One of the most incredible skills a person can have is the ability to read. There are many ways you, as a content consumer, can “read.” There are good old-fashioned books with the tactile feel and smell of an old attic. You could enter the 21st century and read on a tablet or phone with the feel of glass under your fingertips and the ability to read in light and dark situations. There are audiobooks for those who prefer to listen to the stories as talented and fabulous readers read them. There is brail for those who can not see but still like to experience the stories independently at their own pace. The moral is that no matter what way or combination of ways you consume content, “reading” is the key—using your imagination to bring the content to life and make it real for you. Whether to entertain or inform, just read.
It also doesn’t matter the content. Growing up, my reading teacher told me that comic books were not reading. I disagree with this statement. Any content that engages your mind ignites your imagination or fuels your dreams will only make you a better person. It’s not just about becoming a better language user or a more informed adult; it’s about personal growth and enrichment. So, read what you love and watch yourself grow.
While I also advocate for the consumption of games for hand-eye coordination and storytelling, and movies and television shows for storytelling, reading is the best skill you can have at the end of the day. The best part is, it can be a cheap hobby to invest in with a reward that will last you a lifetime. Most libraries are free and most communities have libraries. The internet has made it simple to buy reading material digitally or physically for often the price of a cup of good coffee. If nothing else, there are books that are online in the public domain that are genuine classics, free, and worth your time to read. So, no matter who you are or where you are, reading is within your reach.
It’s self-serving for me as a writer to encourage you to read, but honestly, I want everyone to share the joy and enlightenment that reading provides. How much do you read, and what is your chosen method or type of content?
