Why Do You Read? (1/6/19)

[Marc]

Tell us why you read (escapism, entertainment, personal discovery/growth, it's cheaper than a cocaine habit, etc.). Feel free to mention more than one reason and let us know whether your answer to this question has changed over time.

[Lark]

Marc wrote: "Tell us why you read ..."

I read to be alone with my own thoughts. For the glorious solitude. It was the same reason from the beginning.

[C I N D L E]

For several reasons...

I read fewer books in the year - fewer than most high profile readers, and I choose to do so in order to retain the stories and characters in vivid details long after the last page of each book has been turned.

I read because each book is like having a new friend or acquaintance in distant lands, of which I am separated from by time, and perhaps by country. I read so I can get to know these strangers, get to know their desires, their foibles. (Why I read historical fiction)

I read in order to delve deep into the sharp imagination of writers whose inspiring words and remarkable portraits touch my heart with emotional resonance. (Why I read literary fiction)

I read to feel things outside of myself: to get out of my own ego, out of my own space, out of my own head. It's of course enjoyable, it is relaxing, it is therapeutic. (Why I read memoirs)

I read to learn, to expand on what I already know, or what I thought I already knew. When I do it with an open mind, reading is a teacher, and at times a vexing know-it-all too. (Why I read Classics and non-fiction)

All in all, I read to become an insider to the world the author has created. It is always wonderful to be part of something special. Reading affords this lovely feeling. Of course, not all books give off these feelings, and good books have a little bit of all the above.

I finish every book I start but the ones that leave me perturbed due to low quality, I learn from also because they make me appreciate the brilliant gems even more.

[Hugh]

Not a question I feel the need to give much thought to, I just do. It's almost like saying "why do you breathe"...

[Kathleen]

I love what Lark says above. I think that has more to do with why I read than I realize.

But also, this quote from Julian Barnes that I found on Ilse's fantastic review of the year this morning (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Life and reading are not separate activities. When you read a great book, you don't escape from life, you plunge deeper into it."

[Lily]

Hugh wrote: "...It's almost like saying "why do you breathe"..."

LOL! Much as I sometimes think I should try harder, I can't divorce myself from reading -- anywhere I've gone, I've always reached for something to read while waiting, whether the check out line in a grocery store or the waiting room of an office or .... My life has always included books, many books, reading material of many sorts, ....

[Nadine in California]

Hugh wrote: "Not a question I feel the need to give much thought to, I just do. It's almost like saying "why do you breathe"..."

Me too. Reading is food for my brain - I would starve without it.

[James E.]

Well, there's a habitual element to it - when I finish a book I just start another. But as to why, it's enjoyable and stimulating and brings me out of day-to-day boring concerns to deeper thoughts.

[Bretnie]

I read to increase my knowledge of things I don't know (including cultures and life experiences).

I read because it's entertaining. I have never liked writing, so I'm always blown away by people's talent and creativity and imagination.

I read because it's cheaper than therapy. Not talking about self-help books, just books in general often help me understand my own life experiences better. Or my complicated feelings. Sometimes a good laugh or a solid cry over a book can be a huge emotional release.

I read so I can talk to people about books. I love talking about books with people.

I read because it doesn't include talking to people.

I read so that people will keep writing books. Authors, don't stop writing amazing books!

[Cath]

I learned to read in first grade. I loved it! I don't know why exactly. But I've been reading ever since and I simply can't not read. Not for even a day.

[Neil]

I have always read. From the days when my teachers had to bring their own books to school because I'd read everything in the (small) school library and ever since. I ducked away for a few years when the kids were young (I watched a lot of movies in that time), but I came back. So, I guess it's some kind of addiction.

[Drew]

I can't describe why I read any better than Anne Tyler: "I read so I can live more than one life in more than one place.”

[Mona]

I love reading, its an adventure straight from my room. It could be the most awfully dull day yet can be transformed by the simple act of opening a book into this unforgettable journey. Communication, language; its a mean for exploring the world through the lens of another entity regarding a myriad of thoughts, concepts, feelings. It makes me feel alive, connected like if I am then reading is my branches and roots the transcend my neighboring environment. It opens my eyes and it’s a great fun.

[LindaJ^]

What Hugh said.