“The reason I didn’t read so much back in Stockton is ‘cause I figured I was too busy living my own life. Why would I read about different characters’ lives all the time when I had a damn life of my own... But now I know it doesn’t matter. You maybe even get more from a book if you have a life of your own, ‘cause you can relate.” – Miguel, We Were Here
Why do we read books? To escape reality? To learn about different worlds, whether fantasy or real? To pass time? To learn something? Or simply for entertainment?
I personally read books for many different reasons, but all books are an escape for me. Reading is an activity I can do alone and just relax and escape the ‘real’ world. When I read I don’t have to think about that midterm paper deadline, or law school applications. I can just escape into the world the author created. Through reading I have escaped into worlds like Harry Potter’s wizard world, Melinda’s silent world (Speak), Briony’s World War II (Atonement) and even Miguel’s world of living on your own. I also read books to learn about real world events, I have read books about a woman living in oppression in Iran, a man entering into the Jihad in Afghanistan and Claudette Colvin’s civil rights movement.
Whatever your reason is for reading, I am sure it is a good one, and it’s just good that we all are reading (even if it’s just because we have to for class). Reading is one of the best ways to learn about something new, even if the something new is fantasy. Reading improves our lives and helps us advance in our understanding of the world around. So for whatever reason you chose – read as many books as you can!
- Jessica Cervenka
