Central Library - Swindon

It took me almost close to a month to realize that this town has a library. But it took me slightly a bit more time to actually locate it and visit it. Mostly due to initial settling worries and jitters. But the moment I stepped onto the building, I fell for it. I did not last a single aisle before I actually made a bee-line to the counter to become a member. And I have not regretted a single day. Of course the library can do better in terms of non-fiction collection, especially management.

I also realized that people here must really enjoy reading. I can see people on the buses, in office during lunchtime, out in public places like tea-shops, common sitting areas in market places, immersed in a book or an e-reader device. It should say something when we get to see 3 very good book shops within 8 to 10 minutes walk away from each other.

I was also stunned to see a post office seated deep in the belly of a multi-purpose, all serving bookshop. I made a conscious decision not to venture too often into these areas as caution as it threatened to pose grave challenge to my financial stability. This, in itself, should say a lot about these shops. What was so long a habit in me, quickly degenerated into a hard-hitting vice and then just as quickly and exponentially transformed into a demoniacal addiction.

And so this library feeds and quenches my addiction. What a blessing!!! As they say, a town should never be without a good bookstore or a decent library. Otherwise it's not worth it to stay there.

A street cat named bob by James Bowen

I am in Swindon now. I was in Town Center to complete some official work like  drop in at the bank, post office etc. I actually loved the post office here. You will get everything here. I accidentally saw this book. It arrested me because it had the photo of a ginger cat on its cover. Now my kunju (pet cat) is a ginger cat. He is feral so no way this beautiful, yet he has an attitude of his own.  That's why i was attracted to this book at first.

Then as I read it I got introduce to couple of amazing beings. A relationship between man and cat that was a saving grace for both. A book worth reading about sheer will to survive. Not all of us are doled out the best opportunities in life. Some of us lose what little life offers due to arrogance, selfishness, negligence or even sheer stupidity. It can happen to the best of us. I read some where that a measure of a human is not at falling, but how he gets up, dusts himself and perseveres again.

I learnt that second chances come to humans and animals alike. This book is about one such second chance for a human and a cat, who grow on to inspire people and change their thought process. Enjoyed it thoroughly. It's worth reading.
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