It has been well said, “Books are like axe‐they cut through the snow within.

” Happy indeed is the person

who has inculcated the habit of reading. Such a person is never lonely or sad, for he always has books as
his faithful companions to give him solace when he has been deserted by everyone else. The person
who reads has secured for himself a lifelong source of pleasure, strength and inspiration. Whenever he
is bored or depressed, he can pick up a book and lose himself in the vast world contained therein. Books
contain a wealth of knowledge and information. There is no aspect of life which is not covered by books.
Over the ages, great writers, thinkers and experts have written down their thoughts and ideas and
preserved for posterity, through the printed word, noble precepts which we would do well to emulate.
Books are like coffers filled, not with gold or silver, but with high ideals, and the wisdom of our
forefathers. If we learn to love books, we need no other riches. However, we must read the right kind of
books. Just as we need nourishing food for the body, similarly we need to read good books to enrich our
minds. There would be a balance between light reading and serious reading. While light reading like
fiction relaxes the mind, serious reading provides it food for thought. Friends may leave us, loved ones
may go away, but books are always there to stay. In sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, they
support us and offer a never‐failing means of delight for our souls. Reading is of different kind. It may be
light or serious. It may be adventurous or spiritual. Every reading has its distinct pleasure. Some people
like to read newspapers, periodicals, journals, etc. They are storehouse of general information about
current events and various socio‐political and economic problems.