Hobby or necessity …

• Posted in About Books, On Writing

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?

12 Responses to “Hobby or necessity …”

  1. Susan Helene Gottfried says:

    Necessity.

    And when the reading’s good, it’s like a really good Maine lobster — an absolute delight.

    Sort of like really good chocolate, the kind that makes you drool AS you suck on it ’cause it’s just too good to eat any other way.

  2. Tia says:

    I always find a way to squeeze at least ten minutes or so of reading into my day, so yeah, I guess it’s a necessity. I’d rather read than watch TV, and I often do. I don’t watch TV much at all. I could get by witout it rather happily, if it weren’t for my DVD collection.

  3. Jennifer Estep says:

    Susan — Oh yes, a good book is like your favorite food — irresistible. :bubbles:

    Tia — I try to read at least a chapter a day of whatever I’m reading at the moment. But I’ve been slacking off lately. Sigh.

    I couldn’t give up TV though. Too many great shows on. And I think TV is helpful too. Lets you see how other writers handle story arcs and have characters change and grow.

  4. Amy says:

    It is a necessity. And I hope lots of others think that, too. (Helps to keep us librarians in business!)

    I also read instead of watching TV, but that is mainly because Alex watches more soccer than is really healthy. However, the munchkin is severely cutting into my reading time. (My TBR pile now contains Beatrix Potter and A.A. Milne instead of Jennifer Weiner and Stephen King.)

  5. Edie says:

    I don’t know how you find time to read so much, watch so much TV, and write so much. You’re my idol. :biggrin:

    I’d say reading is a necessity too. Gotta read.

  6. Jennifer Estep says:

    Amy — How is the munchkin? Haven’t heard from you in a couple of weeks. Are we feeling the baby love? :bubbles:

    When she gets older, you’ll have to add Beverly Cleary to your TBR pile.

    Edie — Because I have no life. And I’m addicted to books and TV. 😎

  7. Amy says:

    Beverly Cleary will DEFINITELY be on the list! Every few years, I’ll grab one of those just for nostalgia’s sake. Sadly enough, I’ve just been reading her from Jennifer Weiner’s new book. Hey, I figure she doesn’t know what I’m saying. She just wants to hear my voice. And I get to whittle my TBR pile down by another book.

    What’s really funny? Even though I know she doesn’t understand, I still find myself skipping the bad words and sex parts. :biggrin:

    The little one is great…will be sending pictures soon!

  8. Chasity says:

    For me reading is a necessity. I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have piles of books or many e-books to read. I’d probably be a bigger gaming geek than I am now.

    I just counted and so far for the year, I’ve read right at 200 books. (That total does include a few from the end of December that were early January releases.) I’ve become anal retentive about keeping a notebook of all the books I read. (With a few notes attached.)

    The smart bitches had a link to a software program called All My Books. Which I downloaded. I’m hoping to get started with keeping my books on there, instead of paper form.

  9. Jennifer Estep says:

    Amy — Skipping the bad parts? Yeah, you’ve officially turned into a mom. But that’s so great that you’re reading to her. :bubbles:

    Chasity — 200 books so far this year? Holy cow! I’m in awe. I’m just hoping to hit 50 this year. :surprise:

    I’ve got all my books read listed in a database on my computer. Not very exciting but it’s the easiest way I’ve figured out to keep up with it. I have one for movies watched too but I’ve woefully neglected it.

  10. Chasity says:

    201, I just finished another the other day – A Touch of Evil by CT Adams and Cathy Clamp. And yes, I’ve added it to my All My Books software 🙂

  11. Jennifer Estep says:

    Is that the first Sazi book? I read that. I remember it was written from the hero’s point of view. I really liked the first half, but the second half seemed like it was all over the place. Lottery winner, mob guys, shapeshifters … too much stuff going on for my tastes.

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