I had a nice exchange with a local today who told me that if it weren’t for “Even if I buy them cheap for a quid, I couldn’t afford it, not with my tight finances,” she told me. Maggie is one of a handful of locals who receive regular books by delivery. She was terrified when the first lockdown started and got in touch with me via local NHS staff at Barking Hospital. Reading has added vibrancy to Maggie’s life and according to her she has remained sane and focussed during difficult times. She also confessed she was more of a “picture book” reader and her literacy levels were very poor. She is now getting through at least three novels a week. Being in isolation during a pandemic could have been catastrophic for Maggie. She doesn’t watch a great deal of TV and prefers the radio. She believes she would have suffered a mental health breakdown had it not been for her books keeping her entertained. Maggie says that her anxiety and stress levels have remained very much in control because of the distraction of a book. She also believes her books have educated her and improved her world view. That was a really great conversation - She has really grown as an indivisible. Well done Maggie and it’s a pleasure knowing you! Few bonus points earned today as I completed #Ramadan300 for @lonelyorphans Thanks to #eastendcycles @eastendcycles for the continued backing. #bookbikelondon #bookbiker #theanfieldtourist #thewanderinglondoner #bookblogger #bookcommunity #bookreview #library #livros #libro #bookstore #bookrecommendations #goodreads #bookonBike #cyclelife #cycliststyle #cyclegang #cyclinguk #bicycletouring #biketouring #readingtime #readmorehorror #readerscommunity #cycleadventure #readingtime #bookclub #fiction #literatura #cyclelife #leggere (at Gascoigne Estate) https://www.instagram.com/p/CdBrUdLoqcK/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
