Read now, reap later

I have been told that it is a futile to attempt to persuade students to read on their own for fun. Many before me have attempted and failed, and I probably will too. I am not an expert on literature — I am just a reading enthusiast, and I strongly suggest you take some time on your own to read literature for fun. Literature, by the way, does not include Harry Potter, Dan Brown or Twilight. Those are like a good popcorn movie: while loads of fun, they don’t really challenge your intellect.

I understand completely, friends. It is hard to find time to read for fun between crammed class, work and club schedules. I will admit to having used SparkNotes more than once to avoid reading in high school. But since I started reading on my own, I have noticed a distinct increase in my grades. Reading mainly helps with vocabulary, memory and creativity. It’s never too late to pick up a book for pleasure.

One of my favorite things about reading is that I have the freedom to imagine how the characters and scenery look in a way that I can’t when what I am supposed to see is dictated to me by the movie director or video game designer. Of course, the author offers descriptions, but it is still up to me to create the world from their words. A good book does help you see the world in a new way.

Convinced? If you haven’t read for pure enjoyment in a while, I have a couple of books to recommend that are a little more high-brow than the Twilight series. First, “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy is an extremely well written novel about a man and his son trying to survive after some sort of apocalypse. The book works because the dark plot and gore match perfectly with the beautiful poetic language. I strongly suggest you read the book before the movie comes out on Thanksgiving (which is ironic, given the presence of cannibals in the story).

Another great read is “Ragtime” by E. L. Doctorow. It is a novel set in and around New York City during the early part of the 20th century. It tells the stories of many characters, some real historical figures and some fiction, in an attempt to capture the pulse of America, then and now. What makes the book so great are the many interesting characters and how the mood can shift from gross-out comedy to tragedy in an instant, just like in real life.

If you can’t find what you are looking for at D. H. Hill, then you can get a membership with the Wake County Public Library system. They have a great selection of titles and the Cameron Village branch is close to campus. Another great resource is Quail Ridge Books on Wade Avenue, next to Whole Foods. Besides their large selection, Quail Ridge regularly hosts talks and book signings featuring nationally renowned authors. They also feature authors who are famous for other endeavors — Governor Mike Huckabee and Coach Roy Williams will be there in person in November.

But Reader’s Corner on Hillsborough is my favorite place to find used books of all kinds. They have an amazing selection, and their prices are half-off the cover price and lower.