Charger Opinion

Overcoming the fear of reading

Thomasina Bennett, Charger Staff

Judging a book by its cover is not what it used to be. Now most people don’t even look at the cover of the book, much less judge its content. Today’s youth do not read. Even when assigned a book to read for a class, most people in the class will not read it. They simply rent the movie, assuming that it will be the same as the book.

When asked, most people would much rather watch a movie than read a book. To me this is a sad development in today’s culture.

Books tell stories much more vividly and with many more details than movies. Even diehard fans of sagas or trilogies that have both books and movies would much rather see the movie than take the time to read the book.

I simply cannot understand this fear of reading. When I walk into a classroom or the cafeteria with a novel of some kind, people always ask me what class that it is for. Most are astonished when they find out that I am not reading the book for a class, but simply for pleasure. Many people today cannot comprehend the concept of reading just for fun.

What is it about reading that makes people so afraid? Is it because reading takes more time than watching television, or because, in books, much of the scenery and development of the story is left up to one’s own imagination? Whatever it is, it is frightening people in droves.

Some examples of excellent books that have been made into movies are The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. Almost everybody has heard of these tales, and many have been to see the movies. However, many have not read the wonderful books that are behind these box office hits. Both sets of books surpass the movies by miles, yet people who loved the movies do not want to read the books. Again I ask, why is that?

Reading is an important skill, and through reading you increase vocabulary and broaden your horizons, no matter what kind of book.

Reading is a form of entertainment that is often overlooked in today’s society, and I think that it is time that changed. Next time there is nothing to do, instead of mindlessly flipping through the channels and watching a boring rerun or another dumb reality show, pick up a book. It may surprise you.

~Article prepared for web by Steven Linger and Joy Wheeler~