Bookshops are a small heaven of stories, poems, and the world's finest literature. Comfy sofas and the fragrance of a new shipment of books fill the air. With the pages turned yellow and the covers fading away, a bookshop is a timeless tale. Going to a bookshop, finding that one book that resonates with you among thousands on the shelf, and the joy of getting those small free bookmarks that come with the book of your choice—it's an experience that is now being forgotten. But now that treasure is fading away.
Bookshops don't seem crowded anymore—after all, Amazon exists. But online shopping will never, in a million years, replace what bookshops mean to me. Bookshops aren't just a business; they hold depth; they are spaces for people to discover their passions for reading and their intimate connection with books. I have often seen people going to bookshops, finding a book and then searching for the same book online to see if they can get it cheaper. For a mere price decrease of a few rupees, people would rather get books online than buy from a bookshop.
These books are treasures. People would rather watch TV shows and movies on those very books, but movies would never capture the beauty of words, the way the author twists the story, the way the story unfolds, and the intimate moments. A film can't capture it all.
No matter how "childish" the stories may seem, each book holds something for us. As we grow older, we forget what we were once taught in school and at home: "Be patient." "Think before you speak." These values are what we forget as time goes by, and sometimes, all we need are short stories for children that hold a moral in each.
These very bookshops carry books and stories of each genre, with something for everyone. They hold treasures worth more than anything else because these books may not be as expensive as gold or as vital as water, but they hold something far more valuable: knowledge. Even fictional stories, mysteries, and fairytales can be helpful; we just have to look closer to find them.
Of course, reading doesn't resonate with everyone. You can't force anyone into it; it unfolds itself. So, to the readers out there, let's keep this magic alive because it's something special, and we can't lose it.
In Chapter 2 of The Door-To-Door Bookstore, Carl is sceptical about the bookstore's ability to change lives, while Schascha believes in the power of books to connect people. Their contrasting views create tension and an opportunity for growth.
Reflection Questions-
1. How might Carl's and Schascha's perspectives on life influence their future actions in the story?
- Carl and Schascha have different outlooks on life. How do these differences shape their journey as the story progresses?
2. How does Schascha's attitude differ from Carl's?
- Reflect on Schascha's optimism and excitement. How does she see the bookstore's role differently from Carl?
3. What role do you think books play in Carl's life?
- Carl seems disconnected from the bookstore. What do books mean to him, and why might he distribute them?
4. What do you think Carl learns from Schascha's perspective on books and life, and how might that impact his view of the world?
Schascha is full of energy and belief in the bookstore. How can a positive attitude like hers influence how we see challenges in life?
Can you think of a situation where staying positive helped you overcome something difficult? How did it make a difference?
In chapter 20 of The Inner Life of Animals by Peter Wohlleben, "Shame and Regret," the author delves into animals' emotional experiences, exploring how they might experience feelings of shame and regret. Wohlleben draws on scientific studies and observations to suggest that animals, much like humans, can feel embarrassed when they fail to meet certain expectations or make mistakes. This chapter challenges the common belief that animals only act based on instincts, showing that they can have complex emotions, too.
Reflection Questions:
1. Do you believe animals can feel shame or regret? Why or why not?
- Think about your own experiences with emotions like shame or regret. Do you think animals could similarly experience these feelings?
2. How does the idea that animals can feel emotions like shame challenge your previous understanding of animals?
- Have you ever considered that animals might experience emotions beyond basic instincts? How does this chapter change your view?
3. Why is it important to recognise that animals might experience emotions like shame and regret?
- How could understanding animals' emotions change the way we treat them or view their behaviour?
4. Can you think of a time when you felt regret or shame and how it affected you?
- Reflecting on your own experiences, how do these emotions influence your actions or decisions? Can you imagine animals having similar emotional experiences?
Key Takeaways:
Book Discussion: We discussed The Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn, focusing on the protagonist, Carl, and his passion for books and unique way of viewing the world. We explored themes of loneliness, routine, and meaning and discussed how literary references are woven into the narrative, mainly through Karl's interactions with 9-year-old Schascha.
Reading vs. Watching TV: We highlighted the cognitive benefits of reading over watching TV. Reading encourages imagination, enhances attention span, and fosters critical thinking. In contrast, TV viewing often leads to multitasking and shorter attention spans.
Animal Emotions and Cognition: We examined research that shows animals, including mice, pigs, and dogs, display complex emotions like empathy, fairness, and even regret. This challenges traditional assumptions about animal cognition and emotions. Mirror neurons in animals allow them to "feel" others' feelings, and early exposure to empathy strengthens these neural pathways.
