In our society, every literate person -- to some extent -- is a "reader". If one has ever read anything --whether it be a magazine, book, or newspaper -- and gained something from it (knowledge, entertainment, etc.), they are almost undeniably classified as such.
Being a true reader, however, has much more to do with one’s experiences through stories than it does with simply picking up a book and flipping through the pages, gaining information, but never truly delving in deeper to find more meaning. In merely looking at the surface, one does not gain as much from books. Through reflecting on what one has read and looking into the meaning of what was written and why it was written, a whole new level of learning is opened up. It is of great importance to understand what the author’s intentions were, and what their more discreet messages offer to the book as a whole. It is also valuable to reflect upon what the book, article, etc. means to oneself. In understanding this, one has truly begun to read.
Ever since I could talk, I have loved books. In my experience, I have read almost every genre -- from gossip magazines to non-fictional biographies and everything in between. . Having been brought up in a family that values the importance of reading and the gifts given to us through books, I fell in love with reading at a young age. As a toddler I would carry around children's stories and beg people to read to me. In second grade, I would carry around my Junie B. Jones books everywhere as if they were sacred. When I got older I would begin to read more challenging novels of different styles and genres. I curled up with a good book and would read for what seemed like hours, immersed in whatever place the story took me. That has always been my favorite thing about reading -- through books, we are able to travel to places we have never been, or would never imagine going.
Being a reader is important in that there is always something to be gained in books. One can learn so much through reading, including common knowledge, life lessons, and boundless amounts of other information. There are books on nearly every topic one can think of, and all people have access to the information they provide. It's as simple as turning a page.
Reading has always been something I have enjoyed, but in getting older, I do not have as much time on my hands to simply pick up a book. I now have homework and practice, and most of my free time is spent with friends or on catching up on sleep. Therefore, as a reader, I aim to improve the amount of time I spend on books, because, as A C Grayling once said, "To read is to fly: it is to soar to a point of vantage which gives a view over wide terrains of history, human variety, ideas, shared experience and the fruits of many inquiries."
Being a true reader, however, has much more to do with one’s experiences through stories than it does with simply picking up a book and flipping through the pages, gaining information, but never truly delving in deeper to find more meaning. In merely looking at the surface, one does not gain as much from books. Through reflecting on what one has read and looking into the meaning of what was written and why it was written, a whole new level of learning is opened up. It is of great importance to understand what the author’s intentions were, and what their more discreet messages offer to the book as a whole. It is also valuable to reflect upon what the book, article, etc. means to oneself. In understanding this, one has truly begun to read.
Ever since I could talk, I have loved books. In my experience, I have read almost every genre -- from gossip magazines to non-fictional biographies and everything in between. . Having been brought up in a family that values the importance of reading and the gifts given to us through books, I fell in love with reading at a young age. As a toddler I would carry around children's stories and beg people to read to me. In second grade, I would carry around my Junie B. Jones books everywhere as if they were sacred. When I got older I would begin to read more challenging novels of different styles and genres. I curled up with a good book and would read for what seemed like hours, immersed in whatever place the story took me. That has always been my favorite thing about reading -- through books, we are able to travel to places we have never been, or would never imagine going.
Being a reader is important in that there is always something to be gained in books. One can learn so much through reading, including common knowledge, life lessons, and boundless amounts of other information. There are books on nearly every topic one can think of, and all people have access to the information they provide. It's as simple as turning a page.
Reading has always been something I have enjoyed, but in getting older, I do not have as much time on my hands to simply pick up a book. I now have homework and practice, and most of my free time is spent with friends or on catching up on sleep. Therefore, as a reader, I aim to improve the amount of time I spend on books, because, as A C Grayling once said, "To read is to fly: it is to soar to a point of vantage which gives a view over wide terrains of history, human variety, ideas, shared experience and the fruits of many inquiries."
