We all learn differently, it’s true. Some of us learn best when we are
told, others when we are shown, some when we practice, and others, well, they
need a lot of practice, often trial & error.
The same is true of reading. Some of us like to read with our eyes,
others with our ears, some of us prefer the movie adaption, and some just
don’t’ read much or often.
Whichever way you like to read or learn, there’s a type of reading
experience out there for you.
Books in covers, hard & soft, are a pleasure to read. They
stimulate the physical sense of touch while tantalizing the reader with their
typefaces, page layout, and pictures or illustrations. These books fill your
hand or your lap, grow heavy over time, and, if really excellent, are devoured
in a long lazy afternoon.
E-books provide a similar experience to physical books if you let them.
The reader has weight as it rests in your hand or lap. You can vary the
typeface, the size of the print, the color, and even the number of pages.
Illustrations appear if your device permits. While you can mark your place, and
highlight ideas, the marginalia isn’t the same as that in a physical book,
unless you “share” it.
Audio books are ear candy, at least I think so. I love reading with my
ears. If the narrator is skilled, his or her voice disappears into the
background and the story moves forward behind your eyes. You can get so wrapped
up in the story that you miss your exit on the interstate, or, as is my usual
experience, my weekly 2 ½ hour commute (each way) evaporates as I experience
the adventure I’m reading. Audio books come in all flavors, from dramatized to
dramatic, from single voices to many, in every genre and for every age group.
If you want to experience a YA audio book, check out http://www.audiobooksync.com/ this
summer for classic novels paired with Teen fiction.
For all year round, there are movie adaptations (pairing books and
movies or TV shows together) such as “Game of Ice & Snow” “Pillars of the
Earth”, even the Chronicles of Narnia or Harry Potter. Each movie adaptation is
a chance to turn on a new reader to the joys of reading. Which was better, the
book or the movie? Does it really matter?
Maybe your choice of reading material depends upon your mood. Take time
to read a little bit every day. If you cannot find the energy to read with your
eyes, read with your ears. Listen to a good book, a poem, a short story. Expose
yourself to new ways of reading and enjoying literature.
I try to read for pleasure for 10 minutes every morning and every
evening. It's important and it keeps you in touch with what your patrons are
exploring and enjoying. If you cannot read books, read book reviews, listen to
NPR's book podcasts http://www.npr.org/templates/rss/podlayer.php?id=1032
, or audiopolis http://audiofilemagazineaudiopolis.blogspot.com/,
audiobook reviews from Audiofile magazine http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/ .
You'd be surprised how much fun it is to disconnect from school and explore.
How do you engage your senses when you read?
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