Seriously, does anyone?
I can't remember a time in my life that I didn't enjoy reading. One of my earliest memories was my mother reading to me and after I learned on my own, I couldn't stop.
My family moved a lot, I'd change schools two to three times a year, and anyone who has had a first day at a new school knows how awkward it is. You don't know where to sit, where things are, and there's tons of free time but no one to talk to. Suddenly, you add a book to the situation, and most of your problems are solved. It doesn't matter where you sit, just sit alone and read a book instead of sitting alone and looking around everywhere because you feel weird. Well, you may not know where things are, but in your free time you're able to read instead of staring at your desk.
Even aside from getting rid of social awkwardness in new situations, reading has other benefits. You broaden your vocabulary, expand your imagination, learn new things, and every now and then it's a nice escape from reality-- a better alternative than drug use or drinking. Another benefit to reading is when you get done with a really long book you feel like you gained something, like you made an accomplishment. I love that feeling, and sometimes when I think I have nothing in my life, I realize that i still have all my favorite books.
I'm kind of going back here, but back to moving all the time- if you move that much, things feel a bit unstable, everything is new and strange. What I loved about reading was how constant things were. No matter where I lived I could enjoy the same books, or go to the library and find my favorite authors. I sometimes think that without books, I may not have made it through all of those new schools.
But what I'm getting at is, does anyone read anymore? I hope so.
What's your favorite book? Why?
Does anyone read anymore?
By bela.lugosi.is.dead - Posted on March 12th, 2008
God's debris. It inspired an opiphany that changed my life. You can read it and download it for free online. It's called a thought experiment and it will seriously expand you mind and capasity. It's absolutly amazing and if you read it you will remember the moment you get into it as one of the corner stones of your life. seriously.
I Completely understand. in fact the first book i remember my mm reading to me was Yurtle the Turtle by Dr. Seuss. I don't understand why people think that its such a hassle to read. I love it
i always feel sad when i have finished a book because i never want it to end. i really love reading and most of my friends read. i really love the far pavilions by M.M. Kaye its set in india and its a whole lifetime. its a great book
~ <3 Breanne <3 ~
Some of my earliest memories are also of my mother reading to me. I could read at age 4, before I went into kindergarten, and I have always loved to read. I continue, 18 years later, to read for educational AND recreational purposes. Reading is amazing and I love books. The feel of fresh paper, the sound of the binding cracking open for the first time, even the smell of the print on the page are almost medicinal for me. I just can't believe that people avoid reading or simply don't like it.
I must have read hundreds of books over my lifetime so far, so its really difficult for me to choose just one favorite. I love The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, anything by Madeline L'Engle (author of A Wrinkle in Time), and recently His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman. I have a passion for classic novels as well and I really enjoyed Dracula, The Phantom of the Opera, and Jane Eyre. I could go on and on...
But, if forced, I would probably have to say that Matilda by Roald Dahl is still to this day my favorite book. I love how Dahl creates his characters, and I instantly connected with Matilda (another girl who could read at an early age!). His depictions of the evil Trunchbull and Wormwood families were hilarious and I really enjoyed all the creative things that Matilda did to get back at them. I must have read this for the first time when I was about 7, but I try to read it once every year.
This is an old complaint. Kids today are supposed to be more narcissistic (they aren't) and not care about anything thought provoking (strange, since college enrollment has skyrocketed).
In any event, I loved Les Misérables. There's something so entertaining about the conflict between the characters, and Javert is a fascinating study. :dances:
T.k.
My favorite book, I think, is The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemmingway. Feel free to look at my profile for a long list of books I recommend. :-)
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/sawaboof
"...There is a crushing guilt that comes with being a Catholic. Whether things are good or bad or you're simply... eating tacos in the park, there is always the crushing guilt."
-30 Rock-
....I read. Oh, I read. Last night: The Bluest Eye, Change Me Into Zeus's Daughter, and Trailer Girl. I was up till five am. x.x