I think when people say they don’t read, they usually mean they don’t read books. Books that they’re supposed to read. When I was in school my teachers always wrote on my report cards that I should be reading Other Books. They didn’t like it if you read lots of books in one series because they thought they were ‘all the same’, or ‘trashy’, or ‘not challenging enough’. Maybe if you were just starting out they were okay, but if you were a good reader and could read a lot – you should be reading Other Books. Better Books.
This. Is. Stupid. Reading is fun. Reading is good for you. There are so many things we learn from stories without even realising – how to tell a story, how to relate to characters in different situations to our own, how to think about the world differently. And whether it’s fiction or non-fiction we’re also learning all the time how language works, and how to try to put into words the thoughts you might have floating around in your head. All of this is incredibly important. But when you’re told to do something Because It’s Good For You, it’s like a plate of Brussels sprouts being put in front of you. No thanks.
Reading is good for you in a sneaky sort of way. Reading a book shouldn’t feel the same way as sitting in front of a school textbook trying to memorise everything. It should be about getting caught up in what’s happening – an exciting adventure story with monsters and dragons, or a realistic story about friends and family and problems, or a complicated historical saga, or a collection of gorgeous poems, or a non-fiction book explaining how something works.
Sometimes not reading is about not having found the right kind of books that suit you. Sometimes the books your teachers or parents liked when they were children, or think you should be reading, are all wrong for you. There might be things that just put you off straight away – for me these include talking animals and elves. But other people love these things in books. I will immediately pick up a book if it is set at a boarding school or a summer camp – other people could care less. I love stories about friendship and romance while other people want things exploding.
There are so many books out there - not reading any of them is a bit mad. What interests you? What kind of stuff do you think is cool? There’s a book out there for you. Promise.
How do you pick a book to read? Let us know in the comments below.