I was one of those kids that loved to read. I started reading at an early age and would hide myself away when I found a new book, only to return to society when I had finished it. I could go through 2-3 books a week, because I loved reading that much.
There was something about characters in an alternate setting that captivated my attention. I remember reading books like "The Berestain Bears," "Amelia Bedelia," "The Poky Little Puppy," "Goodnight Moon," "Stellaluna," "Corduroy," "Curious George," "The Giving Tree," "The Very Hungry Caterpillar," "The Rainbow Fish," "Love You Forever," "The Velveteen Rabbit," "Dr. Seuss" and so many other classics when I was growing up. These tales sparked my imagination as a child and allowed me to grow an unhindered curiosity about the world. They give children a window into the world that they aren’t yet old enough to explore for themselves.
As I grew older, I began to enjoy other books like the "Nancy Drew" series, "Because of Winn Dixie," "Where the Red Fern Grows," "Junie B. Jones," "A Wrinkle in Time," and "The Magic Tree House" series.
I remember when I used to have free time and chose to read instead of mindlessly watching television or surfing the web. But that doesn't happen as often anymore.
In middle and high school, "Twilight," "The Hunger Games" and "Divergent" were all the rage. "The Fault in Our Stars" captivated my peers. However, there were also great books that we read in school: "To Kill a Mockingbird," "The Great Gatsby," "Crime and Punishment," "Fahrenheit 451," and "Wuthering Heights," to name a few.
When I think about how books shaped my views on life, it makes me sad that I don't make time for them as much as I used to, given how much they've impacted me. So many of these classic stories tell tales of sacrifice, family, conviction, passion, mystery, integrity, morals, friendship, etc. There is always a takeaway. You can't pick up a book and not learn something-- and I think that's pretty amazing.
With the hustle and bustle of college life, there is seldom free time, and when we do get a free moment, we are exhausted, and watching Netflix or absorbing silly TV shows seems like a desirable pastime. However, there is something that books can do that TV can't. (I can't quite elaborate on the scientific aspect, but essentially books stimulate your mind and TV doesn't.) So I am going to challenge myself and all of you reading this to make time to read. Reading really is a lost art, and I miss the quiet calm of sitting down with a book and getting lost in the world, the characters, the time period, and other aspects of the story.
Reading books is essential, and I think our generation especially, should make more of an effort to take time to read. Not magazines or superficial stories; get lost in a classic novel or a fan fiction. Read about what you're passionate about, or about something so unrealistic it captivates your attention.
Books are life, man. Read one today.
