If you're coming from Great Britain, then you look forward to this time of the year. It's not hitting the slopes, as days of gray skies are over. The period from January 30 to February 6 is National Storytelling Week. It's an important event, as it highlights the importance of oral storytelling. Many fear this tradition is dying, as hardbound is replaced with tablet (or iPhone). Technology could have turned children into less-creative adults, even idiots. But studies have shown an upward trend on the number of adults who read books to their children. And the figure will continue to go up.
You don't need to be a bibliophile (or a Briton) to take part in this campaign. You only need to love books. There are many ways to observe it. Here are a few suggestions:
Take the Roald Dahl quiz. You were delighted when you found out that you were Matilda Wormwood. She was probably the most adorable girl you've met, even the most intelligent child. (If she were only real.) But this wasn't the only thing that drawn you to her. Matilda won't take the high road if someone crossed her. You giggled when you recalled using pen markings on your housemate after passing out during the party last weekend. She was the first student you befriended. You swore to be there for each other until she met a cutie during the party.
Donate some books. There will be a shortage of books, even if it's possible to download it. Besides, you won't find an online copy of contemporary novels. Not everyone is fortunate to have a mini-library like yours, though. You can ask your tutor, even discuss it with your coursemates. And don't be surprised if you find yourself suggesting the idea. They might like it. This is your chance to reveal your skills, which can be a good addition to your CV. If you're not the easygoing type, then don't force yourself into others. Keep in mind that this is for a good cause.
Relive the tradition. There's nothing wrong if you recreate your lecture room, where one of you will read aloud (to the others). But your professor have other things in mind. You can arrange it with your housemates. Don't resist if they want to do it in your room. Make sure no one falls asleep. (Don't just read it. Try to imagine it, so you can be part of the story.) And remind anyone about the campaign. It might drift to a conversation on football (or baseball).
Do you have other suggestions? Tell us about it.
