Read anything

Greetings:

I am a big proponent of reading. I actually don't think it matters as much what you read but that you read. My nephew reads Japanese Martial Arts Comic Books. At first I was disappointed and encouraged him to read something else. When I thought about it I realized it doesn't matter what he reads, the good news is he is reading.

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” Dr. Seuss

My friend Jill recently gave me a copy of Esquire Magazine, something she says is required reading for any thinking adult. I had never read the Magazine before and I must say it is interesting. It is geared towards a male audience, however by reading the magazine I learned how to tie a bow tie, what is in fashion this Fall for men and the 25 things every man should know. I am not sure I agree with my friend that it is required reading - I just think reading is required.

I recently finished the October book for my book club. I started early because the book was over 900 pages, something that never makes me happy and always overwhelms me. The book "Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett reminded me of a soap Opera set in the 12 century. Not the best book I have ever read but a good book. In my opinion any book a person reads is a good book. You might not love the book, you may actually dislike it, I have read several books that I couldn't stand, and still I was glad I read them.

There is a quote that goes something like "It is sad that a person can't read, sadder though is a person that can read and doesn't." Not exactly the quote but the essence is that a person that can read and chooses not to is in a much sadder situation.

“In a very real sense, people who have read good literature have lived more than people who cannot or will not read.” S. I. Hayakawa

Not reading is a handicap. My father couldn't read very well and it held him back in life. It limited him in the jobs he could get, in fact to apply he had to get the application and bring it home for my mother to fill out. It limited him in the information that was available to him and what he knew about the world. Not being able to read is a very sad situation.

However not reading when you can is even sadder. It doesn't matter what you read just read. Make it a habit to read every day. Read the newspaper, magazines, books, journals, the internet. There is so much out there to read you won't have any trouble finding something. And certainly no excuses not to read.

Dan Kennedy says that rich people have huge libraries and poor people have huge television sets. Something to think about.

“If you read a lot of books you are considered well read. But if you watch a lot of TV, you're not considered well viewed.” Lily Tomlin

I would love to hear about your reading habits. Leave a comment on the blog.

Here's to taking action,

Rachelle