When I retired, I returned to live in the old house where I was born, in the city of Senator Pompey. There are two schools close to the house, on whose sidewalk many students walk. When moving, I took all my books. I installed the library on some shelves in the living room and hallway. I soon realized that that simple library aroused the curiosity of passersby. In conversation with neighbors, students and teachers, I explained that the books were available to be borrowed.
I confess that I received few visitors. The house that had belonged to my grandparents used to spend most of the time closed. The jambs on its facade became a focal point student meeting before and after classes. Even after my arrival at the house, having opened the door and windows, these young people were not intimidated and continued to make noise, argue and insult each other.
The situation was uncomfortable for my partner and I, who used to take a nap after lunch. I believe that the elderly residents of neighboring houses suffered from the noise, as they also had the nap habit. Every now and then, I would turn to the young people and ask them to turn down the volume. All I had to do was turn my back and the screaming would return with more force.
One day, in the full midday sun, I arrived home and found the same crowd in an uproar on the sidewalk. By chance, I had my fellow countryman’s book of stories. Moreira Campos, “They say dogs see things”, under the arm. I approached them and showed them the book, announcing that it was a gift to be shared by the whole class. I mentioned the importance of the author and suggested that everyone read a story to tell me the next day, that way we could talk a lot more.
Guess what my surprise was? They definitively abandoned the sidewalk. My companion observed that many people began to pass on the other side of the street. Clearly I was being avoided by them, who were previously so effusive. In the neighborhood, I heard comments several times that associated madness with I like reading. How long will fear of books still reign in this country?
