I have always had a philosophy about reading, whether it be novels or anything else. Nothing I read is useless. Yes, that even includes Twilight, though I will never subject myself to those stories again. Reading is meant to do several things (though not necessarily all at once): shape what kind of literature is personally enjoyable, think critically about meaningful issues, relieve stress, shape what is considered "good" and "bad" literature, understand different perspectives, have human experienceds not personally available, give advice on issues, and help to communicate with the world. Novels and reading in general needs to be an integral part of anyone's life because all can benefit.
Jean, as I read through your list of what "Reading" is meant to do, some ideas seem to be about reading ("relieve stress"), but others do NOT seem to be about reading. How can reading "think critically about meaningful issues"? How can reading "have human experienceds [sic] not personally available"?
ReplyDeleteCan you be clearer or refine your claim that "anyone's life" can benefit from reading anything? You've stated that "nothing I read is useless," but would you agree that certain books be harmful to certain readers at certain times?
And what did you personally gain from the novel "The Thirteenth Tale"? Why do you think it has stuck with you?
Not everything someone reads is going to help them develop ways of thinking critically about important issues or help them have human experiences but it is something that, with the right book, can happen. Also, while it is true that some literature may not be recommended for certain people at certain points in their lives, all literature has something of worth. All literature has some lesson to teach the reader. In fact, if a person who is too young picks up and reads something violent, this is the perfect opportunity to talk and process with others as well as oneself in order to learn compassion for suffering as well as understand the destructive tendencies of people's emotions.
DeleteI keep seeing this book everywhere and I always pick it up, read the blurb on the back, and then put it down. Next time I'm just going to get it!
ReplyDeleteThe summary and cover are so decieving as to the true nature of the book. This is a work that needs recommending to get others to read it but the content and story is completely worth the time and energy.
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