A shared love for a particular novel can bridge the most surprising social gaps

“Novels aren’t just sources of solitary cogitation. They are social objects, and we use them to brandish our identities, mark our allegiances and broker our relationships. They can provoke passions as strongly as politics. Thanks to the intimate connection between story and reader, they impact upon us very personally, and can drive otherwise undemonstrative folk to feel they have a right–nay duty–to confront complete strangers with their zeal, and have thus been responsible for some of the most unexpected human encounters I’ve had.”–Molly Flatt, from her piece, “Bonding with Books,” in the Guardian’s Books Blog.

The original assertion of this site is that enthusiasm, pure heart-felt love, powerful emotions, wonder, transcendence, and out-of-body-experiences engendered by books and reading are valuable experiences that should be shared with others.  There are many wonderful “book community” websites where people congregate to share all sorts of interesting discussions about books and writers.  But Readiac exists simply to foster and present deeply felt feelings about books, writing, writers, ideas and images (whether printed, digital or audio, the format does not matter, it’s about the words and their ability to transport us, to change us, to help us, that matter).  When you read a book and you can’t put it down, or you don’t want it to end - ever, you want to tell somebody right now - “this is an incredible book” - you are experiencing something special.  Readiac is where you can tell someone right away, no mediation, just tell it.  Powerful experiences like these are important.  They change us.  They make us human.  So take advantage of this opportunity.  Send me your stories, reviews, lovesongs to favorite books and authors.  Be honest, let your heart speak and the words will follow.  I will read every submission with care and devotion and will post all that fit the criteria stated here.  Thank you!