To quote beloved Gilmore Girls character Rory Gilmore, “I live in two worlds, one being a world of books.” I have always loved books; this love was inspired by my mom. Even before I was born, she would read to me as I patiently waited to make my entrance into the world. When I was in the world, she always worked with me and read with me. This inspired me to try reading for myself. I picked up my first chapter book in second grade (Meet Samantha, an American girl book to be exact). By the end of second grade, I was on a sixth grade reading level. In fact, my second grade teacher made me a special reading award. He further encouraged this love of books. By third grade, I had found myself getting into trouble with Hank the Cowdog and Drover; my mom and I would laugh for hours at these books (I became a member of the fan club too). Third grade was also where I went on my first mystery with Nancy Drew. These mysteries would continue on through fifth grade, and expanded to the Hardy Boys. Eventually, I joined Hercule Poirot on his adventures. In sixth grade, I experienced my first classic: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. To make a long reading adventure short, I have experienced many worlds and many characters. I decided in this blog to give my reasons why reading is a good hobby.
One thing I love about reading is that it has broadened my imagination. When I read a book, I picture what is going on. I imagine what the characters look like, what kind of house they live in, the car they drive, what their voice sounds like, etc. In a sense, I get to be the director of my own movie. I am always excited to pick up a new book because I love to see what types of movies I can come up with. (The only down side to this is that if there is an actual movie of the book, I often get mad at the movie for not using my ideas, ha ha).
Going along with the idea of making your own movie, reading opens the door to new worlds; as the picture of this article implies, reading is the key to other worlds. You get to experience things that you have never done before. Sometimes, I become so immersed in a book that I start to believe I am actually in the story. I have to do a double take when I look up from the book because I really believe I was in the story. Reading also gives you the opportunity to meet new friends, in a sense. If I really connect with a character, I will feel the same emotions as they feel.
Reading is a hobby that I hope I will never get sick of. It expands the mind and lets one’s creativity flow. As a favorite quote of mine says, “I am a reader, not because I don’t have a life, but because I choose to have many.”
