The Nostalgia of Reading: A Journey Through Books Since High School

Growing up, the joy of reading was instilled in me at a young age, a tradition I am eager to continue. As a seasoned SEO professional at Google, I understand the profound impact of regular reading on both personal growth and professional development. A professor once mentioned that without being a voracious reader, one cannot truly be an effective writer. I have never disagreed with this viewpoint.

Reading Marathon

To be precise, I have read countless books since leaving high school. It's safe to say that I have read hundreds, if not thousands. My journey began when I joined the publishing industry. During my time there, I was required to immerse myself in the major works being published, those of our competition, and the books I desired to read. Consequently, my reading schedule was punctuated by the subway, dinner preparation, late-night hours, and even pre-morning hours. It is quite an exaggeration to say that I never owned a television, seldom ventured to the movies, and had a minuscule amount of time for games or social activities. My work demanded so much of my time, yet I managed to continue my passion for reading despite the constraints.

Unfortunately, my reading pace has slowed in recent years. Currently, I might complete just one or two books a week, which shakes out to approximately 100 books annually. However, this does not detract from the fact that I still find time to balance my social life and engage with films. Moreover, my reading preferences are diverse, with a ratio of fiction to non-fiction approximately 3:1. Among all the books I have accumulated, my 'to-read' pile stands as a testament to my voracious appetite for literature, consisting of at least three separate piles, each towering at least two feet high. Despite my leisurely reading pace, the constant influx of new books keeps the pile growing.

Reading Patterns and Preferences

As a rather lazy reader, I often find myself reading sporadically. On average, I manage to read about two books a month. My tastes lean towards historical books, particularly those with a British context. While I generally avoid fiction, my wife gifted me a book on Robin Hood, Nottingham, which blends historical facts with speculative fiction. This book represents a commitment to finish; however, the small print poses a significant challenge.

Comparing my reading journey, I attended secondary school in 1977 and since then, I have maintained an average of two books per week. This consistent value continues to this day, even as I re-entered academia for further studies. Now, much of my reading involves research, leaving little time for recreational reading. However, I still enjoy historical novels, with a particular fondness for ones written by Zoe Oldenbourg. Stashed away in our basement, we have accumulated a significant collection of hardcopy books over the past three decades. My wife, on the other hand, has filled multiple Kindle devices with an even more extensive collection.

Over the years, my wife and I have endeavored to spread the joy of reading to our friends. One of the most effective ways was to present Terry Pratchett novels as a gift. It proved incredibly successful; however, we have had to replace several lost or misplaced books throughout the years. Nevertheless, the joy of introducing someone to a new world through books is an invaluable experience.

The Nostalgia of Reading

Undoubtedly, one of the most cherished memories related to books is the nightly reading sessions I had with my children when they were young. The selection of books during these early years was usually centered around seasonal favorites, such as Hogfather by Terry Pratchett in December and The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman in October. While I was not a master of voicing characters, I did have a remarkable ability to bark like a hippo in the book Where's My Cow?

Conclusion

The reading journey is not merely a celebration of books but also a reflection of personal growth and memories. It is indeed possible to be an effective writer and reader, and for this, I am eternally grateful. In today's fast-paced world, the simplicity of a good book can be a refreshing escape. Why not pick up a book and immerse yourself in a new world?

Key takeaways:

Reading is fundamental for personal and professional growth. Variety in reading preferences is possible and enriching. Reading aloud to children can create lasting family memories.

This article was designed to capture the essence of the habit of reading and its profound impact on personal development. If you enjoyed this content, you might also be interested in exploring more articles on reading habits, book reading, and lifelong learning.