Why I Read So Much

I’ll be honest: when I was in school, I hated to read. I guess it was because so much of our reading was what we were required (forced) to read, and I didn’t find much of it all that interesting. Rarely did I find time to read anything that I really enjoyed (except for Beckett Baseball Card Magazine when I was a kid).

Now, though, I read constantly. From books to blogs, from websites to bulletins, I am constantly reading. Also, I have started trying to encourage others to read, and to read things of different lengths. It’s fine to read blogs (especially this one!), but you also need to allow your brain to focus on long-format reading in the forms of books or plays.

This year, I have a goal of reading 50 books cover-to-cover, and unless something drastic happens I will exceed that goal (I finished book #43 earlier this week). Additionally, I subscribe to around 90 blogs. Admittedly, I don’t read every article from every blog, but I read most of them.

The question is, “Why?” Why do I read so much? Here are a few reasons that might encourage you to read more.

1. Knowledge. This is the first thing that anyone would think of. I would guess that over 95% of my reading is non-fiction, and the basic reason is that I want to acquire knowledge. When Leah and I want to know better how to build our family, we read. When I want to learn more about anything, from the Bible to baseball, I read.

2. Viewpoints. One of the best ways to not just hear, but understand, a differing viewpoint is to read. If all you do is watch the news, you are only getting a few seconds of a point of view. However, if you will take the time to read widely and deeply about certain beliefs or personalities, you begin to understand where that belief comes from. That’s not to say you have to agree, of course, but it helps you make an intelligent and fair assessment.

3. Fun. I read mostly what I want to read. Most of the books I read are on the Bible or related topics, because I am interested in it. I also read books about sports, finances, marriage, and other things, because I get enjoyment from it. I really believe that most people would enjoy reading if they read books about subjects they enjoy. If you are a musician, read about music. If you are into crafting, read books about that. Don’t think you have to read what’s on the best-seller lists if it’s not something you are into.

4. Portability. Reading can happen anywhere. I nearly always have my Bible and a book with me. When I do not, I have my Kindle or my smartphone (with a Kindle app and my blog reader) handy. I have read waiting in line, at the park, in hospital waiting rooms, and in tons of other places. Not every productive hobby is as portable, especially in our modern age, as reading.

QUESTION: Why do you enjoy reading?

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Photo credit: artotem on Creative Commons

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