I used to hate reading.
Back in high school, the only rebellious thing I did was procrastinate until the last possible minute to read the books that were assigned in class. I think it was just the sheer disdain of being told what and when to read.
During my freshman year, there was one time I was forced to read several chapters in a row, if not the whole book, of either “The Hobbit” or “The Count of Monte Cristo” in one night because I waited too long. Oh, and I am a slow reader when it comes to books, so I had that going for me, too.
I think those days of being a student did not help my mindset of books because basically, you were reading to either complete an assignment, write an essay or pass an exam/quiz. It felt like I couldn’t read just for fun. Going from line to line, I had to memorize in the back of my mind or on a scratch piece of paper little moments from the story because, quite frankly, anything was fair game to be on the exam.
I’m almost in my mid-20s now. I want to be one of those people who can cozy up on the couch and read a book purely for fun with no thought. I don’t need to make mental notes of “Oh, this happened” or “Oh, that happened,” because I am riddled with anxiety about taking a 50-100 question test the next day.
Another part of learning to love books is actually taking the time to read them. After a long day of work, I don’t think about picking up a book — I just put on Netflix or start scrolling through my phone.
We have all heard the phrase, "Books are dead," but I am not sure if that is necessarily the case.
A Pew Research Center survey conducted in 2021 — the most recent one I could find — showed that print books remain the most popular format for reading, with 65% of adults saying that they read a print book in the past year and 30% have read an e-book.
And, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, consumer spending on recreational reading rose 22.9% in 2020 and another 1.8% in 2021 because more people started reading books during the COVID-19 pandemic when they were stuck in their homes.
I spoke to a local librarian, Colleen Tierney, back in March when she assumed the position of the director of the Kyle Public Library. She said that she’s noticed recently, especially during the pandemic, that digital platforms are not taking the place of print books, but rather, people have their preferences for reading depending on where they are. This has led to libraries having to pivot and reinvent themselves based on their community’s needs.
I absolutely agree.
While I prefer reading print books, in which I can physically turn each page, I know that everyone is different and e-books may work better for them. I feel like I retain information better when I read print books and I am less likely to get a headache from reading too long than I would on a phone or tablet.
I am happy to learn that people are still reading and I hope that does not change. Books can be a wonderful avenue for escaping from reality, while also increasing your focus, concentration, memory skills and creativity. It can also decrease your stress, which is something that is beneficial after a long day of work. Who knew?
To the stacks of books that are probably covered in dust in my living room, I will read you soon.
Navarro is the editor of the Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch. She can be reached by emailing [email protected].
