On 15th January, 1951 I picked up a Quill Exercise Book that had been slightly used as my Busy Book at Kensington School Opportunity Class and compiled a catalogue of -
My Books - listing the books that I owned in alphabetical order from Ben Hall, the Bushranger to Youth Builds a Monument.
Then I started an auxiliary list - Other Books that I have read. I have continued that list since that day - so that I know that I have read 2000 books to this point in my life.
Additionally, since the advent of the personal computer I can compile a catalogue in subject order (using my personal classifications rather than Mr Dewey's dismal subject headings).
I have just printed that catalogue. It runs to 31 pages and it is rewarding to scan that list - so many titles well remembered for the interest of the subject matter and/or the skill of the writer
Reading has given me enormous pleasure during all of my life. I still remember clearly the wondrous day in 1953 when the Randwick Council Mobile Library first pulled up outside the local shops. The van was brand new, the books were brand new, the librarian behind the desk was a pleasant smiling young lady, her pencils and rubber stamp were new. It seemed to me about as close to Heaven as I was ever likely to get - I could borrow any book that I chose.
I have read fairly widely I think, there are probably notable exclusions like science. I believe that I have learnt much because of my reading, hopefully assisting me to think relatively clearly. At any event I am reminded of the saying - the man that does not read has no advantage over the man that cannot read.
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