“To read, when one does so of one’s own free will, is to make a volitional statement, to cast a vote; it is to posit an elsewhere and set off toward it. And like any traveling, reading is at once a movement and a comment of sorts about the place one has left. To open a book voluntarily is at some level to remark the insufficiency either of one’s life or one’s orientation toward it.”
To what extent does this describe you?I don't think I truly understand this. I read because I have always been reading since I was a five year old. The words gives me pleasure, take me into a journey, to new places. My imagination too grows leaps and bounds, in all directions. For me the big question is, how can one NOT read?
With books, I am never lonely. I don't miss anyone when I am reading. It is learning process for me. And it also helps me to come in turns with me. Reading has also made me a better poet. I learn new words as well. My memory power sharpens. Entertainment and escape are just two other aspects.
What do you think?
I'm with you there!
ReplyDeleteI agree with every word you said. Reading never gets lonely and you experience something you normally wouldn't get to. Also reading has made me a better writer and brings me hope. Reading is the best.
ReplyDeleteI read the quote a number of times and am not sure I quite understand it either, but I agree there are many pleasures in and reasons for reading.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Here's Mine
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! "How can one not read?" I could not agree more. My BTT: http://www.rundpinne.com/2010/02/booking-through-thursday-why-i-read.html
ReplyDeleteI love my life, but reading does supply the adventure, far off place, excitement that I don't have on a day to day basis. The people I meet, the places I see, the things I learn when I'm reading are invaluable. I can remember when my daughter was first born, between baby, work, husband, home, I didn't make time for reading and after a while I honestly felt like my brain was turning to mush.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with you. I dislike this quote.
ReplyDeletehttp://fredasvoice.blogspot.com/2010/02/booking-through-why-you-read.html
I disliked the quote as well but I think it was taken entirely out of context. I read the actual article (which is linked on my blog) and he doesn't say anything of the sort. Argues more for the act of reading a real book and what reading does for you. Nothing about insufficiency. My post is up now.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.mytwoblessings.com/2010/02/booking-through-thursday-why-you-read.html
I like your point about learning new words. This is important to me as well. I look up words that I'm unsure of while I read and write the definitions in the margins.
ReplyDeleteHere's my response:
http://everybookandcranny.wordpress.com/2010/02/25/booking-through-thursday-why-read/
this quote has got people thinking and discussing -- that's what books do!
ReplyDeleteHere's my answer
http://blog.readinggroupchoices.com/content/blog/barbara/10/february/btt-225-reading-booksinsufficient-life