You don’t have to be an English major to know the difference between a magical, modern “Harry Potter” novel and a lengthy, somewhat boring class textbook that lectures you on the Middle Ages. One of them you read for your own pleasure, and the other one, well, is more of an obligation. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy discovering the intriguing mystery of fantasy at Hogwarts and how Michelangelo painted “The Creation of Adam” on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel at the same time.
When you sit down to read a particular text for a class, what goes through your head? Some might think: “Oh, this is so boring,” or, “Why do I have to do this?” or even, “What is this guy trying to say to me? I don’t understand.” Now compare your thoughts to when you are reading a captivating novel that caught your eye at Barnes & Noble. I bet you were thinking: “What’s going to happen next?” or, “Oh my goodness, this is juicy stuff,” and, “I’m not putting this book down. Like … ever.”
So, what exactly is the difference between the two texts, anyway? Is it that their style of writing doesn’t quite make you sit on the edge of your seat? Is it because we can’t be still and concentrate because we would rather be doing something else? Or is it simply because we don’t understand the author because of all the humongous words they throw at us?
Books have been around for centuries, and they are filled with knowledge that we use for our own personal growth. These amazing tools have influenced us since our parents read to us in our childhood, when we first attended elementary school, and yes, even now, we still read throughout our college experience.
Even though reading may seem like a dreary, solitary and stereotypically “nerdy” activity, it can actually be fun. My advice to you all would be to read actively, continue to ask questions and make yourself be interested when it comes time to read those overwhelming textbooks for that history exam. If you make the effort, I guarantee you will be surprised at all the new things you will learn.
And of course, for those of you still hooked on “Harry Potter,” encourage others to pick up a book in their spare time and join in on the adventure. Your IQ has the capability to expand just as well as your imagination. By all means, receive that A-plus you have been longing for. In the end, books are your friends, not your enemies.
