The Stages Of Reading
Start writing a post
Entertainment

The Stages Of Reading

No matter the journey, it's always a precious one.

168
The Stages Of Reading
https://az616578.vo.msecnd.net/files/2018/02/02/636531993222870015-1560154910_annie-spratt-303942.jpg

You open the book, its spine creaking as you begin your journey.

I. The Beginning

You learn of the characters living within the words—their physical features, small quirks, and a look into their deepest thoughts. It's like the start of a new relationship. It's a time for you to get to know them—feel them out. Beginnings are always different. Some beginnings are captivating—like that cool girl you always wanted to be friends with—they reel you in, tempting you to devour its story in one sitting. Other beginnings are drawn out—you start to wonder whether it's even worth it, and you hesitate whether or not to read more of its story.

You can decide to learn more of its story or leave it as an untouched book.

II. The Middle

Without even knowing it, you've become invested in the lives of those who live on paper. Some lives are vastly different from yours, casting you into a different realm and allowing you to forget what reality holds. Other lives are eerily similar to yours, sympathizing with you as if it's you who lives between those words.

You're whisked away to faraway places or to the other side of this very world. You become exposed to different cultures and languages and species. Soon, the characters are no longer detached from your life, but become a friend that you root for, a hero that you believe in and even, the individual that you wish you were.

Your heart races as the person, living on those pages, faces tribulations and heartache. Your heart bleeds as you read some lives come to an end, before the ending has even begun. Your heart sings as the words wrap themselves around you, bringing you comfort, even amidst the storm that rages on outside.

It becomes harder to differentiate between the lives of those on paper and the reality surrounding you. As you weep with the characters and laugh at their joyous moments, you're also hit with the blaring truth that their life is not the one you live.

III. The End

It's always the hardest part as is with anything in life. It's like saying goodbye to a friend you just got to know, but as the people who live within those pages get their happily-ever-afters, you feel happy with them. You also pity the ones who weren't able to get that ending, and create a better one within the corner of your heart.

Not all endings are the same though.

Some leave you with anger and others impart longing. There are endings that you look forward to and then there are endings that you put off through the 5 pages you leave unread. However, you know that as with all good things, everything must come to an end.

And as you close the cover, the spine creaking once again, you look to start another journey that will leave you as spent as the last story did.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57755
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37223
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958926
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

191893
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments