Wheezley (the significant other) and I had an interesting discussion a few days ago. We were talking about hobbies and how geeky some of ours are. Wheezley builds model tanks, and we both enjoy Dungeons & Dragons-style gaming. I also said reading was a hobby of mine (although it’s really more like a passion, bordering on addiction).
To which Wheezley responded: Reading’s not a hobby, it’s a necessity.
Of course in one sense, reading is a necessity. You have to read e-mails and street signs and the label on the soup can at the grocery store. But Wheezley meant that reading books is a necessity.
He’s right.
I’ve learned and grown so much as a writer from reading other people’s books. Not to mention the hours and hours of pleasure of being transported into another world. In using my imagination to fill in the details. In squealing with delight when the hero triumphs and the villain gets what’s coming to him. I love reading so much I couldn’t ever imagine not doing it.
I think reading keeps your brain active, lets you learn about different folks, places, and culture, and helps you put yourself in someone else’s shoes for a few hours. Books broaden your horizons, something that’s always important.
So yeah, to me, reading is a necessity. I just need to make time to do more of it. And whittle down my ever-increasing TBR pile. :rolleyes:
What do you think? Hobby or necessity?
