Post 2: What is a book?

To me, a book is a place. A place that takes you back in time, springs you forward, or simply keeps you grounded in reality. Whether it is bound with a spine, folded into a 3 dimensional shape, or read from the screen of a technological devise, it is a book. Regardless of its outward appearance, and book or unbook like qualities, it is the message inside that makes it a novel. To be a book it must have a collection of words that work together to form a story of sorts, or at least be a multitude of concise statements. Although my interpretation of what defines a book is loose, I’m not to say a bowl of alphabet soup should be classified as a book just because of its letters. But I am also not to say that a story read from a screen is not a book because it lacks the “look, feel and smell” as Nancy Jo Sales does, when it is still, very obviously, a book. Those who classify pieces as a book based off its physicality are confusing their personal reading preferences, with the question they are addressing. The question being what makes a book a book, it is illogical to argue that because a book is copied onto a screen it is no longer a book, when the place it takes you is the same. I agree with Victor LaValle’s statement that, “It’s not the book, but the idea of the book.” There is nothing “magical” about a book, but instead about the place it takes you. The message encompassed within a novel is more important than the form it comes in itself, which makes the discussion of tangible books vs. eBooks strictly on one of preference.  A book is like a time machine, so regardless of the form you are reading it in, allow yourself to travel to a new place.

Why I read

Reading is an activity enjoyed by some, hated by others, and done by all. Whether you choose to read for pure pleasure, or are forced to for the sake of your English grade, everyone has their reasons for reading. It has become a priority in our education system that children learn to read as soon as possible. Besides the fact that it is necessary for means of communication, some people view it as a vital activity that must be practiced routinely. Although this may be true, there is something to be said for the growing numbers of children who have come to despise reading due to the pressure of parents and teachers. I was among those children. Still today you wouldn't find me tucked in the corner of a library with my nose in a book, but I have come to be okay with reading, and even at times enjoy it. When given the option to read something that interests me, it alleviated the pressure, and allowed me to simply read on my own terms.

My primary purpose for reading is for educational purposes, and for the knowledge that can be gained from it. By this I do not mean reading solely for school, nor do I mean picking up a math textbook on the weekends for fun, but rather reading books that mean something to my life, and to our society. Maintaining a strong interest in history and politics, I am drawn to primarily non-fiction books. Through reading from this genre of literature I am able to learn more about history, as well as get the opportunity to see things from a new perspective.