The Reading Habit

According to an international journal, “Reading habit is the art of personal investigation and self study. It should be followed by self thinking and analysis, and only this kind of study, on one’s own accord, can develop into good reading habit.”

So true. Reading has to be followed by thinking, introspection and analysis to assimilate what we have read. Otherwise reading is an exercise that has no value or use. Text book reading is generally done out of compulsion, as when we study for an examination or for other academic pursuits like research and so on. This type of reading cannot be classified under “reading habit.”

When we read something we should be able to think of what the writer or author is trying to convey in the written piece. Sometimes it is necessary to decipher the hidden meaning of what is written and conveyed.

Apart from all these theories, it is a fact that a good book can teach us a lot, can expand our horizons and, sometimes, the fictitious characters are large as life and teach us a few things. I recently read an article in a website whose author advises that if one has set times for reading every day.

If I were to advise a person who wants to develop the reading habit I would tell him that he had to reduce watching television and browsing the net. These “distractions” are responsible for the reading habit losing its appeal on youngsters. Having said this, it must be admitted that the proportion of youngsters in book shops is still high.

It is very important that we help youngsters inculcate this habit. Actually they can be introduced to reading at a very early age. Youngsters become more inquisitive and curious when they see written matter and graphical illustrations and pictures. Curiosity and inquisitiveness help develop young minds and makes them ready for more information.

A good source of reading material, apart from the good bookshops, is shops that sell used and old books. We sometimes get very good and rare books here, as some people are not aware of their value and sell them off.

As a librarian , I want  my all books to be issued with all shelves empty.... :)

Summarizing, it must be said that a determined effort is necessary to popularize the reading habit. The onus of this is on the present generation.