Reading Rights

J. Kevin Tumlinson

I love literature. Hemmingway and Updike are close, personal friends of mine. Of course, I've been known to dig in to Stephen King and Orson Scott Card, Michael Crichton and Nick Hornby with equal enthusiasm. I've always held that reading, no matter if it is fiction or non-fiction, is always the key to opening up the mind and expanding one's perspective. In most cases, it doesn't really matter what you read, it only matters that you read SOMETHING. Perhaps a weekly opinion column by a truly ingenious writer?

That said, I've noticed over the years that there's a bit of snobbery going on when it comes to reading. The definitions of "good literature" tend to exclude certain types of writing. But I present this argument: isn't it better to read what you're interested in than to read nothing at all? It is difficult enough to get kids to simply read anything, but to cram page after page of something they hate down their throats is going to do nothing but turn them off all together.

In the interest of promoting a love for reading, let's take a look at some of the writing that is often looked upon with disdain by parents and teachers:

Sports magazines - I'm not a sports fan in general, but I do love golf. A few years ago I was part of the crowd that believed golf was dull and boring. Now I'm a changed man. And so I can finally appreciate the presence of sports magazines in every waiting room. While I'm waiting for a hair cut or an eye exam I can thumb through "Golf Digest" and pick up a few pointers. See what's going on here? I'm reading and obtaining information that I will put to use at a later time - commonly known as "learning." Does it matter that what I'm learning isn't on a standardized test? I'm actually picking up two skills here. I'm learning the information (how to take care of my slice, possibly) and I'm learning HOW TO LEARN.

Comic books - Did you know that most comic book writers rely heavily on classic literature, mythology and history when they are developing story lines? Chances are whole generations of readers would know nothing about Thor or Hercules or King Arthur if not for reading about them in comic books. In my lifetime, I have been exposed to more poetry and classic literature by reading "Spider-man" than in the entire time I was majoring in English Literature in college. As an added bonus, comics often delve deeply into the world of science. Quantum physics, nuclear science, astronomy, even electrical engineering are all frequent guest stars in comic books.

Automotive magazines - Just like sports magazines, these publications play to the interests of the reader. The articles are often informative and educational, if only on the subject of cars and trucks. Again, what's really happening here? The reader is absorbing information in written form, perhaps learning a new skill or improving on an old one. And since no field of study is an island unto itself, reading these magazines may lead to the desire for more information on broader topics.

There's one more type of literature that is looked down upon - Audio books.

In his autobiographical writing guide, "On Writing," Stephen King proclaims proudly that he reads 5 to 10 books per week. How does he accomplish this feat? Part of it is the fact that he carries a paperback with him everywhere he goes. He reads in line at the supermarket. He reads in the bathroom (one of my personal favorites). He reads while standing in the bookstore checkout line. He also reads while he's driving, by using audio books.

Think about it. If you buy an unabridged audio book and listen to it from first word to last, haven't you been exposed to the grammar and mechanics of the language? Haven't you allowed the information or the story to run its course through your mind? Haven't you opened yourself up to the experience, the world within the tale? There's really no difference between reading with your eyes and reading with your ears. In fact, in some ways it may even be better to listen than to see.

No one accuses a blind man of having sub-standard knowledge when all of his reading has been done through audio books.

Look around you and see the myriad of reading opportunities that are everywhere. Before harassing your kids for reading comic books instead of their assignments, why not use the comics as a reward for finished work? Or even better, why not try to find something they are interested in reading about and try to relate it to their school assignments? In the end, you can teach children to appreciate the wealth of wisdom and knowledge that reading provides, and to look around them to find new avenues of learning.

J. Kevin Tumlinson is a writer and a schoolteacher living in Lake Jackson, TX. Reading his column is good for your brain..