How I Like to Read
“No man can be called
friendless who has God and the companionship of good books.” Elizabeth
Barrett Browning
Ever since I was a child, I have had a passion for reading. I’m
not sure how it began. Maybe mother encouraged me, maybe it was a teacher. I do remember
as soon as I was allowed to get a library card, I’d go to the library by myself.
It was several blocks from my home (yes, a child could do that safely, at one
time). I’d spend several hours in the children’s section, carefully making my
selections, under the watchful eye of the librarian. I’d check out as many
books as could carry back to my home. Right away, I‘d begin reading. The following
Saturday, I’d be back to the library, early in the morning, one of the first
standing at the door to get in. This is how it began…
I like to read sitting in an over stuffed chair with a good
light over my shoulder preferably the sun. The cushions soft and set firm
against my back with my feet up on a stool or ottoman. A classical guitar’s staccato,
soulfully sounding as I read. A cup of coffee or hot tea perched beside me to
sip, to savor as I savor the reading.
I like to read with my back to a tree and with the leaves
providing shade from the sun, hot. The tree gives support, the roots surround,
and me, at one with them both. The wind cool, through the leaves overhead. In
the woods, a chorus of birds performs for me alone. Refreshing me, as the words
I read refresh.
I like to read on the beach, tanning, close to the water
with a good pair of sunglasses and the sun at my back. Slicked by oil, sand
stuck between my toes. The ocean, close by, the smell of saltwater, the air
cooling as it drifts over the water. The words stirring passion as I enjoy the
passion of seaside glory.
I like to read on a porch in the cool summer night with the
breeze at my back and several candles burning. The full harvest moon shines
overhead and the man smiling down as I read. The crickets and cicadas chirp and
sound providing background music. The words cooling, calming as I read.
I like to read a poem or preferably, several by the same
author, slowly, over and over until I feel and consume the images, ideas the
poet has created. The words become alive in me as I enter the poet’s emotional
world. As I read Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Sonnets From the Portuguese, I immerse my heart in her words. The weight
of love touches my soul, feeling the depths of “How do I love thee?”
I like to read short stories, then novels, by the same
author, on the same theme, until I’ve read all of his work. I, Robot, began to live according Isaac
Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics, until I become a positronic man, the Bicentennial Man. I willingly
enter his universe.
I like to read all the novels an author has written, one
after another until I have read all of his works. The passion and power of love
between Rebecca and Maxim, the
tension and secrets wind around me as I abide in the de
Winter estate, Manderley. Daphne du Maurier’s tales provide drama and strong
characters to satisfy the curiosity of my mind.
I
like to read autobiographies, to step into another’s dreams and visions,
successes and failures. From Anne Frank to Benjamin Franklin, from Stephen King
to Augustine, from Corrie ten Boom to Mark Twain, I delve into their worlds.
Their passions, flaws, loves, and hopes vibrate in my spirit as I walk a mile
in their shoes.
I hope I have explained how I like to read.
How do you like to read?
How do you like to read?
© 2013 ajwrites57
A Long
A Long
I was actually a late reader. I didn't pick it up until about eight grade. I was a jock. Third in state in gymnastics, on the volleyball team, biking everywhere I went. (But you weren't going to get me to jog unless hell froze over.)
ReplyDeleteIt started because one of my friends handed me a book and said, "I know you don't like reading, but I think you'll like this." I can't remember the name, or author, just that I devoured it in a single night, and ever since I couldn't be without at least one book n my hand. Now I read about five at once, all from fantasy to self help, and just. can't. stop.
My favorite place to read is on a padded window seat. The sun shines warm through the window, and my cup of Jasmin perfumes the air as a cat purrs as my feet.
Wow! Nice! Love gymnastics and volleyball! Glad you started reading and writing! I used to read like that--several books at a time. Need to restart... Thanks for reading and commenting!
ReplyDeleteI have always liked reading non-fiction books! I just don't know why. Stories from Middle-East! I just love them. Never a non-fiction book lover but I have some collections at home. I do write poems but not really into reading poetry! Weird! Haha
ReplyDeleteWell, some say poetry is in the soul! Studying poetry enables one to get a greater feel for the rythm of language. I hope that you would study poetry so that you would be able to write great poetry!
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