The Joys of Reading or ListeningDec 03 '00 Write an essay on this topic.One of my absolute favorite pastimes is reading. My mother is also an avid reader, and it seemed natural, growing up, to pick up a book when I wanted to "veg out." I can remember all of us being in the living room watching television, while Mom was curled up with a book. That's one trait that she has passed on to me, lucky for my husband. I usually don't care what anyone watches, since I'm going to be reading anyhow. I have always been a nut for horror movies, so naturally this is where my tastes lie in books. I have sampled romance, suspense, fiction and biographies, but I always come back to the scary stuff. When I was 12 I began sneaking my mother's Stephen King novels to read up in my room. I have been reading them ever since. Just recently I have discovered a new (to me, anyway) media: Books on Tape. Now I can enjoy my favorite activity anytime a cassette tape player is available and I don't have to sit down to do it! What a discovery for a busy wife and Mom! Do I consider it better than reading an actual book? Heavens, no! But I can see where they are vitally important to a person who is vision impaired. Since my vision is fine, I can tell you that I would choose paper over audio if I absolutely had to do so, but I think they both have a great place in an avid reader's life. Audio Books on Tape Do you ever get tired of listening to the same old drivel on the radio? If you are like me, sometimes you feel like jamming and sometimes you just want a bit of white noise to make the ride a little more interesting. Audio tapes are an excellent alternative to the radio while you are commuting back and forth to work. I find them much more relaxing than the radio, and I actually don't drive as fast while listening to them. I find the readers voice so soothing that it lulls me into obeying the law! I may be stretching it a bit, but truly this is an excellent way to pass the time and the miles. Audio books are great for the car, but also nice when you'd like a good story, but can't spare the down time or a free hand. I sometimes pop one in while I'm cooking. The only problem with this is that sometimes my mind wanders, and it's a pain to rewind the tape looking for the spot where you began to drift off. This may be because I am a visual and not an auditory learner. It's quite possible, however, that I am simply unable to listen to anyone else talk without opening my mouth after too long. These books on tape are becoming so popular, that they have a wonderful selection at my small library. You can also rent these from our local video stores, though I never would since the library lets me use them for 3 weeks at no charge! Books on tape are more expensive than their paper counterparts, but you can save these to re-listen to them at leisure. Another wonderful use for books on tapes is for your little ones. After buying the Eminem CD for "Will the Real Slim Shady Please Stand Up?", a song my 4 year old heard and loved from the radio, I have decided that it may be a good idea to pre-listen to any music I buy for him. I was horrified by what I'd heard. I now like to grab a book on tape for him, pop it in, and let him follow in his own book. You remember this from your childhood, right? When you hear the bell, you turn the page! You can bet there are no forbidden four-letter words in The Polar Express. Traditional Books Who could argue that paper books are the most wonderful invention? Reading is good for you, plain and simple, I don't care how old you are. I always come across a word that I don't know the meaning or pronunciation of, and just have to look it up to satisfy my curiosity. I have been reading so long that I actually use those words in everyday conversation. I am complimented regularly on my "50 cent words" by my friends and relatives. Read a book, and you, too, can be thought of as a genius. Is that Mensa calling? Another reason why books are my favorite is because when you lose your place you can easily find it again. No rewinding to a spot that you can't possibly hit with any degree of precision. You can also read a book quietly in bed and not disturb anyone, providing you have one of those itty bitty booklights that clip on to your book and give off just enough light by which to read. The last reason I love books over tapes is because it's comforting. It feels like home for me to curl up in my favorite chair, with my favorite polar fleece blanket, sipping hot chocolate with my recent tome (my 50 cent word for the night!). I should end here. I have a hot date with Stephen King. Thanks to all who took the time to read and rate!  |
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