Reading Well

When I was growing up, I loved reading. I generally preferred reading to any other activity. My favorite thing to do was to get lost in a story, and I never felt alone when I was doing it, because I felt like the author was spending time with me.

I also loved to get through a book as quickly as possible. I would grab any moment that I could (and usually a lot of moments at once) to read whatever my current book was, rushing to find out as soon as possible "what's going to happen?!" Then, ironically, I would get to the end and think, "Oh, man! It's over!"

For years after getting married, I felt like I never had time to read because I was so busy taking care of our home, caring for my husband's disability, and earning money. However, as I have tried to develop a habit of taking small breaks throughout the day, I have learned that I can actually enjoy reading a book in small doses--something I wouldn't have wanted to do when I was younger!

A while back, I re-read The Lord of the Rings again (I've lost track of how many times I've read it). This time, I was spending ten to fifteen minutes once a day, and it was such a different experience and perspective!

For example, I used to have the impression that the first couple of chapters in The Fellowship of the Ring were a bit slow and uneventful. Yet, this time, as I traveled with the hobbits through the meandering roads of the Shire, I was struck by how pleasant it was to just be with them, there in the forests and meadows, and observe the quiet atmosphere of the hobbits' home. And it occurred to me that Tolkien wasn't plodding through this part because he was struggling to get to the point. I think he wanted to spend some time in the Shire, in the slow rhythm of life there. And I found that I could enjoy that slowness and uneventfulness too. 

There's really something to be gained by taking my time with a book. I can absorb more and notice more. I think this is especially true for re-reading. Admittedly, when I read a new, plot-driven novel, I am still inclined to discover where the plot is headed as soon as I can. But if the plot turns out to be worthwhile, then it's worth going back through the book and finding the subtler nuances.  

I am happy to find that I can grow and change in my approach to life--that I can love books as I always have but in a deeper, richer way. I'm glad to find evidence that I can keep pressing on to become the most authentic version of the person God created me to be.