Us bibliophiles are always berated on the threats our beloved books are inflicting on the world. From the “Save The Trees” campaigns to the “Go Digital” initiatives, we have it hard. Yes, books are made from trees and trees are being cut down to produce paper – but still, physical books have a completely different air to them than their digital counterparts. Sure you can buy and read your books on a digital device or two, but in my humble opinion, nothing is more pleasurable than a big book and a nice cup of tea. Don’t get me wrong, we love the earth and want it saved – but books. So in an effort to give back, I suggest we spend the month of April celebrating Earth Day by commuting to work. While Kuwait might not have an underground, over-ground, or proper bus system – it’s still doable though. If you get together with your work colleagues and figure out who lives where, you’re bound to find someone that lives on your route. By doing so, you can carpool to work or even share a taxi! You’re welcome. On that note, I’ve put together not one, not ten, but eighty books to choose from for your commute! But first, the ground rules – are you ready?
So as we venture into the world of commuting there are a few things you need to know. For starters, the lighter the book, the better – the bags we carry to work are heavy enough as they are. This also makes it easier for you to get into the habit of taking a book everywhere! But, dear reader, make sure the book is difficult to put down for I fear you might lose it as you exit at your destination. You’d be surprised at how easily it actually is to leave a book behind if it’s not of memorable weight. Now that you have your rules, you’re ready to pick out a book – congratulations!
We all know that fashion’s most infamous sartorial icon is the little black dress or the LBD. Penguin has created it’s literary equivalent with the LBC – the Little Black Classics. Eighty little books that are short, fun, and easy to read – you’re left with a wide selection to choose from. From Samuel Pepys to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – you read right, Mozart wrote a book – and the more traditional Dante, Twain, and Nash giving you the chance to take your pick. For a self-proclaimed book-a-holic like myself, I’m currently in the process of acquiring each and every one. Sure I’ll have repeats in my library because of this, but I need to obtain the full collection! Yes I’m irrational like that, but I don’t care.
Don’t feel like starting a brand new collection yet? Alternatively, pick up a one of the many great novels from Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series! They’re fun to read and easy to devour and get lost in both as stand-alones and as part of the series as a whole. Explore the winding streets of Ankh-Morpork and try to find the Unseen University (just look up) – I promise you’ll fall in love with literature all over again. On that note, I would like to take a moment to mention a great loss to the literary world. Sir Terry Pratchett, creator of the Discworld, its inhabitants and even the occasional tourist and visitor has passed away. May he find peace and solace as we do in his books.
Join me as we jump into a brand new collection of books – no? Just me then? – and discover more worlds to loose ourselves in as we attempt to save the planet! Commute to work and help save the planet! Till next month!
