Why Do We Love to Read?
I know, I know - for some of you, the question is pointless. We read because it’s necessary, like eating and breathing.
However, I’m sure you have some friends who don’t read at all, or at least not frivolous things like novels. Some of my friends tell me that they only have time to read practical books - to advance their careers or make them better parents. And we sort of look at each other funny. (P.S. I admire their devotion to duty.)
But for those of us who really, really love to read - why is that?
Let’s come out and admit that escape has something to do with it. Even if you have a great life, sometimes it’s nice to inhabit another one. And if you’re going through a bad time, well, let’s just say I went through a spell where I was reading three mystery novels on my day off.
And then there’s the vicarious experience aspect. A book takes away our time and space limitations. We can visit the past or the future, travel to an exotic locale, or imagine what it is to be an athlete or a soldier or a monk.
I’ve also heard it suggested that reading is a form of meditation. We can certainly find inspiration in reading. And let me say that I have learned a lot of what I know about history, culture, and criminal investigation by reading fiction.
But I think the most important reason I read is for meaning. I believe that when an author writes a book, he or she does it because they want to say that there is something meaningful about how people live in the world. And we can learn from that. In a world that often seems random, it’s wonderful to have recourse to the world of books.
How do you feel about this? Maybe you love to read for an entirely different reason. I’d love to hear from you!
The Book Goddess
Fiction, while it certainly evokes feelings and thoughts, is not “real”. I read non-fiction ONLY not for my career’s sake but because I like to learn something meaningful, factual, real. It can be a biography, a popular book on any science subject, religion, - anything. Would it make you look at me “funny”?
Dear Shy -
Thank you for commenting - it’s very gratifying to know that someone cares enough to respond to my post.
In classical thought, the point of literature was to instruct and to edify. I think that’s a pretty good goal for a writer and a pretty good standard for a reader. We may make different choices in what we read - I’m basically omnivorous, myself - but I think we are both reading to expand our horizons.
I’m just happy when people are reading!
The Book Goddess
I read both fiction and non-fiction. I often tell my friends and family that I “devour” books. Primarily I read non-fiction for one very important reason- knowledge. I have learned so much just from reading a book cover to cover than most ordinary people learn in a lifetime. I’ve shared experiences with and been inspired by authors who have been brave enough and kind enough to share their lives with me.
I read fiction to feed my imagination and it is often ravenous. I open the book and find an amazing world where anything is possible and I become a part of it. I make deep connections with the characters if it’s written well. I have been known to close a book and break down into tears. I always finish a good fiction book with a feeling of sadness. It saddens me to leave it behind and come back to this world and it’s problems.
Last, but most certainly not least, I read poetry to gladden my heart and give my soul wings. I have learned to sympathize, to feel pity and be humble thorough poetry.
I know people who do not open a book unless it’s required. They dread reading like it’s some kind of capital punishment. I’ve never understood that train of thought. I feel sorry for a person who does not have this library of knowledge at their fingertips or no means to escape the stress of life in these times.