Did you know that loving of how old books smell has a name? It’s called Bibliomania. It’s actually quite common. Picking up and smelling a book.
The unique smell comes from chemical reactions that take place over time. Two components, Cellulose and lignin, break down to form these aromatic chemicals. The fragrance is described as sweet, almondy, flowery with a hint of vanilla. Mmmmh, I think Baskin Robbins needs to launch this as a new flavour of Ice-cream.
This yummy smell actually has a purpose. Scientists use the chemicals being created to date the book. They can date it back to when it was written.
Old books give us a peek into the past. What was life like back then? What were the ideas and philosophies of the people? What was society like? Learning about the past can guide us about the future.
In fact books are so important because you can get distilled information. Learn from the best in the world. Learn from other people’s mistakes so you don’t make your own.
I was recently on an Episode Of “The Paper Back” Podcast. It’s a podcast on IVM where we talk about 5 Non-Fiction books that I would Highly recommend. It was so hard to decide only 5 books. It was a fun episode! Have a listen to know what they are.
I get a lot of requests on my Instagram page to talk about the habit of reading. So I thought I’d use this podcast to talk about one of the habits I use to read regularly. Last year I finished reading about 47 books. My goal was 52. One Per week.
There is an important mindset we need to break before we get into the habit of reading. All through school we were forced to read. Read text books, reading was a chore, reading was a punishment. Standing up and reading to a whole class of people, Oh My God, that was pure torture.
We were being taught the mechanics of reading, without understanding the purpose of reading. If reading remains in a state of forced execution, no habit will stick.
The question you should ask yourself is, why do you want to start reading? Is it because smart people read? Or did you hear someone say leaders are readers?
I think we should all read because reading expands the mind. Reading gives you thoughts and ideas you would never have imagined before. Reading makes the world make sense, reading makes you disappear to a new world and reading makes the world a better place.
The habit of reading starts by choosing a book. Read one of the best sellers or books that come highly recommended. Don’t buy an author you have not heard of. Chances are the book might not be riveting enough to keep you interested.
Tip number 2. Start with a super-thin book. A book that will be quick to finish and easy to read. Finishing the book will give you a quick victory. Giving you the momentum to keep the wheels turning from one book to the next. So please do not start by reading War and Peace or Sapiens or Something big and heavy.
A few books I recommend are, The richest man in Babylon, Jonathan Livingston Seagull, Who Moved My Cheese, The Alchemist.
These are all small and very impactful.
Next, start by just reading two pages everyday. If that was easy, after a week, read four. If you feel the urge to continue reading go for it! Read as much as you want, before it feels laboured or tiring or boring.
Remember reading is not a punishment. It is supposed to be a fun journey. A journey of enlightenment or entertainment.
So your super simple habit to start reading is, buy a thin, well written book. Any from the ones I have suggested. Sit and just read 2 pages each day. On the way to work or at home or anywhere really. It should not take you more than 5 minutes to read 2 pages.
Then read as much as you like without feeling tired or bored.
6 years ago I used to read Zero books. Now it’s almost one per week. So if I can do it, you can too! Reading has been the most impactful part of my recent years. And I wanted to share this habit with you!
