Why do you love reading and books so much?

1. 77

   LillyGrillzitposted 10 years ago

   Why do you love reading and books so much?
   
   I recently was given a part time job at our library after volunteering and applying. Although I am a complete bibliophile, I did not realize how books formed me during my lonely childhood. How they sustained me during adolescence, and continue to educate me daily. Remembering such books as Goodnight Moon, Ferdinand the Bull, James and the Giant Peach, and Mary Poppins affects me physically and emotionally. You?
   
   

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2. 70

   jabelufirozposted 10 years ago

   Let’s come out and admit that escape has something to do with it.  Even if you have a great life, sometimes it’s nice to inhabit another one.  And if you’re going through a bad time, well, let’s just say I went through a spell where I was reading three mystery novels on my day off.
   
   And then there’s the vicarious experience aspect.  A book takes away our time and space limitations.  We can visit the past or the future, travel to an exotic locale, or imagine what it is to be an athlete or a soldier or a monk.

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   1. 77

      LillyGrillzitposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I like your answer, and okay - I will admit that escape has something to do with it.

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      Taleb80posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I admit too. Sometimes, we go to another world through reading.

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   DDEposted 10 years ago

   I enjoy reading as it takes me far away to another place where I don't have to think of what is going on in my current  life also is a learning experience to  continue writing.

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      Taleb80posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, reading is the fuel of writing.

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      LillyGrillzitposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you for your answer.

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   Taleb80posted 10 years ago

   I believe that I do not have time to experience everything myself. The life is so short. U read books to learn fast.

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   1. 77

      LillyGrillzitposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Taleb80, thank you for your answer, also life experience is a most authentic origin for gathering content for unique writing.

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5. 0

   sheilamyersposted 10 years ago

   I began reading for the simple reason that when I was a kid there wasn't a television in every room and the one we had only received a few channels. I could read any time and choose what I wanted. Today there are a lot of channels to choose from, but not necessarily anything I'm interested in watching. I'd have to say I prefer a good book because, unlike with television and movies, I can see what's going on in the characters' minds - what their thinking about a situation or person. You can't always see that on television.

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      LillyGrillzitposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Yes! We get to use our brains, connecting with that written world. Thank you for your answer.

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6. 81

   epbooksposted 10 years ago

   It's a great escape from everyday life. Unlike television, your imagination modifies the story however you see fit.

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      LillyGrillzitposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Epbooks, thank you for your answer.

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   lburmasterposted 10 years ago

   They are always there for you. I call them pocket pals, because they are your friends whenever you need them. When you are young, they teach you lessons. Then in teenage years, they help you out when lonely or want to entertain. Now, it's all about the story and trying to get away from a stressful life.

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   1. 77

      LillyGrillzitposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I love your answer. It is the same for me too. Thank you.

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   LastRoseofSummer2posted 10 years ago

   This is difficult for me to explain, but reading has done something for me which nothing else in life has. It is something more than escapism (not that I have a problem with escapism!). Perhaps the best way for me to describe it is to quote John Ashbery: "I tried each thing, only some were immortal and free". Reading, writing, words, for me at least, are immortal and free.

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      LillyGrillzitposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Ahhh, beautiful. Thank you for your answer.

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9. 60

   Sophia-LeAnneposted 10 years ago

   I love learning new things. I read first and foremost to be informed or more educated on a subject that interests me, and I read for entrainment of course. Reading is essential and it's grounding.

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      LillyGrillzitposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you Sophia-LeAnne for your answer. Good answer.

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10. 60

    jenslibraposted 10 years ago

    I have to say that I love books so much because they allow me to run free with my imagination.  I remember the first chapter book I ever read was Beverly Clearly's Ramona Forever, and it continues to be one of my all-time favorites for that reason.  Unlike a film or t.v. show, I'm able to come up with the scenes in my mind, and I build attachments with the characters.  There's no place a book can't take you.  Without books, I'd feel mentally trapped.

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