Lockdown proves a blessing in disguise for booklovers in the city

Especially the ardent ones who prefer reading the physical version compared to e-books. “I am a bookworm and I read a book at least twice or thrice as I am very keen on understanding the nuances and play of words.

Books can make you active, sleepy or dull. So, a lot depends on the books we choose to read. People get bored by watching the same things in repeat mode, so many of my friends ask for suggestions on the books they can start with,” said Chandrakanth H, who started reading books since Class 4.

He added that the lockdown period is a good opportunity to cultivate the reading habit and for existing readers to explore new books. “Recently, I read a book called ‘The book of Mirdad’ in which there is a chapter, ‘Silence’.

After reading that, I was not able to speak to anyone. The book left a big impact on me,” said Chandrakanth. Many, whom DT Next spoke to, also expressed their preference for paperback compared to an e-book for that feeling of flipping through pages and enjoying the smell of paper and keeping it as part of their book collection.

“Before the lockdown period, we used to have reading sessions with the neighbours where we used to share the favourite part of a book and also suggest books among ourselves. We have managed to continue it during lockdown by having a session online.

At this online gathering, we will also read out books for the children,” said Preethi Balakrishnan, a teacher. Preethi, like some other bookworms, is averse to reading e-books. “I go for printed ones as I want to mark a favourite line or phrase which use be used for future reference,” she said.

Nivedha K attests to this, stating that she misses the thrill while reading an ebook. “I used to buy a book every week. My shelves are piled with books of all genres. But after the lockdown began, I have not read books as I was not able to get any paperback,” she said.

Pustaka Digital Media, an e-book platform for Tamil novels claims a two-fold increase in the readership. “During this lockdown, our subscriptions have gone up. We also provided a scheme in which 21 e-books were offered for 21 days.

The scheme will continue till the lockdown ends,” said Rajesh Devadas, director of Pustaka Digital Media Private Ltd.