I think this sequence of events occurs for most people.
Elementary school: “I can’t wait to read all these books!”
Middle school: “Why do I have to read so much?”
High school: “Reading? Ha! Just use Cliff/Spark Notes.”
College: “Read chapters 1 and 2 for homework? Nice… no homework.”
While growing up, my relationship with reading was a downward slope. As
a kid, I read a ton. Back when the computer did not occupy the vast majority of
my time, reading was the go to source for entertainment. It was a way to
stimulate the mind. As I grew older, technology and other instant
gratifications came into my life and I didn’t pick up a book unless I had to. I
still read all the books that were assigned to me, but they were not enjoyable
because they were bothersome chores. Reading became uncool and I did not pick
up any books for leisure until now. It’s fascinating how now I am beginning to
read again for leisure. It amazes me how much I’ve missed in these ten years.
So many great works of literature have sprung out over the years. Over the past
month I’ve read the Hunger Games trilogy. The movies were so great they
inspired me to pick up the books in order to find out what happens. There is a
newfound appreciation for the power of literature, something I ignored for the
past ten years. It is so much easier to decide to read when it isn’t a chore.
