Why I Read

I read because I like words. I like the power that words possess. I believe that writing and reading are necessary for understanding on multiple levels. They let us see from other eyes, walk in different shoes. No matter what kind of genre, books share ideas and thoughts that (I believe) can shape people. Inspiration comes from books. Connection and conversations come from books.
When one writes, they allow others to listen. I enjoy being a listener.
I think the majority of people who don't enjoy reading have a good reason why they don't like to read. Have you ever been forced to read a book for class? If you actually finished it, how much did you like that book? I remember freshman year I had to read The Color of Water. I loathed it. Not because it was a bad book, it was probably a very good book, (that's why the school makes students read it!) but because it was being forced upon me, I was immediately uninterested.
On the contrary, I read Brave New World this year in British Literature and had a completely different experience. The thought provoking topics were always floating around in my head, waiting to be discussed about in class. Its ideas shaped how I looked at situations in my everyday life.
Everyone takes something from books. Whether you agree or disagree, like or dislike, we all take something away from the experience. That is why I enjoy reading.