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Tuesday, July 06, 2021

Top Ten Tuesday: How Do I Love Thee, Reading? Let Me Count the Ways...



Surprise!  I thought I would be spending today driving home from Utah, but we decided to end our vacation a day early so I'm already home, safe and sound.  We had a lovely time celebrating the Fourth of July in Provo, a town that does the holiday to the max.  Houses are decorated; people deck themselves out in red, white, and blue; there's a big parade for which spectators camp out overnight to get good seats; and much more.  We decided at the last minute to skip the parade (been there, done that—a million times) and we actually missed the fireworks that we always watch from the lawn of the Provo temple because after hanging out there for a couple hours my daughter and I really had to go to the bathroom and there are no facilities on site), but we did end up seeing fireworks going off all over the valley as we drove home over the bench that night.  The kids stood up in my van's moon roof as we drove and oohed and ahhed all the way back to where we were staying.  In addition to those festivities, we enjoyed the beautiful Utah scenery, spending time with extended family, and road-tripping with three of our four kids (our married son came with us, although his wife couldn't make it, but our college daughter had to stay home and study for her summer classes—boo hoo).  At any rate, it was a lovely vacation all around.  Even though I will  miss Utah's cool nights, it is good to be home.

Today's Top Ten Tuesday prompt is an easy one (thank goodness!)—reasons why we love reading.  I'm excited to see everyone's answers.  If you want to participate, click on over to That Artsy Reader Girl to get all the details.

Top Ten Reasons Why I Love Reading 

1.  It's just what I do!—Ever since I learned to read, I've inhaled books.  I've always loved them and I always will.  

2.  Learning about different times, people, and places—Reading is my favorite way to learn about experiences that differ from my own.  I love sinking into a book that allows me to explore new places, soak up history, meet interesting people, and do things I can never do in real life.

3.  Gaining new perspectives—Slipping into someone else's shoes for a time allows me to see the world through their perspective.  It always helps me look at my own world in a new way.

4.  Pure entertainment—I'm not a tv watcher and I don't have many hobbies, so reading is my primary source of entertainment.  I'd rather pick up a book than do most other things.  There's nothing like a good read to kick-start my imagination and deliver some safe thrills.

5.  I'm never bored!—Whenever my kids complain about not having anything to do, I tell them to read a book.  They generally roll their eyes (since reading is my answer to everything, apparently), but what they should really do is follow my advice because I'm never bored.  Books keep me engaged whether I'm waiting for a doctor's appointment, in a long pick-up line, on a plane flight, or just hanging out at home.

6.  I love words and language—I've always been a word nerd who appreciates a beautiful, evocative, funny, creative, or clever turn of phrase.  I'm the kind of reader who literally sighs over lovely prose!

7.  Reading deepens my empathy—Like I said above, reading is my favorite way to learn about experiences other than my own.  Slipping on someone else's persona, even for a short time, helps me to see things anew.  It deepens my appreciation and respect for the fact that we're all different.  A greater understanding of someone else's life (whether fictional or non-) allows me to have more empathy for those I interact with in real life.

8.  Book people=my people—It's important to find your tribe and this is mine.  I love talking books with other bibliophiles.  We understand each other in a way that non-bookish people just...don't.

9.  Books are my comfort objects—As a child, I sucked my thumb and carried around a ragged baby blanket to help me self-soothe.  Once I discovered books, they started to serve the same purpose—and still do.  Reading comforts me, no matter how I'm feeling.  If I'm happy, I reach for a book.  If I'm sad, I grab my nearest read (and some chocolate).  If I'm anxious, I lose myself in words.  If I'm nervous...you get the idea.

10.  Books just make me happy!—Enough said.    


Why do you love to read?  I'd truly love to know.  Leave me a comment on this post and I will gladly return the favor on your blog.

Happy TTT!

62 comments:

  1. I agree with all of these Susan. I especially like #7. I have definitely changed my perspective after reading about someone's experiences with things I have not dealt with. Great list.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Same. Even if reading about a certain subject/experience doesn't change my mind about it, it definitely opens and expands my mind.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Carla!

      Delete
  2. I’m glad you had a nice trip!

    Books are my comfort object, too.

    My post: https://lydiaschoch.com/top-ten-tuesday-reasons-why-i-love-reading/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I always feel calmer and happier with a book in my hands!

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Lydia!

      Delete
  3. Great list! Especially #5!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Right? I am literally never bored!

      Thanks for stopping in, Lucy!

