Sunday, March 4, 2012

"I just hate to read"

I have heard this excuse from so many people when the subject of reading comes into a discussion, including my own sister (who I am constantly on the lookout for books that will capture her interest), and it is something that I still cannot wrap my head around.

For the countless time the value of reading books was brought up by a friend of mine; also for the countless time I was unable to steer away from the conversation without throwing in my two cents, followed shortly by arguing my point as long as I could and almost begging him to "read this one book, I promise you'll like it." The discussion usually follows the same patterns:

"I just don't like to read"
"But, I don't understand. How could you not like to read? Haven't you ever read a book you just loved, something that you were so interested in?"
"Well, yeah, I liked ________ (fill in random book)."
"Then how could you hate to read? You just have to find books that you like. If you loved reading another book then there has to be something else you would love as well."
"Well if it's a good enough book, they'll make it into a movie."

Now this is an extremely abridged version of the conversation because it has been known to last at least an hour going around in circles, and I'm sure part of it is the fact that as an English major, and future English teacher, it pains me to hear people say they hate to read. It's something I have never in my life experienced and just don't understand. For as long as I can remember I have been reading books, becoming so enthralled in a story that I literally cannot put it down because my need to find out what happens is that strong. There has been many a night where I have only been able to get a couple hours of sleep because by the time I finally looked at the clock, or by the time I just couldn't fight the drooping of my eyes anymore it could be five or six in the morning.
This argument is one that I think we are going to have to fight throughout our whole career. Students who just don't care, or who claim that they "hate reading." Or the many that say that they will "just wait for the movie." I'm sure most (if not all of you) have heard this argument and will agree that it just isn't the same. Don't get me wrong I love to snuggle up on the couch and pop in a movie but to me, there isn't that same connection as reading a book. Getting to know the ins and outs of characters, becoming so attached to them that you feel as if you really know these people and what they're going through. A movie has never been able to capture that same feeling for me and I think it's a feeling that many people greatly miss out on. But as the saying goes, "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink." This doesn't mean I can't stop trying though...




2 comments:

  1. I can definitely relate to your frustration with those who say that they hate reading. I have 3 siblings who are currently in the middle-high school range and all bear a certain dislike to reading (or view it as a chore). I often wonder how can they be related to me?
    I have found great excitement this past weekend, though, when I discovered that my sister, who is in 8th grade, became enthralled in "The Hunger Games." One of her teachers had the students complete a project on a book of their choice and she chose this novel. She just finished it and LOVED IT so much so that she has already started the next in the series. This is amazing considering that she DOES NOT LIKE to read and is not really an academic person in general. I am so excited for her and find it inspirational that sometimes it just takes one amazing book that really connects with someone to spark an interest in reading.

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    1. I think "The Hunger Games" is a great book to spark anyone's interest at any age. Like I said I am always on the lookout for books that I know my sister will like as well. As soon as I read this trilogy I knew she would probably be hooked as well (even though she is far from 8th grade and in her 20s). I bought her the trilogy this last Christmas and after the holidays were over she all three books in less than a month. I don't think I have ever seen her read something that fast in my life, so I completely get the excitement when you finally do see someone connect with a book. Hopefully this will make your sister start reading a little more!! =)

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