Reading Enjoyment by Carol Harrison

 

I made new friends when I started school, some closer than others. One friendship has remained and grown stronger with each passing year, if that is even possible. I can hold this friend in my hands, hear the crinkle of the pages as I flip them, and lose myself in the words within. Books, from the first Dick and Jane primer onward, opened new worlds for me. I no longer had to rely on my mom or grandfather to read to me or tell me stories. I could do it myself, although I often curled up by grandpa and listened as he read serialized stories from the Western Producer or Mennonite Brethren Herald magazine.

It took a few more years until I could venture to the library closest to our home because of crossing busy streets but it instantly became a favourite spot to connect with these new friends I held so dear. Shelf after shelf of books beckoned me to explore. Reading levels grew more difficult and begged me to attain these heights of enjoyment. Choosing the ones to take home at each visit took much time. I wanted them all. By grade four I even enjoyed the reference books so I could learn about far away places that were not imaginary. It sparked a desire to continue learning that hasn’t diminished with the passing years and varied circumstances of life.

Were you ever excited by encyclopedias? I remember the day my mom and dad splurged to buy a set of World Book encyclopedias, the two-volume dictionary, and the set of Childcraft books as well. Looking back, I’m sure this expenditure must have proved a stretch for my parents’ budget but I loved those cream and forest green covers all lined up on the shelf with their gold embossed titles. Many hours of reading them, researching for school papers, or just checking something out occupied the remaining years of schooling and inspired my love of researching things even today. Google offers expansive research opportunities without needing shelves and shelves of reference material, but a part of me misses those well-loved and used stately old friends.

Reading has remained an enjoyment and at times an obsession. As a young girl, I hated to quit in the middle of a good book just because the clock announced bedtime and Mom enforced it. I remember trying to read by the light of the street lamp outside my window. It didn’t work as well in the summer when the tree canopy on our street filled with leaves and blocked some of the light. I learned to distinguish every footstep coming up the staircase so I could have the bedside lamp off before Mom would see it's tell-tale glow under the door. Now I tell myself when it’s bedtime and yet like those long-ago days, I often read way too late because I need to find out what happens next in the current book. It's worth the consequence of sleepiness the next morning.

Yet I also remember times when lessons popped out from the least expected piece of writing. One time, my asthma flared so badly that concentrating on anything proved almost impossible. I longed to read my Bible but a verse or two was all I could manage. Not enough breath meant no focus or ability to think. My daughter brought home a series of books from the church library – light, Christian fiction. Nothing that required intense concentration nor did I expect to learn much. They would keep me company as I wheezed my way through days of imposed rest. Yet, God had other plans. Nuggets of truth and encouragement dropped into my mind and heart as I read. The title and author are long forgotten and yet the lessons etched themselves into my life and were followed up by Bible study when the ability to do so returned. It has happened at other times since then. Gems to teach and encourage come in the least expected form and time from these old friends of mine.

When life gets busy and I don’t take time to pick up a book, a bereft feeling appears and lingers. At times, I attribute it to the hectic pace, the deadlines set by others or myself to complete projects, or life events. Yet deep down I know it is missing time with books, reading for enjoyment and educating myself. But once I begin reading, chores get put on hold or relegated to others. The pleasure of a good book in hand outweighs the mundane necessities.

My reading list is never set in stone or even written down. I have a pile of to-be-read books waiting their turn. This summer, I’ve been challenged to read a book outside my preferred genre, one written like letters or diary entries, and one that uses math or numbers within the story. A friend lent me several true stories and a book of short stories. Then there is the excitement of being a Beta reader or reading to review for friends who have books coming out soon. What a joy to be able to get a sneak peak and help another writer at the same time.

So many books to read. So many hours to hang out with these old friends in newer, updated versions of themselves. So many writers to learn about and read their offerings. Some will entertain me. Others will encourage. Some will educate as I research a topic, a Bible study, or even check out more about the author. Hidden gems will continue to sparkle their way into my life. But one thing stays the same – my love of reading.

 

Carol Harrison is a speaker and writer as well as an avid reader who makes her home in Saskatoon. She has a passion to help others of all ages and abilities find their voice, reach their fullest potential and be encouraged to find a glimmer of hope no matter what the circumstances.