2 + 2 = 5

It’s World Book Day & International Writers’ Day today, according to my research. 2 in 1. I wish I could write about the book I’m currently reading or about the novel that I’m writing, but there are more important things to talk about at this time.

When this whole mess started, the first books I thought about were The War of the Worlds and 1984. I posted about the first one because 1984 is more about censorship than the actual war. Nevermind. Have a look at what’s happening in Russia right now. That, my friends, is doublethink. War is Peace. 2 + 2 = 5. In fact, Mr Orwell was inspired by stalinist Russia and nazi Germany. Could’ve been inspired by 2022, too.

As a writer, I see it as my duty to inform, warn, or emphasise. This is why I write dark stories, sci-fi, dystopia (honestly, I like them more when they’re fictional). And like myself, many more - see Margaret Atwood, Stephen King, Mary Shelley, H.G. Wells, George Orwell, to name a few.

THIS is why reading is important.* It informs, warns, and emphasises. Maybe if we presented reading this way instead of saying that it improves your vocabulary (for example), I think the world would be a better place. There’s a message behind every story, a lesson to learn, an experience to live.

Books are more than just word stew.

* I’m not referring to reading only as in the act of holding a physical book and flicking through it. I include audiobooks, digital books, comics, and any other form of reading that you enjoy.