Book Fair: Panamanian Authors Celebrate Student Interest in Reading

The International Book Fair in Panama City has become a vibrant hub, drawing hundreds of students and igniting excitement among local authors. Writers are particularly encouraged by the evident interest shown by younger generations in discovering new stories and engaging with Panamanian literature. This engagement is seen as a crucial step in fostering a lifelong love for reading.

During the event's fourth day, students from various schools explored over 100 bookstalls. They had the opportunity to explore different genres, purchase books, and interact directly with authors. Panamanian writer Itzel Miranda highlighted the value of these encounters, especially when students show curiosity about works that can aid their personal and professional development. Miranda presented her book, "El líder que sabe coser" (The Leader Who Knows How to Sew), which explores leadership through life experiences.

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It's always good to talk with students, especially when the books can help them in their development.

"It's always good to talk with students, especially when the books can help them in their development," Miranda stated, expressing her surprise at the keen interest young people showed in her book's title. Aguilar Martínez, another author, emphasized that cultivating a reading habit requires consistency. "Reading is a habit like anything else, like writing. If you do it constantly, even little by little, you will build the habit and become a daily reader," he explained.

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Reading is a habit like anything else, like writing. If you do it constantly, even little by little, you will build the habit and become a daily reader.

Writers like Janet Y. Mitchell, author of "Activa tu sonrisa" (Activate Your Smile), shared her delight in seeing so many students leave the fair with books. Her work focuses on the positive effects of smiling and its transformative power. "I am very happy to see so many students visiting the book fair, all with a little book, everyone takes something. It's wonderful to see that people do read in Panama, people read a lot," Mitchell remarked.

For these authors, direct interaction with children and young people offers a platform to inspire future writers, stimulate creativity, and showcase the richness of Panamanian literature. The fair, which runs until Sunday, August 30, features not only books but also educational materials and activities for all ages, reinforcing the idea that a new generation is actively discovering the joy of reading.

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I am very happy to see so many students visiting the book fair, all with a little book, everyone takes something. It's wonderful to see that people do read in Panama, people read a lot.