Why do I read? In today's society, if I tell someone that I like reading then I usually get sneered at. So why do I read?
1. When I read I can go somewhere else for a while and be someone different.
2. Reading improves your vocabulary.
My teacher is always telling people this when they say they aren't very good at reading. Without reading I wouldn't know amazing words like, "Shadowhunter", "Stonewylde" and "Etienne St. Clair." On a more serious note, I don't think I'd have a very big word range if I didn't read. Why use the word 'big' when you can use the word 'ginormous' or 'humongous'?
3. Reading helps with subjects other than English.
I'm especially grateful to my reading habits when I'm writing a history essay or a piece of homework set in a class other than English. I certainly find that I can decipher Maths questions much better than some other people who don't read: you will have a better grasp on the words if you have a bigger vocabulary.
4. Reading offers opportunities
Through my blog (and so through reading) I have had the opportunity to talk to other like-minded people and authors. There are also book groups in my local area that I may join in the future.
5. Reading opens your mind.
From Fallen Angels to Hybrids, I've read about them all. Reading certain books makes you think about different worlds, universes. Maybe this is why Dystopian is so big at the moment. We all like to wonder what life would be like and so to see words on paper that mirror your own thoughts is remarkable.
6. I wouldn't be sane without books!
It's true: I would not be sane without books! Books inspire me and when I'm reading a book I feel safe. Books have shaped who I am and, from reading books, I am constantly learning about different things: life lessons, geeky facts, dystopic worlds.
I am very grateful to books like Twilight and The Hunger Games because people, whoever they may be, pick them up and can feel a connection with the words. If you visited one of my English reading lessons then I can guarantee that you will find at least three people reading one of the above books. And whenever I see someone reading a book and enjoying it a smile creeps up on to my face because I know the pleasure that reading gives me.