Have you ever gone to a social gathering and though you know you should be present and in the moment, enjoying the good company I'm sure you're with; instead you're wondering what's going to happen to the protagonist in the book you had to leave at home? Do you then long to drive yourself back home, scoop up the book, and apologize for leaving it behind? If this is you, fear not! You are not alone. I completely understand where you're coming from. Don't get me wrong, I love to be with my friends and family. But there are times, especially when I'm in the middle of a great story, that I find it very hard to be anywhere or present for anything other than to sit on my couch and read.
Is it bad we feel this way? Well, I guess it depends on who you ask. My husband, for example, would think it's a little crazy. He's the social one in this relationship (and not an avid reader) so he doesn't often understand why I get so upset when I have to stop and put a book mark in my book. I mean, can life not wait long enough for me to find out whether or not my two main characters will end up together? Or how the galactic battle will end? Oh, I also forgot to mention I'm a mother. Believe me, my kids are my world, but every now and then they interrupt my reading and I have to remind myself that yes, I must attend to the actual live human beings that I'm responsible for. And to ignore the kids in my story who at the moment are a little more interesting.
I will admit though, that my oldest is exactly like me when it comes to reading. He will stick his nose in a book and we won't hear from him for hours. That's all well and good most of the time, but Lord help us if he's asked to move or do a chore while he's reading. There can only be one of us in this house that ignores everything for a good story, and that's me! But seriously, I'm in love with the fact that my children want to curl up with a good book and read. Don't get me wrong, if video games are presented as a possibility for entertainment that day, they will hands down choose that. BUT getting lost in a good book is just as important to them.
And why shouldn't it be? Sometimes it's fun to get lost in a world outside of your own. Or to get to know characters that come from a completely different background, country, or time period than yours.
If the thought of sifting through library shelves or on-line e-book choices gives you a headache, it's alright. First, start with something you like. It could be anything. I can bet whatever you're thinking, there's a book for that. Search your favorite thing and see what pops up. You don't have to sit down with a 500 page novel to consider yourself a reader. It could be a magazine, a blog post (see how I did that?), newspaper, picture book, etc.. And you don't have to search alone! Libraries are a great place to start if you're unsure of what to read. The librarians are always happy to help you find the right book. Another way to get excited about reading is to get the whole family involved. Pick a type of book all of you will enjoy and make time each day to read part of it. If you have younger kids, read to them. If they know how to read, encourage them to read a page, then another page, and then another.
I encourage you to ignore your social duties, that's right I said it, and spend some time with a good book. It's so important to read and you'll be amazed at what you can learn or how entertained you are by it. I promise you won't be disappointed!
Need help finding a book? Contact me! Click the contact button on my website and I'll be happy to set you up with a good book.
Comments