      Delete
  4. Welcome home...sounds like a wonderful trip.

    I can't disagree with anything you've said here; those are all absolutely the way it is, I think, for most all avid readers. As for me, I can't even imagine NOT reading. What a boring life that would be! Your comment about finding your "tribe" is the one that struck me as a universal truth about readers; when we find and recognize each other, the conversations just flow effortlessly for as long as we are together. I've met perfect strangers in fast food restaurants that way because we were both eating alone over open books, and walked away from the meal feeling as if I've known them for years.

    Non-readers amaze me for a lot of reasons that I had better not even say out loud. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha ha. I've never understood people who don't read. What is THAT about?? On the other hand, I'm always drawn to other readers, even if they're complete strangers, like you said. Book people get me in a way others don't!

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Sam!

      Delete
  5. Aww, love all of these! And yes, reading is the answer to everything, a reader is never bored :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. One of these days, my kids are going to see the light instead of complaining about being bored all the time. I always have lots of solutions for what they can do to entertain themselves: scrub toilets, pull weeds, wash dishes, clean their rooms...Reading is definitely the best choice here!

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Lindsey!

      Delete
  6. I know. How can we be bored when we have books. I even tell people I usually don't mind traffic jams because I am usually listening to an audiobook and the jam just gives me more time to listen. Ha! My TTT is off-topic this week. Please visit anyway?!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Exactly! Doctors always apologize for long waits, but it doesn't bother me at all, just gives me more time to read.

      Thanks for popping in, Anne!

      Delete
  7. I can’t imagine a life well lived without books and reading! (I still need to write my post!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Right? What would that even look like? I can't picture it at all...

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Carol!

      Delete
  8. so glad to hear you had a nice vacation. Sounds like it was fun. I never thought about the words and language angle. That is something I feel I appreciate too. (many of your other points overlap with mine)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm always amazed by how a really skilled writer puts words together to create passages that are beautiful, evocative, inspiring, etc.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Sam!

      Delete
  9. I agree with all your reasons! Everything you said is why I love reading, too. And I'm glad you had a good trip, and that you made it back home safe and sound. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Lark! It was fun to visit your neck of the woods :)

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting!

      Delete
  10. I agree with so many reasons on your list, especially the idea of a comfort object. I always have a book with me as it entertains me if I am waiting for something/someone/an appointment and I will never be bored.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yep. Me too. I tote a paper book and/or my Kindle everywhere I go. In a pinch, I use the Kindle app on my phone - I don't really like reading on such a tiny screen, but needs must!

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Helen!

      Delete
  11. Glad you had a nice vacation. reading is a way to imagine yourself in places you most likely will never visit. Getting involved with other people's problems can help you forget your own personal troubles for a little while. I also love to learn foreign words to remember. Reading is the best way for enjoyment and relaxation.
    Marilyn

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes! I hadn't even thought about that, but reading is a great way to learn foreign words and phrases. I often end up looking them up so I can hear how they're pronounced.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Marilyn!

      Delete
  12. Utah sounds beautiful, honestly. and watching some fireworks from the moon roof sounds fun. :)

    I like your reasons. I've always just reached for books too- it's like breathing lol.

    I agree about finding your tribe too. I feel the same way- since discovering book blogging, it's like oh THAT'S where my people are haha!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Utah is a lovely state! I've been through most of it and it's got some really beautiful scenery - unique rock formations, dramatic canyons, majestic mountains, lush forests, etc. We tend to visit the same towns both because of nostalgia (my husband and I met while in college in Utah, plus both of us have ancestors who helped settle the state) and because we have lots of family who live there.

      I love what you said about book blogging. I agree 100 percent. It's sometimes hard to find your people in real life - thank goodness for the book blogosphere!

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Greg!

      Delete
  13. YES!! I also ended with books make me happy! I did not read others lists because I was trying to be original...didn't quite work, LOL.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL. I saw a lot of the same responses, but that's because the reading experience is so universal for us book people. That's why I love it!

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Cindy!

      Delete
  14. Replies
    1. Great minds think alike!

      Thanks for stopping by, Leah!

      Delete
  15. Your #9 reason, for comfort, is a great one that I didn’t think about. And of course #10 is the best answer!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've ditched the blankie (well, okay, it's in a box somewhere) and the thumb-sucking, but I'll never give up my comfort books!

      Thanks for dropping by, Wendy!

