+2
I've always seen reading as a form of education but also, and very importantly, as a much needed a form of escapism. Books, films and movies gave me safe worlds to retreat to as a child (although for a long time I was only allowed biographies of presidents, first ladies, text books, reference materials or religious things to read), when I discovered fiction it was just brilliant to me!
In one of our encyclopedias which was for children, child craft I believe, it taught me about roman myths. I was quite fascinated. I couldn't read these myths often enough. I was the kind of child that would read the dictionary. LOL.
I was also sheltered from TV and movies for quite some time. These too became delicious playgrounds for me. Safe places that no one was trying to hurt me in were greatly valued then and though I no longer worry for my personal safety at my former caregivers hands, now.
Best of all is when I can share my love of a book, movie or tv show with others and not be slapped down for the things I enjoy. This is why I often run movie lovers, or book groups for libraries and other venues.
I remember all too well when I brought my first novel home from the public library. My Dad threw a fit because it was "godless". The book btw, was Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm.
Long ago I read tons of self help books to enable me to deal with the difficult people in my life or the difficult times. I happily don't need those anymore.
Here I record some of the novels I read and a few non fiction that were particularly good. I also read a great deal for my work and for homeschooling, but I'm not now, nor have I ever been an intellectual snob about what people "should" be reading. I guess it reminds me too negatively of people trying to control me and my access.
I've belonged to quite a few book clubs that chose books they really didn't want to read but thought they should. Maybe they thought they should be seen reading such books too? Those were generally miserable groups more interested in comparing, homes, rings, husbands and children than in reading at all. I couldn't stand them, or the book selections and had to stop going to those kinds of groups.
As a former librarian and a homeschooling parent I tell people all the time, let people and especially kids, read what interests them if you want good readers. This seems to be a difficult concept for many to understand. They want the kids and others to read what they "should" read.
Each to their own, I know what makes people enjoy reading and I provide it in my groups and anywhere else I can. Just reading can help in so many areas even if it's what some would dissapprove of, you still generally increase your vocabulary and understanding of quite a few things. If you are a thoughtful person, you might even look up some of the "facts" in what you are reading to see if they really are accurate or not and learn even more.
Anyway, I just had to say, yes, I read a great deal for fun and for many other reasons.
Reply to Topic
It somewhat coincides with my life with my daughter Sarah, although she didn't quit school. However, we have watched at least three films a week for over two years now and she is going to the USC School of Cinematic Arts starting in August.
Really, really refreshing to see other people reading non-fiction. It seems to be increasingly rare, often ditched in favor of fantasy and potboilers and what not. To each their own, but I've always associated reading with learning more than mere entertainment.
