Reading is a Kind of Magic

In imaginary worlds, I am invincible.

backstory: I once saw Felicity Cloake at a restaurant, in Lyon. She and her friends sat at a table filled with bowls of pressed pig snout, soft pink sausage and tripe. I wondered if they had the stomach to eat all that, like the Lyonnais would do.

If you believed that story, welcome to the world of reading, my friend! 😀 A world where we can meet our favourite authors or spy on characters in their books. Tell me if that isn’t beauty!

The scene above is borrowed from a book, One More Croissant for the Road, I’m currently reading. But over to you, what imaginary world are you inhabiting, at present? 🙂

PS: If you’re undecided about your next read, I have a few suggestions. These books are by fellow writers, who also blog here: Ten by H. Hennenburg, and fresh from the printers is Duplicity by Rajani Radhakrishnan as well as Followers by Christina Bergling. I hope you do check them out. Happy Reading!

PPS: As always, linking to Writer’s Pantry at Poets and Storytellers United.

Khaya Ronkainen
Khaya Ronkainen is a writer, poet and creative professional. Her blog focuses on all things poetry and creative nonfiction.

28 Comments

  1. In imaginary worlds I am adventurous…. Thank you for raising the question. But I can’t answer the question about which particular world – always so many at once.

  2. I am taking a breath of air after deep diving into a fantasy world of my own creation. Just finished polishing up my novel to the point that it is ready for other people’s eyeballs. I fully expect a couple of levels of refining after I get the first feedback, but this is a huge milestone. LOL, I need to figure out what to do with myself now that I’m taking a wee break from working on it.

  3. Thanks for the mention, Khaya. Am reading non-fiction, a monster book researching the Indus Valley Civilization – totally fantastic though! The faraway past seems as unbelievable as the imaginary present 🙂

  4. I like your six-word memoir, because reading is an adventure of sorts. I understand about inhabiting many worlds at once, it’s an exciting endeavour. 🙂

  5. Well done Rommy on having a polished manuscript that can be shared with beta readers for feedback. Do celebrate, that’s a significant milestone. I think you deserve a break after such a big project. Remember there’s beauty in a pause, too. 🙂

  6. It’s my pleasure, Rajani. Wish you all the best. Your read, researching the Indus Valley Civilization, sounds fascinating. I can only imagine the uncanny resemblance between the past and the present. 🙂 Happy Reading!

  7. Agreed. Books are our window into the world, and such an education.

  8. well i’m currently reading the dead lecturer by leroi jones, and one hundred poems form the japanese by kenneth rexroth (i never read one book at a time) and bless you for promoting “local” artists, you are an agel! i copied the links and will check those writers out, so awesome that you do that.

  9. “In this watery realm, I was being drawn to possibilities I had never before imagined.” from: “The Soul of an Octopus – A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness” by Sy Montgomery.

    Right now I’m in the magical world of real life octopuses. The prose is a delightful accounting of each octopus the author has ‘encountered’ during her research/volunteering time at the aquarium. And it’s a very interesting read learning about a species most of us (myself included) aren’t naturally drawn to.

  10. I love, love, LOVE your 6-word story. I believe it and feel it, too.

    I’m reading Krik? Krak! by Edwidge Danticat, The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner, and Crossroads of Twilight (Wheel of Time, #10) by Robert Jordan

  11. What imaginary world am i inhabiting?

    The most wonderful one my friend. This one ❤️

  12. I am reading The Dutch House for October Book Club …. books have the ability to transport me to that place of magic you described. Well done.

  13. Fantasy and sci-fi are my fav genres. I am reading “The Ten Thousand Doors of January” by Alix E. Harrow

  14. The Soul of an Octopus, that sounds a like a fascinating read. I imagine it to be highly philosophical too. I hope you will have time to share your thoughts (a short review, perhaps) about it.

  15. Thank you so much, Maga. Your believing and feeling it, too, make me happy.

    The title Krik? Krak! is intriguing and doesn’t give any hint (for me) what the book might be about. I had to check it out, and it sounds like a read! Penner’s is one I’m sure I’ll pick up at some point, I’m a fan of historical fiction and love where it’s set already. Thanks for sharing your reads, I always find something from your diverse list. 🙂

  16. I love the wonder and joy in this post, Khaya. Reading is our superpower.
    As George R.R. Martin said — “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies… The man who never reads lives only one.”

  17. Thank you so much for suggesting my book!

    I am currently reading Mongrels by Stephen Graham Jones. I have recently become addicted to his work.

  18. It’s my pleasure. I believe even telling one person about a book they haven’t read yet, makes all the difference. 🙂

  19. …and oh, it’s the first time I hear of Stephen Graham Jones, myself. I might check him out, at some point. 🙂

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