(currently reading this book, Urban novels are one of my favorite genres)
One of my favorite things to do is read. No, I’m not going to make this a PSA for Book it! (though those Personal Pan Pizzas were the best reward!) I’m just going to share with you a moment in my life where there was nothing left to do but read.
I didn’t become a “reader” until I started my former job at WTVZ. I had just moved to Virginia Beach and I only had two friends. One was my roommate and the other worked excessively. There were a few times that I went out, but my work schedule was never consistent so most nights I stayed home. And most nights were long, boring, and lonely.
One of those long, boring, lonely nights, I decided to spend at Barnes and Noble. Only to walk around, though, because prior to 2010, I wasn’t “into books”. Well, I read the books that Oprah recommended maybe twice a year, but never on a consistent basis.
Instead of jumping straight into the advanced “reader” league (Non-fiction), I went straight to the Fiction aisle. I was drawn in by the spicy titles like The Betrayal or The Other Man. As every beginning “reader”, I checked out the back of the book. Each synopsis had me all in. But, what if I paid for this overpriced, not even a third of a tree and didnt like it? I can’t afford to add another item to my “slight hoarder” drawer.
After what seemed like hours of picking up books and flipping them over, I decided on the first book of The A-List series by Zoey Dean, The A-List. There’s something about high school aged girls flexing their power throughout the school (staff included) despite the decree of education. Always has me crippled with laughter.
I enjoyed every single page. I got a chance to leave my mundane world and enter one I would have never lived! I began to use reading as an escape. Twice a month I’d venture to Barnes and Noble, trolling for new worlds to enter. A mental getaway from this physical prison.
I wrote this for the young adults out here that haven’t picked up a book since graduating college or in some cases high school. Believe me, they are out here. Met a 28 year old man the other day that hadn’t read in 10 years. Fellas, that is a DEAL BREAKER!
Reading doesn’t have to be boring to be fundamental. I’ve noticed over the years that the more books I read, the more knowledge I want to acquire. I know reading takes time, but at 25ish are you seriously telling me you would rather tweet celebrities than to read? Don’t answer that.
At least start by getting out there and seeing what there is to offer. There is a book out here for everyone in every situation! Nothing like having a tangible fantasy stacked side by side at your fingertips. A world readily accessible.
From Urban to Autobiography you will find something your speed and you’ll be joining me in Non-Fiction in no time.
For you superficial readers Marc Jacobs opened Bookmarc just for you.
