Why I write and why you should read
A dramatic expansion of my mind, and a groundbreaking and profoundly revealing vision of my past, present and future, began when I slowed down significantly with my daily routine of work and livelihood. At that point, I acquired ample time to think and explore many other aspects and options of living out my boring life — I chose to go back to reading, writing and telling stories in as many fields that I have encountered in my sojourn in my life. The habit of reading and writing was compulsorily developed and adapted from my Graduate School studies, and that made it a bit easier too.
I have extensively written about history, wars, art, culture, politics, economics, religion, philosophy, science, travel, food, cars and watches, and other subjects of general interest.
For decades now, the readership public has virtually disappeared. Turmoil has engulfed our young readers as private and public libraries and other avenues that encourage reading have dwindled and almost slipped into oblivion. The trouble with this, is that our society is churning out less knowledgeable people who can never learn because they have refused to read, or have been denied the culture of reading.
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Together, the challenges of our lack of interest in reading raises questions about our long-term vitality and its far-reaching consequences. By my writing, despite its setbacks, due to the lack of interest and the absence of a willing reading audience, I strive to encourage the public, especially our youth, to return to reading, as it is the only way by which we can learn and be well informed and equipped to face the challenges of this world.
I have just written a short story titled; My Grandmother, Her Gods and I. This story is a compulsively readable romp through a burgeoning era and period that had an immense impact and potential for the practitioners of our many faiths, and an incredible exposition of our collective curiosity about our cultures.
Please read this story as a form of relief from our many stories of wars, kidnapping, killings, hunger, fraud, sorrows, pains and of our useless thieving and incompetent politicians and leaders.
It is also fine by me if you can’t spare the time to read this, and my other writings. It is perfectly okay. And for those who find the time to read it, let me and others that you share it with know what you think.
- Dr Okey Anueyiagu is the author of Biafra, The Horrors of War
