He elaborates that reading is value-addition. I have experienced the same flavor. More than once, I have had to repeat a word that evaded the ears of my listeners. I had used a term that most of them were not familiar with. I have realized that the more I read, the better I absorb vocabulary and practice. I can communicate effectively, and words flow easily from my mind to the mouth. The more you read the more words you have available to use in everyday conversations. Reading teaches you many new words and ways to use them in daily life. Good readers have better communication and social skills.
In this article, the author refers to some differences between the people who read and the people who do not read. Those who read have a mind-consciousness about what they read. The moment a person opens the book; he or she ushers into a virtually different world (p.90). The reader enters into the world of the author and visualizes the real experiences the latter explores. The reader can let go of his ‘personal regrets’ and gets absorbed into the author’s world and as Mencius and Ssemna Ch’ien say, it is a great opportunity to leave the body form and embark on the psychological journey. The book lover ventures into thinking and reflection. As Yutang says, the reader can enter the fictitious world and evaluate, analyze and describe it as a mere spectator. The Harry potter book series is one of the most vivid and inspiring books. I could actually visualize the young man Harry surrounded by huge dragons and numerous witches in the quest to save loved one or find hidden truths. For a long time, I would get absorbed into the Harry potter world and from time to time find myself correcting the characters in the book in the event of making a mistake. I would imagine myself in possession of a magic wand and ready to face very witch and magical creature that would creep out of the mystical caves and gigantic trees.
In conclusion, the benefits of reading are only for those who read. These people are can feel and be in touch with the world of the author without physical being there. Mind consciousness is essential for understanding any text we read. Without that perception, we are blind to the images created by the book we read. The charm and flavor of reading separates those who read and those who do not. The vividness of image creation by the mind is the basis of creativity and innovation. People who constantly read churn out new ideas and approaches of solving the problem in the real world. Reading should be a daily practice for everyone.
References
Yutang, L. (1960). The Art of Reading. In R. Spack (Ed.), GidelinesA Cross-Cultural Reading/Writing Text (pp.90-94). New York, NY: Cambridge University Press
