I was sitting thinking about writing a book review, I hadn't decided which, when the question: "Why do I read?" popped into my head. As I mulled it over I realized that my reasons for reading change as easily as the weather. I guess there is an easy overall answer, one that explains why I consider picking up a book a form of entertainment and do that instead of playing a video game or watching television, but no instance in particular is ever quite the same.
I also have noticed that my reasons for reading have changed as I've aged, and as my life has changed. As a kid I began reading at a very high level at a young age. I was only in grade one or two when I had outgrown the children's section at my local library. I can remember the librarian giving me a reading test; having me read aloud from the book I had chosen to take out of the adult section, and my subsequent pride in being given an adult library card.
In those days I had little interest in fiction, I was too busy devouring books about wildlife and natural science. The first author I remember being avidly addicted to was Gerald Durrell, the younger brother of famed British novelist Lawrence Durrell. As a kid I had a limited breadth of interest; animals and more animals. Gerald Durrell's tales of animal collecting around the world and his attempts to open his own zoo were a perfect fit.
Of course, as I grew. my interests did as well, and I was soon devouring almost anything that was put in front of me. The only thing that kept me remotely interested in schooling, all the way through two years of university, was the chance to keep reading new books and ideas. The problem was that by the time I reached nineteen, I was starting to feel a little jaded.
Although it was far from the truth, I was beginning to feel like I had read everything there was to be read. It appeared that every book I was picking up was simply repeating something that someone else had already said. It didn't stop me from reading, but I found that I was drifting into what I call television reading: books that require little or no effort and are read to simply pass the time. I doubt I could recall a word of what I read from any of those books.
Article comments
1 - Mark Saleski
the closest i can get to an answer is that i read because i have to....which is the same reason that i write. hmmm.
p.s. i just happend to buy that 'leave me alone' book a coupla days ago.
2 - Bruce Joyner
The reason I read is because books have always been my friends..throughout my life...When i am reading i feel alive and part of whatever i am reading..My soul is fed by the words i have read.I have never tired of the reading experience for it always interests me in subjects outside of my personal experiences...
3 - Baronius
Very nice piece.
4 - Sister Ray
Count me in as another avid reader. I'm always happy when I find someone who shares my enjoyment of a particular book.
5 - Shark
nice essay, gypsy.
~ Personal anecdote warning ~
As a child growing up in the early days of TV (ie. it wasn't on 24/7, way before video games, etc) I found books as a way to fill the many idle hours.
I remember waking up before the family and just reading through the encyclopedia for hours on end. I also loved the idea that I could find the answer to virtually any question by getting the right book.
There's something magical about holding a new book; the look, the feel, the smell, the anticipation as you slowly open the cover, read the title page, move on to the Table of Contents, a glance at maps, illustrations... finally, the prologue or the introduction: it's a cerebral form of literary foreplay, isn't it...
I feel like the Burgess Meredith character in that classic old Twilight Zone episode about the reading fanatic whose greatest fantasy is infinite free time plus an endless supply of books.
I feel comfortable surrounded by books. I get excited walking into a bookstore or a library.
(And along with music or film) what better way to form an instant affinity with a stranger than sharing the love of a great book?
6 - parker
Sounds like you might have a book or two in you. Ever try writing a novel?
7 - Shark
I've got a great novel in a drawer right here somewhere.
I've also got two great screenplays in the same drawer.
...where they will all probably remain, since I hate marketing -- and at this point in my life -- have no ambitions whatsoever.
But thanks for asking!
8 - Chimera
Reading is the only thing that pulls at imagination. Movies etc, do too, but to a much less extent I find. Plus, you gotta love the wireless technology of books.