Reading: A Free and Fun Form of Entertainment (Chapter 02)

Rufas D' Gracion
Jan 20
3 min read

(Series 02 - The Transformative Power of Reading for Personal and Professional Growth)

Hands hold an open book against a bright blue sky. Text: "The Transformative Power of Reading," author, read time, and website link.

The Joy of Reading.

In our previous chapter, we discovered that reading is like a workout for our brains. It helps us grow personally and professionally, making us smarter and more successful. But reading is not just beneficial; it’s also a lot of fun! It offers us stories and adventures that can make us feel happy and relaxed. In this chapter, we will explore how reading is not only useful but also a fantastic way to enjoy our free time.

Books vs. Adaptations

Did you know that many of the most popular TV shows and movies are based on books? Creators often turn to books for inspiration because they contain rich stories, fascinating characters, and exciting settings. For instance, the hit TV show Game of Thrones started as a series of novels. When a book is particularly good, filmmakers want to adapt it into a movie or a show. This is because books already have strong narratives and plenty of details. While watching these adaptations can be enjoyable, they often leave out some of the fun and information found in the original book.

The Power of Storytelling

Books can be categorised in different ways. Some focus heavily on character development, while others are driven by their plots. There are also books where the setting plays a crucial role, acting as both a character and a plot element. In the hands of certain readers, the setting can become a powerful force, influence the story and create a unique atmosphere.

When you’re short on time, you might choose to watch a movie that lasts a couple of hours. If you want to dive deeper into a story, you might opt for a web series or a TV drama. However, for the most immersive experience, reading the original novel allows you to fully engage with the creator’s vision. This chapter will highlight how reading can provide a unique and enriching entertainment experience.

Movies and shows often cannot capture all the characters or the original dialogue written by the authors. When you read a book, you experience the story in its purest form. The thoughts and emotions are fresh and authentic. In contrast, adaptations may add extra elements to attract viewers, which can change the essence of the story.

A great example of this is the recent Tamil movie Ponniyin Selvan. Many fans of the book were disappointed with the film because it left out important details. For instance, the relationship between Nandhini (played by Aishwarya Rai) and the Pandian King (Naasar) is portrayed differently in the movie. In the novel, Nandhini discovers that her father is the Pandian King, but the film presents her relationship with Veerapandiyan ambiguously, leaving viewers to speculate.

The climax of the film also diverges significantly from the book. In the novel, Madhuranthakan (played by Rahman) is revealed to be Oomai Rani’s son and Nandhini’s twin brother, but the movie ends with him being crowned king without this crucial revelation. Additionally, the novel does not feature a scene where the four main characters—Kundavai (Thrisa), Arunmozhi Varman (Jayam Ravi), Aditha Karikalan (Vikram), and Vanthiyathevan (Kaarthi)—meet together, but the film includes this moment in its sequel, created by director Mani Ratnam.

When a book is adapted into a movie, some characters may be omitted, new scenes may be added, and the original plot may be altered. Sometimes, this can even change the nature of relationships between characters. However, when you read the book, you experience the story as the author intended, with all its depth and richness.

Engaging with Literature

For your personal and professional growth, it’s best to read the original works and engage with the author’s true thoughts. Choosing to read opens up new opportunities and enriches your life. If books can bring stories and characters to life for others, why not for you? Reading can be a source of both entertainment and discovery.

Let’s Try an Activity: “Reading for Fun Challenge”

Pick Any Book or Short Story: Choose something from your shelf, a library, or even a free e-book online. It could be a mystery, fantasy, biography, or even comics—whatever excites you!
Set a Mini Goal: Dedicate 20 minutes today just for enjoyment. There’s no pressure to finish the book; just immerse yourself in the story.
Share the Joy: After reading, write down or share with a friend one scene, character, or idea that entertained you.
Notice the Difference: Pay attention to how reading gives you the same joy as watching a movie or series, but in your own imagination.