At a time when digital screens dominate our daily lives, it’s easy to overlook the traditional ways people once gained knowledge and nurtured their imagination through reading.
Yet, there remains an irreplaceable charm in the art of immersing oneself in a book – an experience that has continually adapted to the modern world.
While smartphones and tablets flood our minds with rapid, bite-sized information, the act of flipping through the pages of a well-loved book offers something deeper: a sense of enrichment and a quiet pride in discovery.
One way to reignite this imaginative journey is through Book Fairs – vibrant spaces that bring people closer to the world of literature, fostering a renewed appreciation for the written word.
Book Fairs, such as the recent one at the Belait Sixth Form Centre (PTEB), celebrate the timeless appeal of books by offering readers of all ages a chance to explore a diverse array of genres.
From fiction that ignites the imagination to historical narratives that transport readers through time, and from self-improvement guides to works that deepen our understanding of science, these fairs serve as gateways to knowledge and creativity.
I had the privilege of meeting some of the country’s leading local writers and passionate readers, gaining insight into how books continue to hold a vital place in a world increasingly dominated by digital screens and the endless scroll of social media.
Among them was Dr Aamton Alias, best known for his supernatural thriller series Real Ghost Stories of Borneo. He emphasised the unique, irreplaceable experience that physical books – particularly hardcovers and paperbacks – offer, creating a deeper, more personal connection between reader and story.
“When people buy printed books, they have a personal connection to it. The experience of flicking through the pages of a book and the smell and feel of the paper combined can help make critical moments in the stories memorable.”
Similarly, a friend of Dr Aamton and fellow writer Micheal Hardy also shared how books can help spur one’s creativity and imagination, noting that “for me, when I pick up a book, I want to read more about the story. But most importantly, it opens the floodgate for my imagination to flow”.
He also added that physically owning books can help bring about a connection between the readers and writers.
“Having the book in person makes me feel like acknowledging the writer’s story and vision, and if the writer did a terrific job with the story, then it serves more to connect the readers to the writer’s vision.” Unlike digital media, which is often consumed in fragmented, distracted spurts, each page turned in a book is a step forward in a journey of discovery, and finishing a novel or a non-fiction work provides a tangible sense of achievement.
The knowledge gained from books is more structured, in-depth, and enduring than the fleeting and often unreliable information on social media.
Additionally, reading a book fosters empathy, as noted by local writer Wan Dayyini, who assists Dr Aamton in his books.
“While reading can help broaden the knowledge and understanding of the story and world, it can also help enhance your empathy, especially in stories where it is told in the first person point of view”
With the growth of a fast-paced world where instant gratification is the norm, she noted that it may play a supplementary role in the modern era. “Books may not be as widespread as they used to be, they are still needed in the right place and time.”
While the slow decline of books may be seen as a sign of things to come, Dr Aamton shared a more rosy picture of the future with a fusion of both past and present.
“At the end of the day, reading books is about learning the intent and vision of the writer, and if that same intent can be gained through physical and digital means, you could say that the book has done its job.”
Innovations made to e-paper technology are revolutionising the way people can engage with books, as e-paper can provide a comfortable and strain-free reading alternative, making digital books more accessible and enjoyable while still preserving the immersive nature of traditional reading.
“We have to embrace it (both physical and digital books), as some of my books are not just in physical and e-book, but also in audiobook format. Because I think what’s important is the message that us as writers are trying to impart.”
The co-existence of both formats allows readers to choose their preferred medium while ensuring that literature remains widely available, and by through book fairs such as the one recently held at PTEB, can young and curious minds be led down the imaginative road that can broaden their creativity.
Ultimately, reading, whether it is done on paper, screen, or simply by listening; remains one of the most enriching past time. By embracing both physical and digital books, it can help create a literary future that is inclusive, innovative, and inspiring, which ensures that the love for reading continues to flourish in an ever-evolving modern world. – Daniel Lim
