Why I Read So Much

I’ve said it before: I am the typical English teacher cliche. I spend my weekends and summers with a cup of coffee, a book, and several cats.

My bookworm habits probably began before kindergarten. My parents wanted me to value education, so they taught me how to read before I even started kindergarten. I can remember my first book that I learned to read: it was a Panda book that I got in a kid’s meal from Wendy’s. I can still picture myself sitting with my parents reading it over and over. From there, I always had a book in my hands thanks to my parents. I vividly remember one time when a family friend (a year younger than me) was staying the night. We took a trip to the toy store. My parents bought her a doll. I cried because they bought me a book instead. If only I could go back and slap that child, tell her to say thank you because that book was the best gift ever.

My parents truly instilled a love and value for reading in me, even though neither of them are avid readers. I think this is such an amazing gift, and I know my life would be so different if it weren’t for this fact. All through elementary school, I was obsessed with reading. Henry and Mudge books were my favorites in elementary school (if only I had known that Mudge would someday be mine, except I would name him Henry). I loved the Babysitter’s Club books when I got a little older. In junior high, there was always a book in my hand.

Even now, I look forward to summer because I have time to voraciously read. So many people ask me why. I read as a part of my job, so why would I want to read for fun? Obviously, I think of it as professional development in a way. It isn’t great to be an English teacher who doesn’t know books. But it’s so much more than that.

In college, a professor introduced us to a quote that I never forgot. It said, “We read to know that we are not alone.” I love that sentiment. It is through literature that we can see glimpses of ourselves, figure out who we are and what we want out of life.

But it’s also through literature that I am reminded how big this great world is. Living in a small town, my world is very . . . well, small. Books remind me that there is so much to explore, to feel, to find. There are so many different types of people, different ways of thinking, different relationships. I find this optimistic and inspiring; I can explore so many facets of the world just from words on a page.

Books are also a significant element in my constant search for self-betterment. I am a lifelong learner, which makes sense since I’ve devoted my career to education. I love learning, love expanding my knowledge, expanding my world. Books help me do that. I love reading books from all genres and authors so that I can absorb as much as possible.

So, yes, I’m a bookworm and totally okay with that. Are my hips perhaps a bit wider than they could be because I substitute the gym for time on the couch reading? Yes. Do I have a somewhat lame social schedule because I prefer to read books with my cats rather than going out? Yes.

But you know what? With my books, I’ve met so many people, changed my thinking on so many things, and realized just how big this world is. Nothing is more valuable than that.

Lindsay Detwiler, Voice of Innocence