Reading

The chapter I just read in my text book got me thinking about reading. I love to read I always have. I remember being in first grade when the teacher asked me to read out loud for the principle. After he told me what a wonderful job I had done, I remember thinking how foolish it was to be complimented on doing something so simple. He might as well gush over how I was able to walk across the floor without falling down. I had no idea that reading didn't come as easily for everyone.

When I wanted to know how to decipher the pig Latin my parents spoke when they wanted to keep me in the dark, I went to the school library. When I wanted the truth about the birds and the bees, I went to the public library. It was all there, anything I wanted to learn about from armadillos to zits. In sixth grade I discovered biographies. There are so many fascinating people who have lived on this earth that I will never have the chance to meet but I could get still get to know them. That was the nonfiction section then there was the fiction.  Made up worlds, interesting people, mysteries anything anyone could imagine and I could go there anytime. We didn't have a television during my teen years yet I was never bored. I had access to the whole world and beyond.

Every birthday and Christmas I received books from my step grandfather. He managed a book store and was gifted at finding the right book to interest and challenge me. I was able to work for him one summer. It was a huge challenge to save my money and not spend it decreasing the inventory.

Now I surround myself with books. Every room in my house, excluding the bathrooms, has a bookshelf over flowing with books. I have discovered the joys of thrift stores where I can indulge without too much guilt. With readers of every age in my house the collection covers everything from board books to "War and Peace". I wish I could say I've read them all but it's not true, there isn't enough time in a day, week, month or year. One day I will get to them all but when I'm working on my schooling the text books have to come first and that's OK. I am content with the knowledge I am gaining there.

One of the questions in the text talked about the kind of genres I read. I think I've tried them all and found I have a taste for most of them. Some are too rich for everyday, some are full of empty calories but they are fine in small doses. Others are wholesome and satisfying for mind and soul and you feel you have grown when you are finished. Just like trying new foods trying a new genre can be fun and exciting and you won't know if you like it until you try it.