When I was a child, in fact up until college, I read all the time. In grade school I won reading awards constantly. One award was even made up. I was the only kid to read the entire series of Encyclopedia Brown from the school library. And I received an award for that.
Then college ruined it. This seems typically to many. I read fewer books, including my assigned reading, instead opting for a new discovery–fanfiction. (Don’t judge.) Eventually I stopped reading even that. (Funny part: I got my Bachelor of Arts in English.)
Facebook and Netflix. It is kinda like “Video Killed The Radio Star,” only it is the death of intelligence.
Anyways. I am still struggling to get back into reading. I have a Nook. As much as I love physical books, I find it easier to travel and doesn’t take up space. Plus, there have been studies on this, people who are dyslexic or have ADHD are able to focus and read easier on a tablet. Which is true for me. Audiobooks, however, do not work for me at all. Not entirely sure why, but not an option.
Being able to check out books from the library without A) having to physically go there and B) having to remember to return them is a godsend. I always turned in my books at least a week late or had to get an extension on the loan. Now the library just takes them back (off my tablet) after 21 days if I don’t renew it.
One goal of “Doing the Work” this year is reading more, reading consistently. I have a long list. Mostly non fiction. Some are ones I own via Barnes and Noble. Most I am checking out via my local library app.
Recently I have started reading The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher. Up next is East of Eden or Grapes of Wrath both written by John Steinbeck. I had a hold that just came up for Daughters of the Blood by Anne Bishop.
I hope by the end of 2022 to get through most of my reading list. Because Reading is Fundamental.
