This week’s meme:
What is reading, anyway? Novels, comics, graphic novels, manga, e-books, audiobooks — which of these is reading these days? Are they all reading? Only some of them? What are your personal qualifications for something to be “reading” — why? If something isn’t reading, why not? Does it matter? Does it impact your desire to sample a source if you find out a premise you liked the sound of is in a format you don’t consider to be reading? Share your personal definition of reading, and how you came to have that stance.
All of the above examples are things that people can actually, physically read. However, in my opinion, for something to be literary “reading,” it should be a novel, short story, or poetry. I have a hard time grouping audio books and comic books into this group because, while valuable, these produce a different experience than actually spending time with the printed word. In my mind, if those things were “reading,” then watching a movie with subtitles would also have to be in that category.
All of the above being said, I am a firm believer in the power of reading in whatever form. If cookbooks speak to you, read them. If comics speak to you, read them. If you need/want to experience reading through audiobooks, do it. Perhaps the above will gateway into more serios “reading.” However, in any form, I believe that reading enhances the experience of life.
Related posts:
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I completely agree with reading enhancing life. My boyfriend refuses to read and makes fun of me for being a bookworm. I laugh on the inside because I realize what he is missing :)
I feel books on tape (or CD or MP3, whatever) is the only true form of reading. Those that insist on reading paper books for it’s bragging rights are selfish and insist on destroying the world’s ozone layer. Good call you high-brow intelligensia. Thanks to you, the ice caps will melt and the water levels will raise, soaking all of your books. And your children will never be able to read again.
Comic books don’t count either. There must be more words than illustrations of busty gals.