Almost every day there is news of more book bans, challenged books and a host of new education guidelines for books to be used in schools.
Books have been challenged for as long as there are books. The recent spate is so filled with vitriol it boggles the mind.
Also, this weekend I am mourning the loss of two pro-book voices. I do not use the word icon too often given its definition but the retirement of two CBC Radio hosts brought that word to mind. I will sorely miss Eleanor Wachtel host of Writers & Company and Shelagh Rogers host of The Next Chapter. Those two programs are staples in my radio listening. They introduced me to Canadian writers of all genres and to many authors I am sure I would not have met but for their programs and their commitment to showcasing the best literature.
A prized possession is the recording of an interview I arranged with Malcolm Gladwell and Eleanor Wachtel. That recording is now even more precious.
So what’s worth repeating? It is Alone but not Lonely a post I wrote some years ago under the Travel banner extolling the virtues of books as friends. You may read it here: https://paulasmeanderings.com/alone-but-not-lonely/ Or URL https://wp.me/p9c4ml-cY
The Meander: You cannot ever be lonely if you have a book. Keep on reading.