Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Read, Read, Read... And Read Some More.

As you probably know (or don't know, but will remember as soon as you read this), Dr. Suess week was the a few weeks ago.  Dr. Suess week gives teachers and educators all around the world the chance to teach children about the importance of reading and how it can enrich their lives.  Suess week is usually celebrated by giving the children different ways to dress up on every day of the week.  Monday is usually Hat Day.  Wednesday is usually Crazy Hair Day, etc...  So I'm going to take this opportunity to present you with a general question about reading.

Here goes.  Is a book worth reading more than once?  Should you spend your time rereading a book if you already know what's going to happen?

Well, my answer is yes.  And I say that because, to me, it does not matter if I already know the story or the plot line before I start reading it again, the words on the page still capture my mind for that period of time.  The book still provides a means of escape.  I've always used reading as a means of escape; it's just a time to relax and delve into the world of other people.  I have friends that say "No, rereading a book is stupid.  You already know what's going to happen."  Well, yeah, obviously.  But the point of reading is not just to find out what happens.  It's more about the journey that gets you to and through what happens; the feelings along the way, the personal interactions that you feel like you're a part of because you're reading about it.  So, all in all, I'm a proponent of rereading.  And rereading again. And again and again and again and again. 

P.S.- I've read one book almost 15 times so far!  Needless to say, it's in pretty bad shape.

So quit exercising your thumbs on that Xbox 360 of yours and start exercising your mind.  By reading!

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