      Delete
  16. Replies
    1. And so true! Although I do love that I don't have to buy all the books I read. Thank goodness for the library and generous publishers who send me free books. I'd be in the poorhouse for sure if I didn't have those resources!

      Thanks for coming by, Lectrice!

      Delete
  17. Love your list, Susan. I don't watch a lot of TV either and I don't have time for hobbies.

    So glad you had a nice Fourth. Thanks for visiting my blog today.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I used to watch a lot more tv, but it got to feel like such a waste of time. Reading seems more purposeful, at least to me. Plus, the less time I spend watching tv, the more time I have to read!

      Thanks for stopping in, Cheryl!

      Delete
  18. I love your reasons!

    Here is my TTT post: https://readbakecreate.com/?p=468

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I think all bookish people can relate to them :)

      Thanks for popping by, Pam!

      Delete
  19. Numbers 8 and 9 resonate with me!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's important to find your tribe and I'm so glad I've found mine!

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting!

      Delete
  20. Wonderful responses that resonate with me - especially the love of language.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It really does thrill me to find beautiful passages in a book. I just love the way words can come together in such gorgeous ways!

      Thanks for popping in, James!

      Delete

  21. So many great reasons there, Susan. And I'm very happy to belong to your tribe. 😋
    Thanks for visiting my TTT earlier.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm very happy to have you as part of my tribe, Marianne :) It's always fun to find a like-minded friend who has so much in common with you!

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting!

      Delete
    2. It's like seeing a good friend.

      Delete
  22. I love that reading is and was your comfort. I wonder if it made your mum happy to see you carrying a book everywhere you went. Nothing would make me happier than if my kids did that!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm sure it made my mom very happy! I definitely love seeing my kids with books in their hands. I remember being in the grocery store one time with my older daughter who was maybe 10 at the time. She was so engrossed in her book that she bumped into a lady. When I apologized to the woman, she said, "No worries at all! I'm just so glad to see a child reading." Amen to that.

      Thanks for stopping in, Kat!

      Delete
  23. I'm glad to see you had such a wonderful time in Utah. Utah is one of our favorite places to visit.

    Here's my favorite reason on your list: "Reading deepens my empathy." So true. And so important.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Utah really is a lovely state. I've been trying to convince my husband to move back for years!

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Deb!

      Delete
  24. I completely relate to your first reason! I've been reading since I was two years old so I don't remember a time when I wasn't reading :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Right? Reading has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I can't imagine NOT reading!

      Thanks for stopping in, Louise!

      Delete
  25. I love the comment that book people = my people. Yes! I so feel the same way. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so much more me when I'm with bookish people :)

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Tanya!

      Delete
  26. Found families are really the best, and "Book people=my people" all rings true! Thanks for reminding us. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Agreed. There are readers in my family, but it's awesome to be connected to the wider world of readers via the Internet and things like book club.

      Thanks for stopping in, Lex!

      Delete
  27. I love this list! It is interesting how my reasons for reading seem to change and evolve. For a while I was really focussed on gaining different perspectives. As the summer has gone on, I'm finding I really just want a bit of entertainment. Lucky for me, books allow me to meet all of those needs!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good point. My reasons for reading definitely vary by year, month, even the day. Sometimes I'm reading to learn something, sometimes for distraction from difficult real-life problems, sometimes to laugh, sometimes to be swept away...it just depends. I agree - books do it all!

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Ethan!

      Delete
  28. Number six is a big one for me, too! There's nothing quite so satisfying as learning a fancy new word that just feels lovely when it rolls off your tongue. Or reading a passage that strikes a chord so hard that you have to read it three or four times just to let the sound of it sink in! It's one of my favorite things about reading, too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes! That's how it is for me too. Words are so fun, aren't they?

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Sammie!

      Delete
  29. Lovely list! I too can't understand how reading would be boring when you're too busy having the time of life on adventures at far off places.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Right? I just don't get it when people say reading is boring. Apparently, they're just not reading the right books!

      Thanks for stopping in, Jawahir!

      Delete
  30. Love your list and agree with everything you said! I couldn't come up with how to explain 10 different things I get out of reading but you summed it up nicely. Your vacation sounds lovely! We thought we were going to move to Utah a few years ago and I did some looking around and was amazed by what a beautiful state it is.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think everyone's reasons were pretty much the same, which just goes to show how universal the reading experience is!

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Katherine!

      Delete
  31. Glad to hear you had a nice holiday. I love all of your reasons, especially the one about empathy. I completely agree with you.

    ReplyDelete

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