Many Namibians continue to show little interest in reading, but this blatant lack of interest has not stopped authors from penning books. 

Through the written word, they persistently render their expertise on various issues affecting life and by so doing, continue to supply reading material. One of the latest additions to the list of Namibian authors is Edison Uapingene, who recently launched his first book dubbed ‘What is Life?’ The 98-page motivational book explores life from the author’s experience and perspective, while being accommodative of the reader’s abstract thinking and trick-out debates.“Life was never meant to be easy. It was meant to be a journey filled with the quest, a journey where we must all travel through no matter how bad the obstructions are ahead of us,” said Uapingene during the book launch.

Elaborating on the topic of his book, he said: “What if life prompts us that behind everyone’s face lies a story; unique stories of us, each facing our own adversities, and that we all have a story to tell. Life will continue to trip us with hurdles”.

 Uapingene, who is a youth activist, further said individuals have a choice – a choice to grow and learn from their stumbles, and this book is a reminder that obstacles shouldn’t be viewed as burdens, but rather as stepping stones towards success in life.

The book launch was officiated by Otjozondjupa governor James Uerikua, who highlighted the importance of reading and the overall promotion of local publications. 

“We should foster a culture of reading in our homes in order to help others with the life experiences that we went through,” he said.

- psiririka@nepc.com.na