I’m to the point where I’ve practically watched all the best TV shows on Netflix. Breaking Bad, Walking Dead, Dexter, Freaks and Geeks, Arrested Development, American Horror Story — all the best. After all this, I’m left wondering what I’m supposed to do with my life.
In all this confusion with my life direction I picked up a book, and I started reading. I’m not proud of what I’m about to admit, I’m actually rather embarrassed. I bought Mockingjay, the last book in Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games series, without reading the first two because I saw the movies and thought it’d be fine. I know, I know, completely dumb and I’m really stupid, I understand.
At any rate, I started reading it and it’s really great. I genuinely enjoyed reading. It was relaxing — something I very much needed.
I find it interesting that our English teachers almost shove literature down our throats, telling us to read whatever we wanted, as long as it fits a certain category, and is at a certain level, and so on. When really, teenagers finding time to read at all should be applauded and praised. I can’t be demanded to read something I don’t understand, highlight different literary devices and be expected to enjoy it. That just turns teens off to reading altogether.
I think the biggest thing with reading is finding what you like. It may take time, but finding it will bring much happiness and sometimes rip your heart out of your chest (The Fault in Our Stars is also a fantastic read).
I encourage you all to find a book and read it, and if you enjoy it, search for similar books, tell your friends about it, lend it to them, because absolutely no harm can come from reading. All reading can do is relax you, improve your vocabulary and immerse you into worlds you’ve never seen before, broadening your mind and teaching you new lessons.
