Why do you read books?

[Namechangeallchange]

Just this really. Curious to know what makes you reach for books. Is it a passion you have always had and when/how did it start?

I have loved reading since very early childhood and found it a wonderful place of escapism, especially in my teens when I was bullied at school. I have been studying a work related (and deeply uninteresting) post grad course for the last 2 years and lost my love of reading for pleasure due to having to focus solidly on text books. Now I’ve finished the course I’m slowly getting back into reading for pleasure again. There truly is nothing nicer than a coffee/tea/wine, a comfy chair and a good book.

Pre baby I used to average about 5-6 books a week. I’d read on the bus, lunch breaks, when I got home, on the loo! 😂 The tv was just a prop in the living room.

I could read before I started school and was a proper book worm as a child, teachers would let me read ahead and tell me what page to go to when we had to do outloud reading. My nan and I would swap books.
Having a kindle meant I stopped breaking my back always carrying 2 books in case I finished the 1st one. It also opened up loads of free books too.

Now it’s about a book a week but still love getting lost in a story.

Because it is like breathing to me.

Another childhood library goer. I read to de-stress. For escapism, entertainment, a little packaged happiness when my own life isn't all roses. 😊 It's the best

I've been a reader since I was a child. I lost the habit when my children were tiny, but got back into it when my youngest turned 3yo. Come and join us on the 50 book thread, OP!

I slot it into the day. So maybe ten minutes before I get up. Sometimes during meals if I'm eating alone or others are watching tv. I'll grab odd five min breaks in day say while tea is cooking but nothing needs doing. I read in the bath and probably a couple of evenings a week I read for a couple hours before bed. I'd say I probably spend about 10 hours a week reading but I'm quite a fast reader so that's about 2 books for me. I also record them on good reads so I know what I've read as I sometimes forget!

@Namechangeallchange I'm also a librarian so books are my job too 😂

Books are my escape. Always been a reader, sadly my teens are not, despite me trying to force them to read! I never not have a book on the go. I need to read to fall asleep and relax.

@Augend23 what you are saying resonates with me a lot and I think it’s part of the issue I am currently having with reading. I will try and follow your advice

I notice that most Avid readers have been doing that a lot since childhood. I am doing the same with DC so hope to get the same “result”.
I started reading for pleasure quite late, I must have been around 15. Wonder if there is a connection?
it’s so interesting to see that many couldn’t live without books and a beautiful thing.

i wonder whether it’s possible to become like that or it is just something innate?

Read a lot as a kid via a mobile library, then didn't live near a library and couldn't afford books.

During the pandemic I discovered library books online and can now afford to buy too. I have to get into a book and then love it and that makes me want to read another but if I read one I can't get into or can't find something I want to read I can happily leave it for a bit, but might then find I fancy getting into it again usually because it is winter or I have some time off.

I've been reading since I was 3. Love escaping into worlds very different to my own, as well as about people similar to me.

I really dislike any kind of sci-fi so LOTR and similar, are out for me.

DH thinks my dependency on my kindle is almost problematic.
It comes everywhere with me. I read at any opportunity throughout the day, read as I walk back from the bus stop etc.

It's escapism for me. If I'm lost in someone else's problems, I don't need to think about my own.

I can still vividly remember my father taking us to the library every week and the pure joy of being allowed to check out anything I wanted. Being free to explore every book and knowing I'd get to snuggle up with a parent to read the books later.

The sound of the library stamp is one of my favourite memories!

I've misplaced my Kindle so I'm back on books atm. The dentist commented on how unusual it was seeing someone reading in the waiting room these days.

When life is hard, reading offers a rest from all the stress.

When I cant read, I listen to audio books.

I've had an interest in books since I was a kid. I prefer them to TV sometimes. If I'm enjoying the book it engages my mind and stops me going over real life worries. It also helps me relax before bed. My mum hasn't read a book since she was at school and says she hasn't got the patience for it and to her it's just looking at words on a page. She doesn't understand what pleasure others get from books. I think that's a shame as it can be very enjoyable if it's a good book.

I'm in my 70s and have loved reading .Library opposite primary school and can remember going and being desperate to take out more than the 3 allowed so pulling books forward on the shelf and hiding a volume in the gap at the back .
Used to walk along the road reading .

English degree at University killed off my love for a few years - all that pulling apart and criticising !

During stressful years caring for mother I would stand at the sink (in her place) and look forward to reading that night .I could literally feel my blood pressure drop .

Sadly I find it virtually impossible to read during the day unless I'm captive travelling ,waiting or unwell. I only read in bed at night which is impossible now as I fall asleep .
What a fool I am

@bluedomino beautiful. We read a lot with DC and hope to create the same memories ❤️

@MaryJean87 interesting isn’t it? I always wonder whether people have the potential to be “trained” to become readers and, if so, at what age do we lose that potential

I sometimes wonder if it's a genetic predisposition. As we've got librarians on one's side and both me and my cousins are avid readers. Although most people I know who read a lot tend to have a book collection problem as well 🤣🤣

I’m deaf, so as a child, I felt very isolated. I couldn’t enjoy movies or tv shows properly. I couldn’t join in with my fitness properly as I missed most of the conversation. Reading is the one thing I could do.

I still really enjoy it now

Me too. I can't imagine not reading - even when I haven't got a book in my hand, I read packaging labels, signs, ads, I'm just constantly reading.

Reading is hugely relaxing. I love immersing myself in different times and places. It can be a form of escapism- I often read when I'm stressed (sometimes to the detriment of doing what I should be!). I think my imagination far better than anything that can be created on screen. TV shows and films are fine and enjoyable enough, but nothing beats a book!

Always been a reader. I just love getting lost in a story and it playing out in my head. Love that feeling of wanting to get back to my book. My favourite summer pastime is just sitting in the sun reading.

I struggled to learn and couldn't read until I was 7. Then one day I picked up one of my sister's famous five books, intrigued by the cover, and as if by magic I could read. It lowers blood pressure, so I think that's why it feels calming. It helps develop empathy, communication and language skills, so you see those benefits in real life interactions. It also burns more calories than watching TV, so that's a definite plus for me. I grew up in a house full of books and have given the same to my children who all read voraciously.

Reading has always been a huge part of my life. My parents read to us every night, and I knew lots of books by heart before I went to school. (Blackberry Farm featured largely if there's anyone old enough to remember those!)
My mum said she was sure she could have taught me to read early but decided it might make school boring so deliberately held back. I remember vividly the first lesson using Janet and John books and how it instantly made total sense. Absolutely brilliant. So boring though, when we had to read out loud in turn in the classroom and you just wanted to race ahead and get through the story!
And visiting the library, where the fierce woman behind the desk inspected our hands to make sure they were clean before we were allowed to touch the books. Even if you whispered she would hear and glare at you. We still loved going there though.
Caravan holidays in the rain as a child meant a lot of time for reading. Later on, living in London and travelling on the tube too. I always buy a bag big enough to carry a book everywhere.
There's a quote by AL Kennedy which I've failed to find, to the effect that when we read about other people's lives and understand them and sympathise with them and realise how similar we are, it's a lot harder to hate them and kill them. She says some other good stuff below:
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/jan/26/al-kennedy-doctor-who-reminded-me-how-precious-storytelling-is