I would often admire books; there were many books in our home. My father had great library, several of his books were excellent for me, as a young boy. Of course, I had my own book collection and I also borrowed books; there was a small book shop close to our house which would lend out books. Particular novels and numerous other books that I’ve read were the ones I borrowed from that bookstore.
Furthermore, I remembered going to Astan-e-Quds library; Astan-e-Quds, which is in Mashahd, has an excellent library; during the first year of my seminary school – I was about fifteen or sixteen- I would go there. Sometimes, I would spend the day there, since the library is close to the headquarters; and I would indulge in reading; the call for prayers would be broadcasted, but I was so immersed in reading, that I would not hear it! The call came from a speaker, which was very close to the library, and it would resonate loudly in the reading hall, it would be afternoon and I would not realize till later! I loved books. Even now that I am almost sixty -as you said some of you could be my children and some my grandchildren- I read more than many of the teenagers, you ought to know that.
I do not want to introduce too many books and novels to the youths, but I may name some authors. For instance, there is a well-known French author called Michel Zevaco who has written many books. I have read most of his novels in the past. When I was a teenager, I borrowed the works of another famous French author called Victor Hugo from the Astane Quds library. I read parts of “Les Miserables” in my youth, and then later, I read it thoroughly a couple of times.
Collected statements by the Supreme Leader, during a friendly gathering with children and teenagers, on February 3, 1998
