Why I Read
It's a trending topic right now on twitter, and has got me thinking about books and my lifelong affair with the written word.
Why do I read? As a child I remember reading in quiet corners, avoiding conversation with siblings, ignoring piano lessons, gardening, chores, -pretending nothing existed but the world in the book that I held in my hands. Early childhood, adolescence, adulthood, the affair continues...
I love the written word, the enchanting voice of the storyteller, the tales he weaves, drawing us into secret places, carefully placing us under delicate spells. Stories transport us to destinations, to experience parallel lives, thoughts, and dreams. Wanderlust. I love travelling, books at my side, and if at home -I cosy up into my sofa and still wander the world.
It's pure escapism, I love to run my fingers over the pages, -I like to cast my net far and wide - catching those magical butterflies, watch them flutter over my skin, if just for a short time. It's a moment in time - a glimpse into another world before floating back into reality. Sometimes I wish I could linger in those secret worlds where my favourite characters roam, put down roots and stay awhile. How about you?
Why do I read? As a child I remember reading in quiet corners, avoiding conversation with siblings, ignoring piano lessons, gardening, chores, -pretending nothing existed but the world in the book that I held in my hands. Early childhood, adolescence, adulthood, the affair continues...
I love the written word, the enchanting voice of the storyteller, the tales he weaves, drawing us into secret places, carefully placing us under delicate spells. Stories transport us to destinations, to experience parallel lives, thoughts, and dreams. Wanderlust. I love travelling, books at my side, and if at home -I cosy up into my sofa and still wander the world.
It's pure escapism, I love to run my fingers over the pages, -I like to cast my net far and wide - catching those magical butterflies, watch them flutter over my skin, if just for a short time. It's a moment in time - a glimpse into another world before floating back into reality. Sometimes I wish I could linger in those secret worlds where my favourite characters roam, put down roots and stay awhile. How about you?
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| Escape to Parallel Universes |
Photo credit via wehearit
Comments
Ann, you know when you've read a good book. You miss the story, and remember it long after the last page is closed. Thanks so much for stopping by! ;)
Yes, so much to read, so little time. I've noticed as I'm getting older that time is really shrinking!!
Ann Best, Long Journey Home
Perhaps not strangely, I write for the same reason.
Today I read a wide variety of subjects but as a little kid I read about animals, especially horses, and my other love - mysteries. I have known Nancy Drew for several decades. I hope all the Carolyn Keenes appreciate the number of books I finished while stealing lights with a flashlight under the covers.
Reading is an addiction for me, I really don't know if I escape am just too high from reading.
-J.
MsHatch, LOTR,really magical. I loved the Hobbit, we were read that in Primary school. Wonderful! Thanks so much for stopping by. ;)
Melissa G, I think we are huge on escaping real life! That's why we write. ;)
Nathalie, I like that, we all have own stories too, so very true!
Al, I agree. Absolutely, all these reasons drive us to write as well. ;)
Mya, I had a huge dose of Enid Blyton early in life, and I also remember Nancy Drew, and Trixie Belden before moving onto Agatha Christies mysteries. Flashlights under the blanket - you just bought back some memories. (we call flashlights torch in NZ) ;)
Jo, Chairman Mao by the time you were 8 years? Thats awesome! I didn't discover him until much later. ;)
Evelyn, I think we're all nodding at your comment. Also, the really great thing about reading a book is that you are never alone. ;)
Golden Eagle, ;-) thanks!
Melissa, great to hear! Funny how we all did the same thing. Most of my fanmily big readers and storytellers but there were moments when everyone would be playing outside, and I would be hiding away in some hidden nook reading. *deep sigh*
My grandmother was a great story teller. I used to ask her over and over as a child to tell the stories of her life, which were so exotic to me. So, she got me hooked.
But also, yes escapism. I love to curl up on a rainy day with a cup of tea and a book and be taken away to someone else's life. And the beach wouldn't be the same without beach reads, would it?
Also, I admit, when things are going not as good as they might, to escape to someone else's problems:) Misery does love company.
Your Grandmother sounds wonderful, it's so nice to grow up with such a great influence. My mother is a great storyteller, I think thats where our love for writing comes from but both my parents were big on reading.
Beach reads, holidays, rainy days - all perfect settings to lie back and read. ;)
Happy reading and writing dear friend. x