MY REFLECTIONS ON READING

Many reading habits of mine have changed since I finished school. When I was a teenager I used to like reading but it wasn’t one of my favourite hobbies. I was too “busy” meeting friends, studying o reading the mandatory books at school. However, in summer I used to read books that I chose, and definitely those did I enjoy.

Now, reading has become an important part of my life, and I enjoy reading both in Spanish and in English. The funny thing is that I don’t read the same kind of books in one language or the other. When I read in Spanish, I prefer reading thrillers or suspense novels, whereas when I read in English I tend to opt for more light-hearted novels, such as romantic or science-fiction novels.  I guess this is because when I read in Spanish I feel much more confident and I am sure I won’t miss any important details.

As we can see in the photos, not everybody reads for the same reasons. Many people read the newspaper to stay informed, whereas children usually read the books that teachers ask them to. Some prefer novels in order to be transported to a different place and time, whereas others read manuals or scientific books so as to study or for professional reasons.

The feelings when reading may vary significantly depending on the reasons why people read. If we talk about students reading the very same book chosen by the teacher, they will probably feel bored and not at all motivated. However, when you choose a book voluntarily your emotions can vary depending on your reasons.

In the first photo we can see a woman reading on an e-reader. I remember a few years ago, I used to criticise those devices. I definitely was an advocate of paper books. However, I got one for my birthday and my opinion changed drastically. They are much more practical. You can keep lots and lots of books “inside” and you don’t need extra room on your shelf. Also if you read in a second language you can use a dictionary that is already integrated on the device. Besides, books are much cheaper in this format. On the other hand, sometimes I feel nostalgic and I can’t help buying a paper book.

In the second picture, we have a very different reality which reminds me of when I was a student but also a very common image from the perspective as a teacher. Students reading a book which has been chosen for them has both a positive and a negative side. On the one hand, teachers choose a book suitable for their students’ age and also important to have a basic knowledge on literature. On the other hand, if they don’t like what they read they won’t make reading an enjoyable habit.

When reading I just have one rule for myself. If I don’t feel trapped by the story after reading about 40-50 pages, I quit the book. For me reading must be a pleasure, not an effort to make!