P.T.O. - A Book Reading Session

I don't know when I fell in love with reading and writing. All I remember is that it happened when I was in school.

Reading started with compulsory library class in primary school where we were enticed by the children's picture books.

From children's books to Nancy Drew's to Sidney Sheldon to Mills and Boons the interest just grew and grew.

But as I started to work, I tried to read but due to tiredness, laziness and work pressure both reading and writing took a back seat. Infact there was a time when I used to finish a book in a year!

A couple of years ago, I found a community of people interested in reading, writing, sharing knowledge in my city. It is a start-up known as - Kaffienated Konversations. And I must say, community helps one a lot.

So now, despite my busy schedule, I find time to read and write. It was like a reunion for us.

Last week I was invited by Kaffienated Konversations to be one of there reader's for the book reading session in our city of the book - P.T.O.

This was my first experience to be a reader. Of course we all have done it numerous times, in schools and colleges, but doing it as a special organised event is rare.

I was elated and nervous both at the same time. Thinking it to be a great stepping stone and a good learning experience, I agreed to do it.

On agreeing, I even made the action plan. I need to read the book, find out the excerpt which goes most with my personality and liking as well as one that stirs listeners interest to read the book. I was confident with my strategy. But given my busy schedule I was not getting time to read the book too. And then the event promo started.

This image itself made me nervous. Though I shared it in my social groups and took the compliments in full spirit but it made me all conscious. The more the people appreciated, the more conscious I got.

Finally the D-Day. As I was unable to trace the location I got a bit late to the event. The good part was, it hadn't started. People settling in, conversing with each other.

I could see a mix gentry. Some teenagers, a college group and a professor, few professionals. I knew my choice of story is going to work for all. This did gave me a bit confidence.

The book is written by 4 new authors and is a collection of 4 short stories.

The titles are -

Serendipity? Not so much

Resistive Approach and Strategic Thinking

I.D.I.O.T.S.

Journey of essence

I read an excerpt from the first one. Here's a clip of it.

This being my first experience I got a bit shaky. There were places, things didn't go as I planned but overall it was a great experience.

An experience which made me think of what to wear based on people's perceptions to be comfortable to retain confidence.

An experience which made me go back to my roots, my school days and to learn something new with this new reading experience.

An experience which made my heart glow with people's good wishes and compliments.

Thank you Kaffienated Konversations for this wonderful opportunity, I definitely look forward to do so more.

P.S. If you like this post....do like the blog as well.

Every alternate Wednesday is dedicated to stories or instances or learnings that I learn or implement at work. So stay tuned for #WorkWednesdays