In our modern world, fewer and fewer people are reading books. But we all need to understand the benefits of books, of reading and of writing. I have been lucky to have the chance to experience this a few times. For example, a few years ago a group of people came together in a project. ‘Live a Legacy’. Through this project, I was able to work together with my grandfather to write a book about our collective experiences. Finally being able to learn more about my grandfather, learn valuable life lessons and wisdoms, and bond with him through our shared love of writing was an enriching and meaningful experience. I am sure many, should the opportunity arise, will not hesitate to have this experience again. Another experience was when 15 children, including me, each wrote a book titled ‘My Culinary Adventures’, each one of us writing our own story and history of food. Mine began in ancient Persia, as I traced the journey the ‘samosa’ made to become our ‘samosa’, or the journey of ‘cha’ and ‘chai’. This adventure allowed me to explore my cultural and heritage roots, as well as play a part in charity, along with 14 of children I am proud to call my friends. This was made even more meaningful as funds from the books would be donated to the poor in Cavite, Philippines. These experiences have allowed me, and countless others, to realise that a book isn’t just pages and pages of words, it is many hands coming together to tell a story. A book. Go read (or write) one today, and experience what it means to feel a book!
A book isn’t just the words in it- it is the people coming together to tell a story.
Avishi Gurnani 
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