Caridad cannot imagine a world without the charm of reading. Author: Hugo Garcia

MURDER – Caridad Piheira Caballero reads voraciously. It is impossible to imagine a person who does not read or lives outside of the stories collected in stories, novels or exciting poetry.

For four years she was a model bookseller at the Provincial Center for Books and Literature in Matanzas. Its stronghold is the Aldabón publishing bookstore of the Hermanos Saíz Association (AHS).

“I came into this profession by accident. I am an average economics technician, but I had personal health issues and had to leave finances,” he says. Jr.

“From a young age I loved to read. I went to the bookstore because I needed a bookseller. At first he did not master the activity, but fell in love with all literature: the theater read the same, essays, novels, poems …

“I have always learned something in every book. Sometimes I didn’t read all of them, just a few chapters, to be able to exchange opinions with potential clients. I love being a librarian. Every time someone comes who converts a lot, they thank me and I always tell them that this job is my life.

“I strive to ensure that all young people, and indeed everyone, are involved in the love and art of reading. This is my greatest satisfaction. In front of my bookstore, I have the José Luis Dubroca pre-university school in the city, and this year I have noticed a greater interest in books among students, as they have more free time. Having a modality in this course with some free shifts gives them the opportunity to come to my bookstore.

“When they arrive, I tell them: Great, my children have arrived! And so the enthusiasm, and more and more students come to buy all kinds of goods. The director of the Aldabon publishing house even told me that I had sold books that had not been sold for several years. I encourage them very much and teach them to read, guide them …

“During my four years in this position, I was chosen as a model bookseller. Even many booksellers in Matanzas, who have worked in the trade more than I, praise me for my results; And the truth is, I never thought that I would be in such close contact with the public, especially with young people.

“I have always loved literature and instilled in my children a vocation for reading, but this is something more. The preschoolers are excited about their bookstore, they call me aunt and that fills me with joy.

“In this profession, it is very important to know the topics covered in the copies you sell. That you dominate even in some passage of texts in order to promote them. It’s a way to make people feel satisfied and grateful because sometimes they don’t buy from me, but they’re still grateful for my attention.”

-What genre do you prefer?

– I read everything: essays, novels, stories … I tend to poetry more. I admire the work of Alfredo Saldivar, to whom the book fair in Matanzas was dedicated. I really like his poetry, but also his prose.

— When do you read?

I have the opportunity to read in the same bookstore when I don’t have an audience. You will always see me with a book in my hand. I also read at home. And if I go on a trip or to the doctor, I always have a book in my bag. While waiting, I do not waste time in vain, I use and read something.

So you don’t buy books?

– Believe it or not, I also buy those that interest me. Some I keep and others I give away because the goal is for someone to read them, not to collect them for fun.

– Do you have a lot of books at home?

My family are big readers. In my house there are five full bookcases with classics, books on law, medicine, engineering and other electronic equipment of my son; and my daughter, a musician, has a large music collection, including encyclopedias.

Do you have something unpublished that you would like to publish?

I am an avid reader, but I never write. Since childhood, dancing has been my great passion.

– Is there an interest in reading?

— Many young people read digital texts, although lately I welcome the return to physical books. I have a very good anecdote about a seven year old boy who wanted to buy José Martí’s book. He saw a new essay called extended pillarsabout Marty’s poetry, and when I explained what it was about, he was delighted and told his mother that he wanted this particular book. When the children come, I talk to them about books related to their age, just like I do with adults. This is how I direct them.

“My bookstore is working on expanding. We go to schools. Sometimes I accompany writers and in this way we promote history books or other genres. We explain what they can be used for, and every day I am more and more impressed with how young people are interested in reading. It makes me very happy”.

This year’s International Book Fair was a great opportunity to promote the habit of reading, not selling, assures this talkative woman who can convince even a person who calls himself the most distant from literature and books.

Source: Juventud Rebelde