Book lovers all set to ‘go wild’

Ever wondered whether six degrees of separation is actually for real? Whether we are all connected, part of one big chain? The answer now seems to be within the grasp of every Hyderabadi. With British Library launching its Books Gone Wild series, as part of the 75th anniversary of British Council in India, good old book crossing is back in vogue.

Ajay Merchant, of British Library, says, “The intention is to get everyone interested in reading. That apart, we also want to add a touch of intrigue to the readers’ life. Youngsters can trace their book through our website, where people who read it have to write a couple of lines. Our aim is to make it as interactive as possible.”

Nitika Shah, a Class XII student from Bhavans agrees. “The concept is so cool. It is romantic to know that so many people have read the same book as you. It will lend the book so much character.”

Angi D’Souza, who works in a corporate house, thinks this is a nice way to promote the habit of reading to a generation caught up in video games. “Books open up worlds for you, but many young people are oblivious of this. Book crossing will add colour to their reading experience and egg them to read more.”

Despite the doubts that crops up in her mind about the practicality of the process, Gayatri Dudeja, a professional, says, “Though there’s a chance that people will either not pass on the book, or write in their views, there by breaking the chain, the thought behind this venture is interesting.”

Gautham Vinod, a Class X student, says the idea is ‘incredible.’ The prospect of a free read and the opportunity to do something so interesting, is reason enough to apply for the book, Gerrard: My Autobiography, on the life of Steven Gerrard, the Liverpool captain. “I had been in two minds about reading this, but now I am definitely applying for the book. I want to read it and pass it on to my friends. I think it is like a great adventure. It will be fun.”

Just like in book crossing, where you leave your book somewhere, in the hope that someone will find it and pass it on, there is a chance of the whole of Hyderabad, if not the whole country, to feel connected.

Readers of the library will be given 75 books by British authors, with only one catch — they have to read it and pass it on, in the process linking people together through the world of written words.