Why How What When? My Journey to becoming a Reader
How I became the reader I am today
I was recently asked “why do I read so much?” and the question stopped me in my tracks. Why do I read so much? How did I get here? In the grand scheme of things I don’t feel that I read a lot, especially this year when I’ve found concentrating and finding the time extremely tough.
It’s likely you’re reading this as an established reader. I presume those who subscribe or click on my posts are people who also enjoy reading. You are likely to be someone who has found the time in your busy schedule to pick up a book. Or if you’re in a season of life right now where that is too difficult you might have discovered the joy of audiobooks.
I’ve read consistently almost my whole life. I can remember Saturdays after swimming lessons we would go to the library. Once I’d gone to bed I’d keep the landing light on, door ajar and continue reading until I couldn’t keep my eyes open. Then, if I’d finished all the books my mum would take me back to the library on a Wednesday to refresh my reading stack. Funnily my mum was so encouraging to get me reading as she was worried I was behind my peers.
My sisters were both athletes. Particularly competitive that it wasn’t uncommon for weekends to be spent watching them at galas. Weeknights after school between dinner and bedtime were spent racing up and down the motorway to pick up and drop off for after school training sessions. I would be in the passenger seat quite often reading, much to my parents surprise I never got car sick.
Both my sisters fell into relationships very young and although that doesn’t really have anything to do with a relationship with reading it takes away those hours where you spend doing nothing. After school, homework and dinner they would rush off to spend time with their boyfriends and I’d be left at home. Rather than watch reruns of Time Team that my dad always had on Tv I had my nose in a book.
There have been times where I’ve read more and times I’ve read considerably less, but I can’t remember a time that I haven’t at least had one book on the go. Personally (and luckily) I established a habit from a young age. My parents also left me to it, it was for me to chose the books I wanted to read. They didn’t guide me or police what I read. Which at times I’m thankful for and at other times wish that I had been encouraged to read more notable novels than I did. But maybe that was the joy, picking up classics alongside Confessions of a Shopaholic and deciding without influence what my thoughts were.
I remember reading books from the small bookshelf in the living room, my mum being exclusively into either dreary depressing books centring on abuse or extremely sensationalised thrillers. I would often read through them, on the odd occasion she would remove the book from my hands in the hopes that I wouldn’t get nightmares.
It wasn’t until about 10 years ago, after feeling frustrated with constantly reading books that were too samey or too basic that I started to take make my reading choices a little more considered. I realised that except for Harper Lee I had only ever read books by male authors in the classroom, this lead me to do a complete 180 and only read exclusively female authors for years.
I still don’t always get it right, but I feel happy knowing I’m constantly trying to push myself and learn doing something I enjoy.
Why someone reads is personal, it’s specific and I think it is something that changes and evolves. Reading for me helps me imagine things I never thought were possible. Whether that’s a positive or a negative thing is decided by the book. It has helped me articulate myself better, although this is still an area I would like to improve.
I love reading so much because I put no pressure on it, I don’t put myself in competition with other readers, instead they inspire me to read more.
Most importantly I read because other voices deserve to be heard, their hopes, dreams, trials and tribulations are invaluable. As someone who writes personally (and will probably never publish) it takes so much determination, so much time as well as courage to put your writing out there.
I read to be seen, which I’ve not found hard as a straight white middle class woman. I’ve really been enjoying reading Jessica Andrews, Megan Nolan and Sally Rooney. All women whose writing provokes a level of nostalgia for me like no other.
Simply, reading makes me happy.
Being part of worlds and conversations that I would never be privy to is fun. Whether that’s because of my age, gender or class. But sitting in a room of literary characters listening to what they have to say is fascinating and at times frustrating.
What I love the most about reading is that it’s not a competition. It doesn’t matter how fast you read something or how many books you read last year. Your opinion matters and finding the right book for you.
There are so many books out there, finding a book that is right for you and starting your own reading journey could be the best investment you ever make in yourself. If this is something you are struggling with I have previously written this post, which might help you in finding your next read.
Whilst I’ve been a reader for as long as I remember, I’ve never been someone who critically analyses or annotates the books I read, granted a heavy number of them aren’t literary leaning, but this is something that I would love to explore. I’ve been enjoying The Uncanny Review series where she has been talking about her methods, giving clear examples and suggestions on how to do this as a beginner.