A Book Offers More Than Words
When most people think of a book, they think of reading it from cover to cover. Which is typically what you do with a book. You start at the beginning, get the context of the book as it develops, learn about the characters, and then end the book with some sense of closure. I believe a book has so much more to offer than this.
First of all, the amount of creativity that is found in a book is astounding! I have so much respect for authors who think of characters, create a complete story line, add in humor or huge plot twists that no one sees coming, elicit emotions from the reader, and keep the reader engaged through pages and pages of a book. The amount of effort and creativity that takes is immense! Authors get the opportunity to share creative ideas and stories that expand the reader’s mind and emotions. What a gift!
A book can also give ongoing learning opportunities to the reader. Depending on what you are reading, you can connect with the story and characters on their struggles, their triumphs, and even their flaws. Objectively reading about someone else can give you ideas for issues you are working through. Have you ever read a book at the right moment in life where you said to yourself “wow that sounds exactly like what I’m going through right now!”
You can even learn from fiction books! For example, if a reader is interested in historical fiction then the reader can learn about a different era, different traditions and customs, and a different way of life while being engaged in a beautiful source of entertainment. I enjoy reading about the World Wars in historical fiction and each time I read one of these books, I learn something new about that time in history. Sometimes when reading fiction, I feel as if I am in that time, in that situation, and experiencing it for myself.
I love this quote about reading because I feel it captures the experience so perfectly. "I have lived a thousand lives and I've loved a thousand loves. I've walked on distant worlds and seen the end of time. Because I read." - George R.R. Martin. Yes! Yes! Yes! A book allows me to be a part of an adventure, to experience new wonders, and to try out so many different things in life.
A book can enhance the seasons and rhythms of daily life. In the winter when it’s dark and chilly, I love immersing myself in a book near a fireplace or at a cool coffee shop. When it is rainy and dreary outside, I enjoy curling up with a book, a cozy blanket, and some background music - it’s a vibe. I feel the same when it is beautiful outside and I want to sit and enjoy the sunshine on my deck; I grab a book and lounge in my zero gravity chair while soaking up the sun. This typically only happens when my son is taking his nap (do what you can when you can)!
From the experience a book gives us, there are so many opportunities to have quality conversations with other people. The art of conversation is changing in this digital world. It is becoming more and more rare to have a deep, meaningful conversation with another person. Books can help create real conversations with other people which is so needed right now. Reading books can offer each of us so many opportunities than just the straight-forward, cover-to-cover text. I’d love to hear your perspective on the value books bring. Share your ideas and opinions with me.
