Reading: A Lost Art
I believe reading is a lost art. Over spring break, I tried to read a book for pleasure, and even though I am a junior in highschool at the height of academic self, it was so hard. If I’m going to be up front about it, I couldn’t even get more than a hundred pages in--how embarrassing.
You see, I am frustrated because I love to read. Honestly, when I get enthralled in a novel it is like I have entered a new world. A world where the characters can be who they want, love what they love, and remind me to notice the little things. Have you ever noticed how good writers pick up on the little things? That’s when I know I am going to like a book.
I also love the smell of old and new books. I love a good creased spine and breaking open one in perfect condition. I love dog-earring a page or making your own bookmark, maybe with your initials on it. I love books that make you cry or smile to yourself as you sit in bed, because you know exactly how the character feels at that moment. I love when books become movies, and you get to say, “Oh yeah, I thought they good job with the film, but the book was better in my opinion.” I love being read to, or reading out loud to someone who will listen. This list could go on and on, but hopefully you other bibliophiles get the message.
I didn’t realize how much I missed reading on my own until I tried it again. For some reason, the joy that I used to feel just wasn’t quite there. I used to be that kid who would read an entire ‘chapter book’ in a night, and come in the next morning to brag about it to my teachers. Annoying, I know. I couldn’t help myself though. I was good at reading (I guess I still am, just a little rusty), and I was proud of my ability.
I want so badly to regain my love for reading because it’s so valuable in this world. I think with a little practice me and whoever else misses reading could become rather good at it again. Maybe it’s because of the fast-pace at which we live, or the modern distractions, or just the seemingly impossible attempt to find one minute to sit down with a book. Regardless of the reason, and I am guilty of using all the excuses above, the point is that we should get back to this lost art.
Much is to be said for those who have the patience to immerse themselves in another reality, time, or experience. Only the brave will step away from the stresses for a moment--before bed, at breakfast, or right after school when we usually spend time checking our phones. This Bird’s Eye View is more a challenge to my readers to pick up a book of your own choosing whenever you have the chance. Hey--you made it to the end of this column, so relearning to read has just begun. Now, let’s go stick our noses in some books.
You see, I am frustrated because I love to read. Honestly, when I get enthralled in a novel it is like I have entered a new world. A world where the characters can be who they want, love what they love, and remind me to notice the little things. Have you ever noticed how good writers pick up on the little things? That’s when I know I am going to like a book.
I also love the smell of old and new books. I love a good creased spine and breaking open one in perfect condition. I love dog-earring a page or making your own bookmark, maybe with your initials on it. I love books that make you cry or smile to yourself as you sit in bed, because you know exactly how the character feels at that moment. I love when books become movies, and you get to say, “Oh yeah, I thought they good job with the film, but the book was better in my opinion.” I love being read to, or reading out loud to someone who will listen. This list could go on and on, but hopefully you other bibliophiles get the message.
I didn’t realize how much I missed reading on my own until I tried it again. For some reason, the joy that I used to feel just wasn’t quite there. I used to be that kid who would read an entire ‘chapter book’ in a night, and come in the next morning to brag about it to my teachers. Annoying, I know. I couldn’t help myself though. I was good at reading (I guess I still am, just a little rusty), and I was proud of my ability.
I want so badly to regain my love for reading because it’s so valuable in this world. I think with a little practice me and whoever else misses reading could become rather good at it again. Maybe it’s because of the fast-pace at which we live, or the modern distractions, or just the seemingly impossible attempt to find one minute to sit down with a book. Regardless of the reason, and I am guilty of using all the excuses above, the point is that we should get back to this lost art.
Much is to be said for those who have the patience to immerse themselves in another reality, time, or experience. Only the brave will step away from the stresses for a moment--before bed, at breakfast, or right after school when we usually spend time checking our phones. This Bird’s Eye View is more a challenge to my readers to pick up a book of your own choosing whenever you have the chance. Hey--you made it to the end of this column, so relearning to read has just begun. Now, let’s go stick our noses in some books.