Say it isn't so........Only 49% of ADULTS READ BOOKS......AND....only 16% READ DAILY. Although these statistics are MIND BOGGLING--It certainly explains SOOOOOOO many things that are wrong in our world. Reading not only helps develop and build empathy BUT it also helps people learn about and consider different perspectives. It also helps people develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. Where else can someone build vocabulary, communication and writing skills-- ALL paramount to success--in such an organic way?? Did I mention the medical benefits--memory retention--stress reduction--better cognitive function--increased life expectancy. Just think--If everyone read 30 minutes each day--the world would be a happier more accepting place. People might be a bit more empathetic, kind and open-minded. We'd have great thinkers who would solve world problems instead of creating them AND we'd all get to live a little longer. Can't hurt to dream. In the meantime, I'd like to tell you about Maggie O'Farrell's newest historical fiction novel
Land. This beautifully written family saga takes place on a remote Irish peninsula in 1865. Tomas, a skilled cartographer, and his young son, Liam, are sent to survey land for the British after the Great Famine. After a life altering experience in the copse, Tomas is declared possessed by the devil and a local priest, Father Joseph, performs an exorcism that leaves Tomas almost catatonic. After returning to his wife, Phina, and family in the Dublin tenements, Tomas makes a rash decision to move the family to the peninsula, changing the course of their lives forever. This story then goes on to explore the lives of each of the children, Liam, Endra, Rose and Eugene as well as many others including the widow, as each endures life on this sparse land mass. The Land itself is also a character in the story as it stands as witness to history, terrain changes, destruction and death due to the Potato Famine. This fascinating story is so much more than I can say in this review but if you are interested in Irish history, family sagas and great writing, this is the book for you.
