Books and Bookstores: a Charm that Technology Can't Beat

                   

     How much do we read these days? Or should we say: do we still read? Maybe not as much as we would like, due to our busy lifestyles, a small amount of spare time that we would often spend otherwise, and, of course, because of the internet, which provides us with all the information we need, including literary works in full. 

         

    But... it's not the same. It's not the same as the relaxing atmosphere of a bookstore, the colours, the smell of paper, or the feeling you have when you touch the book. Today I ended up in a bookstore which has a very special vibe to it (if you visit Romania, and especially Bucharest, check out the Carturesti bookstores chain ;) ). It is located in a 19th century house in the city center, not very big, but just enough, and most surely not "mainstream". It gives that feeling of grandparents' house full of books. But also CDs, DVDs and the good old vinyl discs, toys and board games, numerous kinds of tea and tea serving accesories. All things simple, pretty, colourful and of high sentimental value to everyone.

             

         It makes you want to relax and it makes you want to read. And somehow, you never go home empty-handed. Can a laptop or a tablet compete? It's surely easier to use, and cheaper, as you only pay your internet provider bill. But do you reallt see yourself tucked in your bed on a snowy winter evening, with a laptop? Not very picturesque, is it? Yes, we understand modernity, but can't we just step back at least for a little while every day? Grab a book, relax and start reading. It's not even as harmful for the eyes (yes, lately I've been getting sore eyes for spending too much time writing and reading on my PC). 

            

           Let's make a deal: 

           1. Let's spend at least half an hour reading every day, it's not a lot of time. 

         2. If we are working and earn our own money, let's buy at least one book a month. Together with travel, books are the other thing you buy which make you richer.  

         3. If you are a parent, try reading to your little ones as much as you can.  It did benefit us in our childhood, so let's give them that joy too!