"I hope that the next reader would be inspired to take out a straw, stick it into a book and drink the words out of them as if it were a juice box." - Ryan Romero, A Good Book Drive 2014
A confession: We typically ask our generous donors a few questions to learn more about them, their book donations, and their love of reading. We’ll then take these lovely stories, package them up and post them here for you to enjoy. Sometimes, as is the case with Co-founder and Creative Partner at CLOU Studio Inc. Ryan Romero, a contributor’s answers are so well-crafted we just have to step out of the way and let their words speak directly to you. Here’s Ryan’s backstory for why he contributed a most unique novel: The Ink Drinker by Eric Sanvoisin.
What’s the book about?
It’s about a young boy who has to spend a summer helping his dad out with their bookstore. And he absolutely hates to read! His dad appoints him to watch the store for shoplifters. On one particular day he finds himself spying on a pale character who seems to float through the aisles of the store. The boy notices that this odd stranger is not trying to steal books at all. He is drinking the words out of them with a straw! The boy goes on a chase to find out what this fellow is all about and discovers a taste for something much more filling than ink.
If this book were a a time machine, where would it take you?
Growing up in the Philippines, there was this rooftop I’d always disappear to. It was covered by the branches and leaves of this enormous mango tree that grew in our yard. I would climb up onto it to get away from the hot afternoon sun. It was cool under those branches and leaves. I could watch the street from there and I’d spy on my neighbours walking by. Sometimes I’d take naps or eat the mangoes right off the branches. If The Ink Drinker was a time machine, I’d use it to take me back to that particular moment. I don’t remember taking anything up there with me to read. This book would be a prefect accompaniment.
Where was your favourite reading spot as a kid?
I had a reading desk that my mum got a carpenter to build for me. It was painted with white oil-based paint and it took forever to dry. It made my room smell like chemicals for a few months. I enjoyed reading on that.
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A Good Book Drive is an annual book drive to bring stories to a new generation of readers, and support kids in need of new books. Running through the month of November, A Good Book Drive will be inspiring Vancouverites to purchase a new copy of their favorite kids’ book and deliver it to set locations throughout the city. At these drop off locations you can personalize your donation with a special bookplate, sharing the story of why that book is special to you. All books will be donated to this year’s book drive recipient, One to One: A Children’s Literacy Program. Share your favourite stories with A Good Book Drive onTwitter, Facebook and Instagram. |
