Reading can be one of the most enjoyable things you will ever do. Books allow you to see the world in an entirely different light. They can offer a fresh breath of air when life as you know it seems a bit stale. There is no barrier that can keep a voracious reader from exploring new territory, and there is nowhere you can't go with a good book. Good reading shows you the way out of dark times, and ushers you into a bright realm of possibilities.
There is no right or wrong, the purpose of reading is to open doors to a lifetime of reading on your terms. Is there an author you are interested in, something you want to know more about? What do you hunger for? Give it some thought, and choose a book to appease that hunger. As a child, I especially loved the classics. Heidi, Girl of the Limberlost, and Swiss Family Robinson. I developed a love for reading when I was in the third grade, and came down with Rheumatic Fever. I had to stay in bed for most of that winter, and reading was my only pastime.
It is a good idea to keep a journal so when you run across a passage that means something to you, you can jot it down. Keeping a journal reminds you of what has touched you so it really stays with you. Once you get your book journal going, it will be hard to imagine a literary life without one. You might want to jot down your age in your journal from time to time. It will give you that much more pleasure when you look back in years to come.
When reading a classic, choose one with a subject that interests you most. You can ask for assistance from the librarian. Most libraries offer a sampling of books that are widely considered classics. Remember classics are books that have remained popular over a period of many, many years. Multitudes of people from all walks of life have enjoyed reading them through the years, and more than likely, you will too.
Many people think they don't like poetry because they have never given it a chance. A good way to find out for yourself is to read "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe, or "The Runaway" by Robert Frost. There are as many different kinds of poems as there are different kinds of books, and if you check out a few you might find you like poetry.
When you have read a book that means a lot to you, sometimes it's hard to move on, if that happens to you, try a rollicking adventure, a comedy, or a light mystery. It will cleanse your palate and you go forward. If you find you don't like the book you are reading, move on. There are too many good books out there to waste your time on one you don't like.
A very enjoyable article with good points. I don't know what I would do without books. I usually have a couple on the go at the same time. I read a lot of self help and spiritual material and there is always one good novel on the go.
Great job, Ruby