Inspiring Older Readers
Homeward Bound (without a book to read)
I usually have something to keep me busy when I am travelling by train but the other day I found myself at a loose end with a whole hour to wait for my next connection at Birmingham New Street. I decided to keep warm in a café and was pleased to see that it had several shelves of books for customers to read. This very welcome trend is one that I’ve noticed in lots of cafes recently but this was the first time that I had looked closely at what was on offer. I would imagine that it is a fairly random selection either garnered from charity shops or perhaps donated by staff or customers.
As I settled down with my coffee and cake I started to look along the shelves that seemed to offer quite an eclectic mix. Surely I would find something that might take my fancy? But perhaps not because nothing leapt out at me at all – there were several densely printed old books written in German which looked very dreary and who on earth would want a casual read about Irish economics or Management theories? I didn’t bother looking at ‘Shakespeare’s Local’ by Pete Brown or any of the several DIY and gardening books on offer. Could I feign more than a moment’s interest in a book about stately homes? I was briefly tempted by ‘Bring Me Sunshine’ by Charlie Connelly until I realised that it was a book about weather.
There seemed to be very little fiction to choose from other than an ancient paperback copy of ‘The Captive Queen of Scots’ by Jean Plaidy which made me smile with fond reminiscence, but it was one of those stained and smelly books which put me right off. I eventually plumped for ‘Are You Somebody’ by Nuala O’Faolin which looked to be quite an interesting memoir. I read a few pages but then realised that I had to go to catch my train – looking these books had certainly helped to pass the time if nothing else. I briefly flirted with the outrageous idea of taking that book with me but chickened out because that might involve being wrestled to the floor by security guards. I did wonder how many of the better books do go walkabout and perhaps that is why those that remain are so unappealing and niche in their appeal.
I am now intrigued to see what might be on offer in other station cafes and see whether other customers are browsing with interest or disdain. As for me, I wonder if I will ever be so pleased with a find that I am tempted to return regularly so that I can keep reading it. Even though that is highly unlikely, I do like the idea that there are places that make the assumption that not all customers will be checking their phones or reading online. Any outlet that helps to encourage reading real books deserves praise.
Karen Argent
January 2015