How important, in your life, is reading? (children, book club, best)

[DawnMTL]

I've thought about this question a number of times. I consider a good book to be a good friend. You're never lonely when you have a book to read.

Specifics:

1. When someone has asked which I'd be more accepting of, blindness or deafness, I always say that I'd have an impossible time being blind because reading is such an important part of my life. Not just because of my work as a technical writer/editor, but because reading is a huge part of my enjoyment of life. (And audio books have never done it for me.) Conversely, my husband -- although a reader as well -- is a true music lover. He chose blindness.

2. A few times, when I've been very ill, I had this thought that most people would find absolutely bizarre, when put into the perspective of "more important" things: I would actually lie in bed, truly ill, and think: I can't die now. I've got too many books that I want to read first.

3. I panic when my "to read" pile has less than three books in it. I scour Amazon to find at least three more to add to the pile. Then I can relax.

How important is reading -- and books -- in your life?

[skeet09]

Hey D!
Reading is very important to me and I love, LOVE having Paperbackswap as a resource. Trading books with someone from across the country is awesome and sending someone a book I finished is a good feeling. It's like this very large book club that promotes trading books instead of buying new and saving money is always good too!
There was a time in college where I read books for joy, especially since I took the bus and it was a good way to pass the time on board and I had access to the college library. Once I started working and going to school, it became difficult to read for pleasure. After I finished, I still spent time not reading for enjoyment and it was about a year ago that I got hooked on reading once again. Ever since I found out about Paperbackswap, I don't have to worry about spending money to get a book I want. Sometimes I do have to wait for a book I want because no one has listed it yet but I place it on my wish list and see what happens.
For me, it's a hobby to read for pleasure, to delve into subjects I have no knowledge about or to improve myself.

[DawnMTL]

Originally Posted by skeet09

Hey D!
Reading is very important to me and I love, LOVE having Paperbackswap as a resource. Trading books with someone from across the country is awesome and sending someone a book I finished is a good feeling. It's like this very large book club that promotes trading books instead of buying new and saving money is always good too!
There was a time in college where I read books for joy, especially since I took the bus and it was a good way to pass the time on board and I had access to the college library. Once I started working and going to school, it became difficult to read for pleasure. After I finished, I still spent time not reading for enjoyment and it was about a year ago that I got hooked on reading once again.
For me, it's a hobby to read for pleasure, to delve into subjects I have no knowledge about or to improve myself.

Hiya C!

I've heard of Paperbackswap. I'm going to have to revisit it, I think.

And I love that even when you didn't have to read, you WANTED to read.

[phonelady61]

well I always put it this way I consider the two most important things to do with my free time would be reading a good book or playing my violin . I also used to wait in drs offices and ride the bus and pass the time with my mother when she was bed ridden with the cancer and not awake and I would visit and stay for hrs . Books at one time were my best friend and opened me up to other worlds . !!!

[kevxu]

Books are among the things I value most in life, and which have enriched my life: People, nature, books, music.

[taigagirl]

Lifelong learning is one of my greatest passions. There is nothing better than looking forward to sitting down with a good book. One of the things I enjoy most about CD is the number of wonderful intelligent people who have been brought together. It is always good to read about other people's ideas and thoughts. I think there is a real lack of critical thought going on in the world today. It's refreshing to come into a thread and see sometimes how much people really are thinking about this little planet.

[taigagirl]

Originally Posted by DandJ

I've thought about this question a number of times. I consider a good book to be a good friend. You're never lonely when you have a book to read.

Specifics:

1. When someone has asked which I'd be more accepting of, blindness or deafness, I always say that I'd have an impossible time being blind because reading is such an important part of my life. Not just because of my work as a technical writer/editor, but because reading is a huge part of my enjoyment of life. (And audio books have never done it for me.) Conversely, my husband -- although a reader as well -- is a true music lover. He chose blindness.

2. A few times, when I've been very ill, I had this thought that most people would find absolutely bizarre, when put into the perspective of "more important" things: I would actually lie in bed, truly ill, and think: I can't die now. I've got too many books that I want to read first.

3. I panic when my "to read" pile has less than three books in it. I scour Amazon to find at least three more to add to the pile. Then I can relax.

How important is reading -- and books -- in your life?

Thanks for starting this thread. I don't think I would ever consider an E-Reader. I love the feel of a good book in my hand so much.

[DawnMTL]

Ahhh! I'm glad to see that I'm not alone in having books and reading as such a high priority in my life.

[witty, wise and wicked]

I've been a reader since I've learned how to read. I have passed that down to all three of my children, and they all love to read. I think that the love of books opens worlds that those who don't read will never be a part of.
I think reading - for pleasure - stretches the imagination, can bring inspiration & sometimes it's just plain fun. And reading for information on something you didn't know about, well, then you know something you didn't know before!
With all of the 'reality' of this world, sometimes I need to escape with a good book.
I always take a book - or three with me on vacations, & I am usually reading 2 or 3 books at a time at home.
I will add that I will always be a lover of REAL books. I understand the e-book craze, but there's nothing like the feel & smell of a new book (in my book ).
I used to work at a bookstore while I was in college, and to this day, I can still say that it was one of my very favorite jobs I've ever had. We were able to get free books & magazines every month ...at that time, that was a better perk than any other benefits - to me!

[J-CityRelo]

You know how they say that the person you're in love with makes you a better person? I think reading makes me better. It's the best feeling when I've finished an amazing book. Thinking about this reminds me of that quote... something about before you change the world, you have to be able to change your mind. My mind is ever-changing and the more I read the more I'm reminded that there are infinite ways of looking at the world. I'm grateful to those plane rides/delays and that hour before bed that make me stop and read.