Remarrying Books

I should have gotten a prenuptial when I fell in love with reading books. Because when I stopped, it took something out of me that I’m just now getting back.

I think we’ve all been there. As we grow up we leave some things behind. There are newer, fancier things, with subscribe buttons and skill trees and new episodes every week. But for me, I found myself trouncing around virtual worlds baking bread and beating up goblins instead of delving into the worlds between the pages.

Little did I know, but the sudden dismissal of literature in my teen years would come to haunt me in the years to come. Voracious reading had been a part of my life up to then, and I had no plans on stopping. Entire summers would be filled with finishing book after book from the library. But in high school, I began to use my experience with books gut them of the knowledge I needed to make good grades.

Now in college, I am beginning to understand that this is a problem. Forgetting how wonderful and whimsical books are left a part of me empty. And speaking to friends of mine, I think it’s a widespread symptom of this generation’s techno craze.

But it can be solved. It won’t happen by vowing off the wiles of the internet forever (because we now how long that’ll last). Here are some points that have helped me get back into reading and maybe they’ll do the same for you if you’ve experienced anything like what I’ve described.

1.  Read ConsistentlyOk, so I know this one seems obvious, but it’s definitely the hardest one on the list. In order to woo back literature to fill the void that’s been there since the messy breakup, you have to show your books that you’re willing to spend some time with them each day.
2. Read Unread Books

I’m not saying rereading Harry Potter for the eighth time is a bad thing, but to get back into the sport of reading, it’ll take a bit more of a warm up to get you back in the habit. Here is a list of some of the good quality books that are still easy to enjoy.

3.   Read Closely

Reading is good. Reading closely is better. Paying attention to the particular words used to describe imagery or going over paragraphs that feel alive is a good way to rejuvenate the old bookworm frenzy. Write down sentences that strike you or inspire startling visual imagery. Engaging with books this way can help to get you back in the habit of not just inhaling literature, but thoroughly treasuring it.

Waking up one day to find that you are no longer in love with books the way you used to is a depressing venture. I’ve been there. It might be embarrassing to go back to your favorite books after the adulterous rampage you went on with whatever shiny screen pulled your attention away.

But that’s the wonderful thing about books. They’re always there, just waiting for you to wade through their pages.