It is known that the written word was invented somewhere between 3200 BC and 600 BC. Though this was an incredible invention, it was criticized by many. Before there was writing, histories and stories were recited orally and passed down through the generations by remembering the content as best as possible, but as anyone who has played a game of Telephone knows, it resulted the spread of historical accounts that were inaccurate and stories that were being told in such a way that hardly resembled the original plot. Despite the advent of writing to fix this problem, many criticized the use of recording information because it could make people lazy if they didn’t have to remember it all. They believed the art of recitation would be destroyed if an orator could simply read from written words rather than draw the information from memory. From the very beginning, the practice of reading and writing was criticized by the masses, and it continues today.
In high school, there were many “cool kids” who wouldn’t dare be seen with a book in their hand and often expressed a disdain for reading, yet secretly loved curling up with a good book. Teachers often assume that we don’t like reading, or even express their own disdain for it. Working adults say they just don’t have time for it, the same goes for college students such as myself. It seems to be in our culture to dislike reading. Does it come from the original criticisms of the written word? Maybe, maybe not, but there’s one thing I know for sure: many people say they don’t like reading because it’s just not cool, because they grew up in a society that says it’s not fun, or maybe they simply haven’t read a book that’s left a powerful enough impression. Whatever the reason, I offer you a challenge: read. Yes, I know it sounds simple, but it is that simple. Pick up a book, read it. Any book at all. Why? Because reading is actually great. No, really. Books make time travel possible, they make dreams come true, all from the comfort of your reading nook/bed/seat on the bus. Books can transport you into impossible worlds, into situations -- often sticky -- that you might otherwise never find yourself in, or thinking of dreams you never would have imagined for yourself or anyone else. Books take your stress and your worries and they put them in a little box, only for you to open when the book is closed. No matter how bad things are, a great book can be your salvation. Okay, now this is sounding a bit cult-like, so go find yourself a novel.
Don’t know where to start? Think of your favorite movie genre, and pick the top book in that genre. Or pick an unknown book in that genre. Perhaps read a book in the genre you usually hate. Go into the fiction section of your library, stand in front of a shelf, close your eyes, and touch a book. Read that book, cover to cover, no matter what that book is. Just find something, get comfortable in a quiet place with your favorite beverage and snack, and devour the pages. Or, read it on the subway as you head to work. Listen to an audio book on your morning commute. Go to the park and read. Do whatever you want.
Just pick up a book and start reading. You might just fall in love with the characters, and with reading.
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Leave me a comment about your favorite book!
