When I think of the word “reader,” I somehow picture my seventh grade teacher waving a thick novel in front of the class, badgering us for the umpteenth time about the importance of reading. I didn’t pay much attention to her; I liked to read so figured she was only talking to the lazy kids. As a young girl, I read books all the time. I read a book in a day—sometimes two, and I wouldn’t eat dinner or go to sleep on time. I was hooked on series’ like Peter and the Starcatchers, Series of Unfortunate Events, Haddix’s “Shadow Children” collection and of course Harry Potter. Reading was one of the most fun activities, and the “young adult” section rarely had a book that wasn’t an exciting read.
Unfortunately, reading now isn’t as much of a pleasure as it used to be. I think this is due to the lack of time, however, as I am a busy student with a number of extracurricular activities. The only time I find the chance to read is if it’s assigned, and to be honest, most of the past-assigned literature put me to sleep. Reading by force is bad enough, but then students are forced to write about it mechanically pointing out themes and symbols and literary devices when I’m just dying to scribble on my paper; “This book wasn't even remotely interesting.”
Fortunately, I’ve noticed a great change on this issue. The biography, Tuesdays with Morrie, by Mitch Albom is perhaps the most interesting class-assigned novel I have found myself reading. It is a true page-turner and I might add that the other titles listed on the AP reading syllabus are also relatively hopeful. Some of the recent books on my shelf include varying topics from a nonfiction, informative read called The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Backpacking and Hiking, to the very popular novel by the late Stieg Larson, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, all the way to Al Gore’s political analysis addressing the consequences of the current administration's fear, secrecy, and faith-based initiatives called The Assault on Reason. Even though they are visibly different genres, their overall significance is similarly enjoyed.
In the mystery of exactly what kind of material I’m reading, you can leave the tabloids out. Nothing against magazine readers; I just prefer to focus my brain energy on materials with a bit more substance. I take pleasure in keeping up on current affairs, especially through the writing of a skilled and respected journalist. I don’t purchase The New York Times every morning, but I do read it on my iPhone quite often, along with the The San Francisco Chronicle and The Washington Post. Sadly, in this day and age I’d say about 65% of my daily reading is looking at that 3½ inch retina display. On a personal note, non-fiction-internet material is where most of my reading lies. It is my belief that so many topics as well as opinions dwelling a few clicks away should not be taken for granted.
If I could improve one thing about myself as a reader, it would definitely be the speed. I'm the slowest reader on Earth and my rate of obtaining information when reading is somewhat delayed. I feel the only solution to this problem is reading more, so with time I'll improve. Reading more is actually on my To-Do list, so all reading problems should be zapped in no time.
Furthermore, the meaning of a “reader” is much too broad a subject to identify. It all depends on the individual and their reading preferences. To enjoy the benefits of reading, one does not have to choose a novel, but I absolutely cringe when someone declares that they “hate” reading. It’s almost like claiming they hate knowledge itself, and the first word that comes to my mind is “ignorance”. There are countless books I truly love and if I had the time, I’d surround myself with all kinds of literature. It’s extremely unfortunate that many people these days can’t find the time to read, as the importance of reading is crucial to being literate and well-spoken. The knowledge and wisdom obtained in reading itself is indispensible.
