Saturday, March 08, 2008

Reading

I have never really been into reading for pleasure. I never really loved English when I was young, although I did love to write (Remember, Stacy, in "Writer's Workshop" when we would compete in writing the most pages?). When I was in high school, I felt like I was too busy to read for pleasure and when I had time, I would have to read the scriptures (Ok, I did read an occasional book here or there). Then college came and reading for pleasure did not sound like fun to me, because I had to read thousands of text book pages or journal articles for my classes as well as the scriptures. Laying on the couch always sounded much more enticing to me than popping open another book (reading took too much effort because you actually had to think). However, I told myself that I would start reading for pleasure as soon as I was done with college. In January, I finally started reading the Harry Potter series (even though we have all of the movies) and just finished the 7th book last night. They were awesome!! The books are so much more detailed than the movies and I found myself craving to read more, rather than to watch TV, to relax. I am depressed that I am done reading the books, but I am excited for the sixth movie to come out at the end of this year. The next series that I plan to read will be Twilight (although I need to get my hands on a copy of them; they are always out at the library). After I read that series, I really don't know what to read. Does anyone have any suggestions for good books??? Reading has become a necessity at night now, but I feel like I don't even know what books are good out there because I have never really been into reading before (sad, I know).

8 comments:

Joe and Angela said...

I like to read books of the NY Times best seller list (http://www.nytimes.com/pages/books/bestseller/index.html) because it's a pretty diverse list that changes frequently. I don't like to read the same types of books over and over again (unless it's The Work and the Glory series, which I have read 7 times in its entirety) Also, to keep things interesting, sometimes I'll just go to the library and pick 10 random books. I'll start reading them and if they don't catch my interest by the first 20 pages, I'll move onto the next book. My favorite kind of random books to pick are how-to books. Even if it's something I don't think I'd ever do, it's cool to know (in theory of course) how to do random things. It's pretty fun and best of all it's free!

Hollie said...

I have all three Twilight books. Just borrow them from me. I'm done with them for now.

Donna said...

Maran, I have heard that the book I AM David is a good quick read. Also, someone just said they love the book named The Giver and I have no clue if it is religious or what. Kerrie had some good ideas on what to read when I was visiting with her. Keep up the reading it will only make you smarter!

Anonymous said...

I've got a list of books that you can read. I'll email it to you. I just finished The Secret Life of Bees and I thought it was great. Life of Pi is a good read, The Poisonwood Bible is also great. If you want a short, easy read, Daddy Long Legs is cute. Anyway, I'll email you some others.

Anonymous said...

Kerrie, I want your list too. I really liked "The Count of Monte Cristo". Some people love the works of Jane Austen (Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility- etc.) I have yet to read those.

Esther Noelle said...

I recently started reading more too and it really is great! Rob will want to watch a show and be annoyed that I'm all into my book and won't want to watch anything!

The Twilight series is awesome! Loved 'em! I'm trying to read Pride and Prejudice but it's a lot harder to get into and focus on... loved the above suggestions - The Giver, Secret Life of Bees, Poisonwood Bible (anything Barbara Kingsolver really!)... my favorite of all time is a young adult book called Sutcliffe Diamonds. Don't judge the book (or me) by the cover! ;)

Marc and Stacy said...

I TOTALLY remember those "Writers Workshop" days...those were my favorite times of school! I loved writing...I really wish I was as good as it now as I was then. I never do stories anymore, just poems. Maybe this walk down memory lane will inspire me to write again?! :)
I'm excited for you to read the Twilight series. Get ready to fall in love! I'm starting them again, and I'm so excited for the 4th book to come out AND the movie!
Hey, let me know if you find any good books after that that you like. I always like to find a good read.

Unknown said...

Maran, welcome to the dark side. I'm totally obsessed with reading. I love Harry Potter, you will LOVE the Twilight series, but beware, you can't get enough of them. I love Jane Austen, but it takes a little more work. You have to give it at least a hundred pages so you get used to the writing style and then they feel much more natural. They spoke and wrote quite differently back then. If you go the J.A. route, definitely start with Pride and Prejudice. It's my alltime favorite book. Also, I just read Atonement and it's very good. Call me anytime for suggestions, I've got a million.