According to an Associated Press- Ipsos poll, "One in Four Americans read no books last year" and liberals read more than conservatives. None of this is a surprise to me. Book readers are a minority in America.
However, those of us who love to read and write often make up the difference. The article says liberals typically read 9 books per year, but I've read at least four books this week, and I normally read about 15 books per month. There are a few resons for that: I use reading in several ways:
*As an escape: I'd rather read than do almost anything else I can do by myself. It soothes and comforts me, takes me to far places, teaches me new things. Since I have the most fun playing with my brain, reading is right at the top of the list.
*To keep up: Books, magazines and journals are the easiest way for me to be aware of new developments in psychology and related fields.
*For entertainment: I love to read good fiction, and be transported to someone else's life. Two of my recent favorites have been The Time Traveler's Wife and Can't Wait to Get to Heaven, if you're curious about what I like.
* To read other writers: I read a lot of non-fiction, because I want to know what other writers are doing in my field.
I can't imagine not reading, it's close to an addiction for me -- I have to keep it in check to get the rest of my responsibilities taken care of. I have to "stretch time" to get it all in.
Dr. Romance knows that when you keep your compulsive tendencies in check, they become just enjoyable pastimes.
What can't you wait to do more of?
