Why do you like reading books? That’s a question I often get asked in a horrified tone by the non-bookish people in my life. People who never read, don’t understand why I do. I’ve long since given up trying to win them over to reading. In fact, I often turn the question back on them and ask ‘Well, why don’t you like reading?’ For me, reading is something I do as naturally as I breathe. I just have to read because I love it. But let me try to delve a little further into the ‘why’.
I love to read because I’m interested in the world and other cultures. I can learn so much about places I may never go from reading about them. Or I end up visiting these places because I’ve read so much about them. One of the reasons I went and lived in the UK for a year and a half was because of all the English literature I read. I can also learn about different experiences and points-of-view such as what it’s like struggling with your sexuality, or dealing with racism, or living in poverty.
I love to read because I’m curious about other people’s thoughts and experiences, even if they are fictional characters. Sometimes what a character is going through is something that I can relate to and sometimes it’s completely out of my realm of experience and helps me develop empathy.
I love to read to escape from everyday life and its issues. When you’re on your way to work on a bleak, rainy Monday, how good is it to lose yourself in a story completely different from your current situation?
I love to read because I enjoy it. Some people like jogging, others are into watching sport or singing, my hobby is reading. There’s nothing I like better than opening a new book and feeling excited about its contents.
I love to read to be entertained by a story. Don’t get me wrong, I like watching TV and films as well, but nothing beats using your imagination to picture people and places.
I love to read to share my experience with others. That’s why I like blogging and bookstagramming because I can discuss my thoughts on a book with other book lovers. Reading is such a solitary experience so it’s great to hear other people’s opinions about a book.
I love to read because reading inspires me. It inspires me to write my own stories. It inspires me to try a new recipe, or start a health kick, or improve myself in some way.
I love to read because it makes me feel so many emotions: sadness, joy, pain, anger. Sometimes it’s good to get in touch with a whole range of feelings.
I love to read because it makes me happy—even if it’s a tear-jerker. Curled up with a book is my happy place.
Why do you like to read? Tell me in the comments below.
Very interesting post!!!!! I am from Argentina and my feelings are the same as you !!! I really really love reading.. and seeing films based on books… my favourite book and movie is The notebook, by Nicholas Sparks… Thanks for sharing with us your thoughts!
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Reading the book and then watching the movie is always great. Thanks for sharing!
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I love this!! I picked out my blog title to reflect exactly why I love to read! I love to feel the emotions the book can give me, learn more about the people and places around me, and wonder — book spark so many NEW questions for every question they answer.
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They are all great reasons to read. Thanks for sharing! 😁
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Lovely post! ❤
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Thank you! 😁
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Wow. This is so beautifully articulated. I have never tried to explain why I love reading but your post is spot on. I’ve learnt so much from reading and reviewing books (so I have to think a little deeper about what I’ve read) that I really can’t imagine a life without reading all the time. May I share your post?
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Thank you. I’m glad you liked the post. I can’t imagine a life without reading either. 😁
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I agree with so many of your points! I read mainly for escapism (also on my commute, like you) but also for the sheer enjoyment of it. I can’t imagine a life without books – or even a handbag with one!
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I like your comment about the handbag. I always have a book in my bag too! Thanks for stopping by. 😁
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What a beautiful post to read on a Friday ❤ Thank you!! 🙂
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Thanks so much 😁.
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I also love to read because I enjoy a good story and I’m curious on the perspectives of different characters and authors. I also enjoy reading different writing styles. I really liked this post!
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Reading different writing styles is fun! Thanks for stopping by. 😁
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I love this post! Beautifully written and I completely agree with you 🙂
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Thanks so much Asha 💕
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I remember I heard someone say once that there are two types of people in the world – people that drink Coke, and people that drink Pepsi. As reductive as it is, I think it’s the same when it comes to reading: there are readers, and there are non-readers, with maybe just a few shades of grey in between. I feel like fellow readers “get it”, and they will relate to every.single.damn.thing you’ve said here 😉 I’m so impressed with how well you’ve articulated it – to me, the drive to read is as ineffable as the drive to breathe or sneeze. Thank you for sharing ❤
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I like your comment. It reads like a mini post right there. I do know some casual readers but they are hard to find. It really is a case of you either read or you don’t. Thanks for visiting and sharing your thoughts. 😁
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Oh my goodness! I was thinking the other day about doing a post like this and now you’ve re-inspired me! I can completely understand exactly why you read and I hope you’ll check on my blog tomorrow to read my post on why I read books!
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I look forward to seeing why you like reading books! 😊
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Now that is phenomenal depth!!! 👏🏻
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Thank you for writing this well-written post.
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I used to read a lot when I was a kid. I remember during elementary school when we had assigned reading time, I could go to a small corner in the classroom. That’s my usual spot to read. I always had a book in my hand. Whenever we go on road trip, I would always carry two or three books to read. I don’t have the same interest. Though if a comes in hand, I would love to read. The latest book I read was Thousand splendid suns.
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Thanks for sharing Rosy. 💕
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No problem. Love your blog
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