The Great Escape: Reading

February 23, 2010

January is the month when everything in the New Year is getting started. February is a month of history and getting used to changes, and March is the time when we want to get away - from the changes, the new things, and to get away from what’s really going on around us.

The best way to do that? Reading.

Not only is March a stressful test-prep time, and spring sport start-up time, its also reading month.

Now, when I first started high school, I hated reading. That was until I realized I hated reading text books and the books of poetry you have to read in English class. I didn’t realize that I liked to read the books I could pick out for myself.

It wasn’t until the second semester of my sophomore year in English 10 when my teacher handed us this book, “Catcher in the Rye”, that I realized that I liked to read. Having to read a certain book for class isn’t nearly as fun as reading a book that you want to read, but it wasn’t a text book, and it certainly wasn’t Shakespeare.

After I finished that book I realized reading wasn’t too bad. I went to the book store and just walked through the aisles scanning shelf after shelf looking for a title or a cover that caught my attention. And I know you aren’t suppose to judge a book by its cover, but the way a book looks really does have an impact on whether you decide to read it or not.

Anyway, I picked up a book, took it home and started reading it. The next thing I know its was almost 1:00 a.m.! I got so into the book that I lost all sense of time, and reality.

Once that book was finished I went back the bookstore and picked out 10 books that I wanted to read next, but since then I haven’t really touched them. I mean, I’ve read a few pages here and there, but with the stress of school and work and sports there really isn’t much down time for reading.

But, that is all about to change, especially since March is reading month. Reading really should be a part of your daily routine, even if you only get to read a few pages here and there between classes, having something that you like that doesn’t take a lot of energy and helps you get away from all the drama and stress of school can make life a whole lot more fun.

So, my suggestion to you, whether you are a teacher, parent, or student, go to the library or bookstore and just pick out one book that you want to read. Set aside at least 15 minutes each day to sit down and read a chapter or two, and before you know it the book will end and you will want to read the next book in the series, or another book by that author, and you will be able to call yourself a reader. That’s what reading is all about!

And if you really don’t have a lot of time to sit down and read an entire 20 chapter book, but you have a little sibling that you don’t get to spend a whole lot of time with, take him of her to the library or bookstore with you and let them help you pick a shorter book, for you to read to them a little bit each day. Not only will this choice let you read, it will let you spend time with your little brother or sister.

Happy reading!