When I write clues for my cryptic crosswords, I use my Dictionary extensively. I give it quite a workout, and I remember to breathe deeply while I'm doing it. You know why? Because this little girl and I have something in common.
Of course, I'm not the only one who does this. Some people are trying to cash in on this, too. A company has introduced a product - "New book smell in a can" to make ebooks seem more real. I love ebooks, and something that can actually make them better seems like a good idea. (Of course, there is no ordering information available – hoax alert #1!)
But why do books smell good? It's definitely not the freshness of the paper. In fact, old book smell is due to several organic gases that are released as the paper and glue in the book decay. And new book smell? Probably due to the printing ink. So that's what we like! Problem solved - or maybe not...
Some time back, I was looking at a pop-up book with my niece. I took a good sniff, of course, and the smell was very familiar. I didn't have to think too long, for memories came up rapidly – A large book with a laminated cover - A huge white moon with a smiling face on the first page - A deep blue sky with stars, Russian style – Heavy, textured paper – Windows and doors and pop-outs in the pages – The cool table top under my arm - sunlight through the open window in front... The children's section in the Devaneya Paavanar Library.
I also remembered going to get the book issued, and the librarian pointing to the REFERENCE sign, saying “You cannot take out the books in that shelf. Books like dictionaries are kept there because everyone will need them, also books that are very expensive. Because not everyone knows how to handle books - other children may tear it.”
I owe that librarian a great deal. She was perfect for a children's library – sweet, encouraging, and never putting a finger to her lips. She made the library a nice place to spent time in, not just to come in when I needed a book. And I hadn't thought of her in a few years.
Printing ink and organic gases? Synaptic memory in the olfactory lobe? No,there's a simpler explanation which also explains the joy of reading – IT'S MAGIC!
Of course, I'm not the only one who does this. Some people are trying to cash in on this, too. A company has introduced a product - "New book smell in a can" to make ebooks seem more real. I love ebooks, and something that can actually make them better seems like a good idea. (Of course, there is no ordering information available – hoax alert #1!)
Some time back, I was looking at a pop-up book with my niece. I took a good sniff, of course, and the smell was very familiar. I didn't have to think too long, for memories came up rapidly – A large book with a laminated cover - A huge white moon with a smiling face on the first page - A deep blue sky with stars, Russian style – Heavy, textured paper – Windows and doors and pop-outs in the pages – The cool table top under my arm - sunlight through the open window in front... The children's section in the Devaneya Paavanar Library.
I also remembered going to get the book issued, and the librarian pointing to the REFERENCE sign, saying “You cannot take out the books in that shelf. Books like dictionaries are kept there because everyone will need them, also books that are very expensive. Because not everyone knows how to handle books - other children may tear it.”
I owe that librarian a great deal. She was perfect for a children's library – sweet, encouraging, and never putting a finger to her lips. She made the library a nice place to spent time in, not just to come in when I needed a book. And I hadn't thought of her in a few years.
Printing ink and organic gases? Synaptic memory in the olfactory lobe? No,there's a simpler explanation which also explains the joy of reading – IT'S MAGIC!
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