote, well who, I won’t tell, go pick up a book,”The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