Fairness and Regret in Animals: Experiments revealed that dogs, ravens, and rats show a strong sense of fairness, while rats exhibit regret-like behaviours when making poor choices. These findings challenge previous views on animal emotions and cognition.
Next Week's Session: Lina Ashar will host her second YES Workshop on education for the future. Please check out the video recording of her last session on February 23rd, 2025: https://youtu.be/RsKdSpxSCek?si=Z0bTE5TrJnIci7eZ.
Reading Progress: Jugjiv Sir will complete the current book chapter by next week.
Upcoming Retreat: We will read My Good School Where Passion Meets Education at the forthcoming Retreat and gift all participants one copy of the My Good School Record book.
I am looking forward to our continued discussions. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need clarification.
We discussed the progress of the My Good School Retreat and the excitement among students, with Rajinder Pal Devgan noting the positive impact of recent visits to the Arthur Foot Academy. Jugjiv Singh introduced the book Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn, highlighting its themes of personal connections and the significance of book recommendations. The group explored naming in animals, noting that some animals, like ravens and pigs, recognise and respond to personal names. They also discussed the emotional lives of animals, particularly grief in red deer, and the importance of community and personal connections in learning and teaching. Updates on various educational initiatives were shared, including poetry, music, and art sessions.
About the Book- The Door-to-Door Bookstore
Everyone has a book meant just for them...
Carl, 72, may get old, but he still feels young. Every night, he walks around delivering books to his regular customers, always picking the right book for each one based on what they love.
One evening, a curious and lively nine-year-old named Schascha shows up. She insists on tagging along with Carl and even tries to teach him a few things about books.
When Carl's job at the bookstore is at risk, will he and the girl, with her yellow raincoat, be able to save his job and bring back the joy of reading to their little town?
The Door-to-Door Bookstore is a heartwarming story about the importance of friendship, the magic of books, and how reading can bring people together.
Reading the chapter "A Man for all Seasons" from The Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn.
In this chapter, Carl, the protagonist, meets a man who embodies what many consider "success"—a wealthy, influential figure who seems to have everything. However, as the protagonist interacts with this man, he realises that despite outward success, he may be missing key elements of personal fulfillment, happiness, and genuine relationships. This causes the protagonist to reflect on his life and what true success means.
Reflection Questions:
1. What is the main lesson or message of this chapter?
Think about what the author is trying to teach or show through the events in this chapter.
2. What does the chapter say about the difference between wealth and happiness?
Reflect on what the book says about how money and success don't always bring happiness.
3. What emotions or ideas does this chapter make you think about?
Think about how the chapter makes you feel and what ideas or questions it raises.
4. How can we apply this chapter's lessons to our lives?
Think about how you can use the ideas from the chapter to be happier or more successful in your own way.
Reading the book The Inner Life of Animals by Peter Wohlleben.
Chapter What's in a Name?
"A name is much more than a label; it's a way of saying something is important."
1. How do you think names shape our understanding of the world around us?
2. Can you recall a time when a name changed the way you felt about something or someone?
3. In what ways do you think animals perceive their names, if at all?
4. Why might it be significant to recognise the importance of naming in the context of nature and animals?
Chapter "Grief" from The Inner Life of Animals by Peter Wohlleben.
Theme: The emotional depth and grieving processes of animals.
1. How does the concept of grief in animals challenge our traditional understanding of their emotions?
2. Why do you think it's important to recognise and validate the grief of animals, and how might this change how we treat them?
3. In what ways does understanding animal grief deepen our empathy toward animals and our connection with nature?
Program Updates:
Thursday Sessions at 5:30 PM will include poetry and music for teachers, interns, fellows, and future educators, helping them explore creative ways to teach and engage students.
Friday Sessions at 5:30 PM, a blend of reading and art, provides a creative and interactive experience.
Good Schools of India: Our weekly newsletter has gained much more attention, with over 600 reads in recent weeks. It's great to see more people staying updated and engaged!
YouTube Channel: We've launched a YouTube channel (@mygoodschool) where you can access recorded sessions from the program. This allows easier access to our content for anyone who missed a session or would like to revisit a topic.
We're thrilled to announce new developments at the Arthur Foot Academy (AFA):
Community Learning Centre is actively seeking volunteers who can share their skills or teach subjects of interest. Whether it's math, art, or any other subject, we welcome those with knowledge to join us in making this initiative a success!
Collaboration with Experts: We collaborate with experts like Ms. Brinda Ghosh, Ms. Nonie Bagga, and Ms. Meenakshi Uberai to provide various learning experiences and ensure everyone involved has access to high-quality educational content.
We look forward to all the exciting developments in the program and invite you to get involved!
