One Best Book is equal to Hundred Good Friends, One Good Friend is equal to a Library.
- Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
One of the reasons I love working on Kavishala is that I get to be surrounded by poetry, stories and books all day. And, perhaps more importantly for the extrovert that I am, I also get to be surrounded by people who love reading and writing all day – both my lovely colleagues and eminent writers and readers. And when I’m making a new friend anywhere else, it’s always a delight when I discover they love reading too. There’s lots of reasons why who love reading and writing are the best friends.
- First reason is we can have endless conversations, I find that conversation never runs dry with fellow readers and writers – and it goes deeper more quickly than it might otherwise, particularly when the friendship is new and you’re still figuring out what you have in common. One minute you’re asking what someone has been reading, and the next you’re deep into a discussion of its themes, whether that’s friendship, death, or anything else.
- Poetry and storytelling events are one of the easiest things to show up to alone – and not speak to anyone if you don’t want to! – but I find I’m more likely to actually leave the house and go to one if a friend is coming with me, especially if we combine it with a Happy Hour beforehand or, even better, dinner and a chance to discuss the event afterwards.
- I am really, really bad at lending books. But I like borrowing them! And I’m always grateful to find people who are more generous than me in that department. It’s also fun to see what they’ve underlined and the notes they’ve written – it’s another way to get to know someone better.
- I may be bad at lending books, but I like to think I’m good at giving them – finding just the right thing for a friend according to their interests. And it’s not just books, either – there’s so much book-adjacent good stuff that a book nerd will love, whether that’s a “go away I’m reading” mug, a cute enamel pin marking them out as a book lover, or endless book journals. Explore: Kavishala Store
- It’s not just extroverts that can benefit from friends who love reading and writing. Sitting quietly on your sofa with your flatmate, each of you absorbed in your own fictional worlds, is one of the greatest joys. Or you can arrange a coffee date that involves minimal talking and yet provides companionship as you slurp your lattes and turn pages opposite each other.
Note: The views expressed are the author's own. The opinions and facts expressed here do not reflect the views of Kavishala and Kavishala does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same. Ankur Mishra is the founder of Kavishala Labs!