Reading

    I have always had a passion for reading.  When I was younger the passion was only a small flame within me.  I read because I HAD to.  Perhaps it was to pass a test, or to convey a short book report to the class.  However, after I graduated I found out that reading was very enjoyable.  With that thought I agree with the American author Garrison Keillor when he said: “A book is gift you can open again and again.”  You can enjoy more of his writings at www.garrisonkeillor.com.

     Writing has always been the activity that I enjoy the most in giving of myself, but reading is the guide to my continually replenishing my mind with ideas and thoughts that make the written words flow from the tips of my fingers on to the empty page.  I not certain what would come across the blank page if I have not been taking some necessary time to read the thoughts and ideas of others.  Especially do I appreciate reading during these times that we are required to “shelter in place” because of the virus.  I have to agree with Mason Cooley when he said:  “Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.”

     It is really up to us as adults, especially those who are parents, to instill within our children a real love for reading.  Emilie Buchwald stated it best when she said: “Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.”  This is very true.  Never imply to your child that reading is a punishment or penalty for something that they have or have not done.  Reading should always be given to them as a most precious gift that they can enjoy for their entire lifetime.  “There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world.  Love of books is the best of all.” (Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis)

     Learning to enjoy the activity of reading becomes a treasure that can never be taken from you. “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies - - - The man who never reads lives only one.” (George R.R. Martin)  The adventures that can be had are untold and unimaginable!  Years ago I saw a movie entitled “The Never Ending Story.”  The main character, a young boy, was encouraged to read a book that not only provided a marvelous adventure, but actually allowed the reader to become part of the action himself!  As C.S. Lewis stated it: “You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.”

     Reading removes us from our current circumstances and transports us to unknown realities and unites us with individuals we have never before known.  “One glance at a book and you hear the voice of another person, perhaps someone dead for 1,000 years.  To read is to voyage through time.” (Carl Sagan)  William Faulkner perhaps put the subject into its most basic perspective:  “Read, Read, Read.”

QUOTE TO CONSIDER

THOUGHTFUL GEM

"Reading is a way to live the life of others 
within in your own mind."