Why We Read

So, why do we read?  

 

Recently, I asked my “social network friends”, what their favorite book was. I got a diversity of answers, which was exactly what I wanted.

  

I believe what we read is a reflection of our personality and a revelation of self. Deep thinkers, like my husband, do not read for pleasure or escape. They read for information and knowledge. Students don’t often have the time to read for entertainment or inspiration, because they are required to read volumes of text books.

Since I mentioned text, let me also acknowledge that, due to instant phone messaging (texting) and email, we have learned to read, communicate and gather information by phrases and simple letters. No capital letters, no sentences structure and not even words,” btw”, “tmi”, “omg” and ”k”. As a result, our reading, writing and communication skills are declining into an all time low. I am fearful that this will cause the next generation to become stagnant in regards to reading. They will not have the pleasure of seeing the beauty of a written word come to life. Technology is nurturing a new age of quick video learning. The days of Did you read ....?” have turned to, “Did you see that movie, broadcast or YouTube video? Alright, enough.

Many women read to escape into a world that is not like theirs, they prefer alluring romance and charming historical time period novels. Most men read for adventure; hunting, sporting and war are their prime selections. If you learned to enjoy reading as a child, you might be drawn more to the classics, where the written word is a timeless adventure or a wonderland of fantasy.

I love to read, I have read hundreds of books for pleasure, inspiration and for deeper knowledge. In my youth, I would escape into a book embracing the characters. As I grew older I found myself more intrigued and drawn to the scenery and time period, it took me away from my surroundings. In my 40's, I became captivated with the plot and conflict of books, as I discovered my own life was full of plot twists and various conflicts. There have been many seasons of, Cheryl versus “_________”! Just fill in the blank...

Lately, I am reading more and more for knowledge and understanding, I find myself hungry for reasoning and self improvement. Therefore, I spend hours researching ideas, philosophies, truth ... and digging for inspirational nuggets. The “when” and the “where” are necessary, but
to me, the “why”, the “what” and the “HOW” are now my reasons for reading.

"Tell me what you read and I'll tell you who you are" is true enough, but I'd know you better if you told me what you reread.” ~François Mauriac

Why do we read? Pleasure, entertainment, knowledge, understanding, escape, enlightenment, inspiration, the list is long and personal. I hope your reading takes you to places that you have never been. That it enhances your imagination, thus stirring up your ability to hope, believe and dream. I hope your reading gives you understanding of your purpose in life, uncovering who you are and why you are here. There is revelation in reading; I hope you find yourself there.
Happy Reading!