'World Book Day', March 5

Simon O'Donovan
Mar 5
2 min read

Books hold a special place in our lives. They transport us to other worlds, introduce us to unforgettable characters, and become woven into our personal histories. For many of us, the joy of reading begins in childhood and continues throughout life, shaping our imagination, knowledge and emotions.

As people grow older, or experience cognitive impairment, the ability to read in the same way can sometimes become more difficult. However, the stories themselves are often not lost. Many of the narratives, characters and feelings connected to books remain stored in our long-term memory. These memories can resurface when we watch a film adaptation, listen to an audiobook, hear a familiar song linked to a story, or see images connected to the tale.

On World Book Day – 5th March, CST Song Of The Day celebrates the powerful connection between literature, music and memory with “Wuthering Heights” by Kate Bush, inspired by Emily Brontë’s famous novel. Songs like this can unlock memories of the story, awaken emotions, and spark conversation.

Music has a remarkable ability to bring stories back to life. A melody, a lyric, or even the mood of a song can reconnect us with characters and places we once knew so well. For people living with dementia, these moments of recognition can be especially meaningful — helping to stimulate memory, encourage discussion, and create a shared emotional experience.

Today’s song invites us to revisit the dramatic world of Wuthering Heights, reminding us that while the way we access stories may change, the feelings and memories they created can remain with us for a lifetime.

You could start the session by asking ...