Friday, April 15, 2011

Solutions to Your Reading Problems

I understand that reading is kind of difficult, there are easier things to do with your time. But I am working to create this magazine and accompanying blog to show you why you should make time for reading, besides the fact that it is so awesome. Here is a link to give you some ideas about why you should read, and how to make time for it. In addition, there this list: 10 Ways to Find More Time for Reading which is also useful for giving you ideas on making more time for books. Also, also I have composed the following list of common reading problems and some ideas for solutions:

Problem: Don’t have enough time to read
Solution 1: Take a book with you everywhere.
Solution 2: Go short. If you don’t have enough time
    to finish a long book, read a short one instead.
Solution 3: Make it a habit. Make a point of
    reading on a regular basis.
Solution 4: Share a poem or short story with a friend.
    Now you have time to socialize and to read.
Problem: Don’t have money to spend on books
Solution 1: Visit your local used bookstore.
Solution 2: Check out the bargain sections.
Solution 3: Some bookstores and coffee shops allow you
    to read their books for free while sitting in a comfy
    armchair. Take advantage of it.
Solution 4: Read books for free on the internet.
Solution 5: Borrow books from your friends. (Just make
    sure you return them.) 
Solution 6: Get a library card. And use it.
Problem: No experience in selecting books
Solution 1: Read everything you can get your hands on.
Solution 2: Ask a librarian, a bookseller, a friend or a teacher.
Solution 3: Strike up a conversation with other people you
    notice reading. Ask them what they like.
Solution 4: Join a book club.
Problem: Reading is exhausting/too tired to read
Solution 1: Read good books. You won’t be too tired if
    you’re interested in the book.
Solution 2: Read while you are enjoying a cup of coffee.
Solution 3: Read during your lunch hour or another
    time of day when you are feeling energized.
Solution 4: Read before bed. If books make you fall
    asleep, what better time to read?
Solution 5: Read when you wake up, so you aren’t tired
    from your busy day.
Problem: Would rather just watch the movie
Solution 1: Do both. If you like the movie, you’ll probably
    like the book even better.
Solution 2: Use movies to help you decide what genre
    of book you would like to read. Action? Romance?
Problem: It’s too hard
Solution 1: Don’t try and read huge books if you know
    that you’ll never have the time or energy to finish them.
Solution 2: Read something you are interested in, even
    if the language is difficult, you’ll find that the subject
    matter will keep you engaged.
Solution 3: There is no shame in reading young adult
    literature. It’s easier to get through and is equally
    beneficial to reading something longer and more difficult.

This condensed list was inspired by Esther Lombardi's article Why We Don't Read. Which I encourage you to look at for even more ideas on how to solve your reading problems.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Be the leader


What we learn from books, we carry with us.

Fahrenheit 451 cover

You Are What You Read

You Are What You Read
(Inspired by Fahrenheit 451 cover)
Books are awesome:
They make us who we are.
I remember being in tenth grade and reading Fahrenheit 451 for the first time. I was inspired by Montag's struggle to overcome a repressive society and come to terms with himself, by turning to books. In books I have always found a source of comfort, inspiration, and creativity. More importantly, though, the books I have read, have gone a long way toward making me who I am.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Left Brain Right Brain

Reading increases the strength of the wiring between your left brain and your right brain.

Reading and Your Brain

I hope we can all agree that reading is good for your brain. It makes your brain
healthier and stronger and just a better brain in general. I would hope that this
fact would be enough to encourage people to read more, but in case you need
some extra convincing here are a few articles I have dug up on what actually
goes on in the brain while you are reading:
Building Mental Simulations While You Read

and
Reading Unleashes Your Brain's Thinking Box