Talking books make 'reading' pleasurable

New Delhi, Sep 9 (UNI) Fret not if you are unable to read due to lack of sight or are just plain pressed for time as 'Bolti Kitaaben', audio books, are now available in the Indian market.

Star Publications launched books that talk at the 14th edition of the Delhi Book Fair.

The concept is that famous works are recited by a person and recorded on audio CDs. To begin with, the CDs of famous books in Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi literature are available.

Novels like 'Ghaban' (Hindi) by Munshi Prem Chand, 'Ik Si Anita' (Punjabi) by Amrita Pritam and Urdu poetry 'Talkhian' by Sahir Ludhianvi have been recorded on CDs.

''The concept of 'Talking Books' is quite famous in the West but it is being used for the first time in India. We have got a very good response,'' an official of the Star Publications told UNI.

''Those whose eyesight is weak, illiterate or do not have time to read can simply put on the CD and listen to the book being read out to them,'' he added.

One of the buyers said, ''I have bought these 'Bolti Kitaaben' for myself as I can listen to the book in my car itself. It is good for older people also as they can listen to their favourite writers, without waiting for somebody to read it out to them.'' The CDs are cost-effective also as it is priced at Rs 200-300 and recorded in three to four CDs.

UNI SKB SK UCS1312