Post #3: Book 1

I read the book Looking for Alaska by John Green. I finished this book so quickly because it was really good. I really enjoyed all of the characters. This book was sad but Green found a way to turn the sad things into something positive. This book was also funny; it made me laugh numerous times.  I really like how Green added humor to lighten the mood of the book, which was pretty dark at times. I could relate to the events in the book because all of the characters are my age. The main character in the book, Pudge, made a huge transformation in the book and it felt like you were on his journey with him. So much happened in the book and I never wanted to put it down. The only thing I disliked about the book was that the beginning was a little slow.

  

Post #2: What is a book?

A book is a journey. Books can take you places. They allow you to use your imagination and submerge yourself into a story. The size of the book or the format isn’t what takes you on this journey, it’s the writing itself. It should not matter whether you are reading from your kindle, from your phone, or from a hard copy. All that matters, or all that should matter, is the content of the book. Although I prefer hard copies of books, if they disappear one day I will be okay with it. Yes, I will miss holding the book in my hand and flipping through the pages, but the most important part of reading will still be there, the story.  I do not read books so that I can hold them in my hands and or admire the cover. I read because I love the stories and the messages that authors write. Those stories and messages will always be there, even on your e-reader.

The books that you buy on your electronic devices are the same as the books you buy at the store; the words just aren’t on paper. But they are the same exact words so it shouldn’t matter how they are formatted. Electronic books are more convenient in the sense that you can buy them wherever, whenever.

I am not arguing that electronic books are better, but I am not arguing that paperback books are better either. Personally, I don’t think it matters. The words, and the structure and the story are all the same no matter how you read it. I understand that sometimes books hold sentimental value, but isn’t it the story that has true value? The story is what you remember after reading a really good book. No one ever remembers their favorite book because of the way it looked or the way it felt when they held it. They remember the journey the book took them on, the same journey they would have gone on reading it from a kindle.

So, instead of worrying so much about the slow downfall of paperback books we should focus on the book itself. If we worry too much we will miss out on what truly matters, the story. I think we should just sit back and enjoy the journey, no matter what form it is in.

Post #1: Why I Read

 

Sometimes I read because I have to for school. I know that reading helps me learn in school and in English but sometimes it feels like a chore. That is why I do not limit myself to books I am required to read. I also read for pleasure. I read because reading books I enjoy makes me happy. I read because I think books and authors have the power to inspire me not only in my daily life but also in my own writing. I read because when I read I can forget, for a little while, all of the things going on in my life. Reading for pleasure is like a stress reliever; it allows you to escape. A lot of times the reason I read books is because the plot is engaging. Books are just like movies, they all tell a story. I read for the same reason I watch movies, because I enjoy the story.  Another reason I read is to connect to characters. All of my favorite books include characters that I really like and can relate to.  All of these things make reading enjoyable for me.

So, that is why I read.