For Love of Literacy

by Tristi Pinkston | More from this Blogger

18 Aug 2006 10:12 AM

I love to read. I don't remember a time in my life when I didn't. Reading is as much a part of my life as any other pursuit I've ever taken up. I love escaping to another world through the written word, opening my mind to new thoughts and ideas, darting down dark tunnels with the hero or diving under the sea with the heroine.

We were all given lists of required reading in high school and college. Most of it was pretty dull and not really our idea of what we would read, given a choice. The sad thing is that for a great many adults (52%) once they graduated and moved on from formal education, the time they spend reading drops dramatically. I've even heard people say that the last book they read was in college. What an absolute shame. If only they knew what they were missing.

There are many reasons why people don't read. For some, they were never taught properly, and so reading becomes a chore for them. In other cases, between work and home, their lives are so busy, it's hard to find the time. Some prefer television and movies. Whatever your reasons, there are ways to overcome the obstacles and to make reading a part of your life. I will be delving into this more in future blogs.

For now, let's concentrate on why it's important to read. For starters, did you know that the back and forth movement your eyes make when you read actually stimulates your brain function? True. And, did you know that the act of sounding out the letters and stringing them into words also stimulates your brain function? Again, true. Regardless of what you're reading, your brain benefits by the actual mechanics of reading.

Secondly, persons who read are more able to effectively communicate with those around them. The more you read, the more your vocabulary grows, and the more inclined you are to reach out and verbally interact.

Third, it just plain makes you smarter. You can pick up tidbits in books that will come in handy at work, at school, to impress your boss, to win at trivia, to flirt, to travel. And that's all from fiction! Imagine what you can learn about art, science, politics and the like by reading nonfiction. Employees who take the time to learn more about their field in their off hours will advance more quickly and gain their employer's respect.

Fourth, you will be setting the example for your children. Reading is crucial for our children. Illiteracy rates are astonishing. They are finding that 60% of inmates at our local prison are functionally illiterate. Giving your children the gift of reading will better increase their chances at a happy and stable life, and keep them off the streets and out of trouble.

And fifth, it's just plain fun. Whatever your interests are, from Gothic romance to hunting and fishing, you will be able to find a book that fits you. Entertainment or education, reality or fantasy, there are hundreds of thousands of books in your genre at your fingertips. Television can't compete with the thrill of picking up a book and letting it paint incredible pictures in your mind.

I'm starting a series of book reviews here on Families.com. I invite you to check back with me often as I recommend books I have found to be of particular interest. Granted, my taste will not always be your taste, but if I can be of any use in your search for good, uplifting reading material, I will consider it time well spent.

Learn more about Tristi Pinkston

I've been a blogger for Families.com since August of 2006.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger

Lisa P (24013) 20 Aug 2006 09:08 PM

All so true! My father is functionally illiterate. It was very important to him and my mother that my brother and I learn to read - and more importantly love to read. Their plan worked and we're both big readers. There's just something about a book in my hands that takes me away...

Tristi Pinkston (10839) 21 Aug 2006 10:37 AM

It's wonderful that your father has taken something that has been a stumbling block in his life and made sure that you didn't have that challenge. He and your mother have given you a tremendous gift, haven't they?