Sharjah :
Acclaimed Arab critic and academician Dr. Mona Al-Sharafi Tayim shed light on the preferences
and changing tastes of new age readers in an insightful discussion at the 41st edition of the
Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF).
At a session titled ‘New Century Reader’, the novelist and writer said young readers are looking
for subjects that help improve their lives. “The emotional value of books are personified for the
21 st century readers, who look at books as treasure houses of knowledge that can improve
themselves. Simplified philosophies are in huge demand,” said the Arab critic.
Thanking SIBF for opening doors to writers and authors and encouraging them to produce more
works, she said: “The annual SIBF has a huge role in inculcating the reading culture, particularly
in the Arab world. Reading is a way of life that essentially begins at home. Readers can go on a
world tour, passing through different cultures and traditions, just with alphabets and words. This
union of writers and readers is a mental sport that lessens the burden and heaviness of life.”
“As much as good readers look for good books, a good book needs a good reader,” asserted
the academician, adding: “The style and capabilities of a reader determines their creative
mindset. Today, there are numerous publishers, but not all are necessarily meeting the
demands of the different kinds of readers.”
New readers are more attached to digital versions, said Dr. Mona, who believes that although
readers may shift entirely to on-screen in just a couple of years, the culture of reading is here to
stay.
Speaking at the SIBF, the author also shared her concerns on the limited availability of reading
content in Arabic, especially for those aged between 11 and 15. “We do have a lot of translated
content, but I would like to see more original content that reflects our culture to cater to that age.
It is the age where the young absorb everything around them and it is vital we build our strong
values and culture within their minds,” she concluded.