<p>I'm a college freshman, and I've realized that though I'm reading a lot of books, a certain spark has disappeared.</p>
<p>I'm a slow reader, and books feel dead to me. I deconstruct what I read, going line by line while clutching at the syntax and diction; I'm great at deriving literal meaning. The words that they contain, however, are inanimate arguments and themes, not vivid experiences. I was never very fluent with literature, but I would like to be, so I think a lot of these habits are just compensations gone awry.</p>
<p>But nostalgia informs me that, as a small child, I was absolutely enraptured by the novels I read. I did not pause to look up every unfamiliar word, I did not reflect on recurrent symbols, and yet I enjoyed myself.</p>
<p>I'm in a literature class in college after a long period of disenchantment with high school reading. I perform extremely well on the level of pure argumentation, but the depth of interpretation is stymied by my inability to submerge myself in the text, to feel and enjoy it.</p>
<p>Others may make fun of us, ee33ee, but I understand where you're coming from. This is the reason I hated English in high school (never took it in college due to a high AP score). Sometimes I feel like constant analysis makes me weary to pick up another book, even if it's just for fun.</p>
<p>I am still an avid reader, although it's hard to read for pleasure during the school year as a history major and still have a life. I tend to devour books over breaks though. One thing that gets me back into reading after I come home dejected from less than thrilling required reading is to pick up a book I enjoyed as a child (about 3rd-6th grades). It sounds silly, but it really works. These books are simple so that children can understand them, so they aren't going to have the in depth symbolism or unfamiliar vocabulary. The stories are often enchanting and draw you in. Plus they're quick reads. You might think you look dumb reading a kids' book, but it won't take you very long and you don't have to flaunt it if it embarrasses you (it doesn't bother me, so I flaunt it a bit :)). I've found that I quickly remember the joy I get from pleasure reading and I feel more motivated afterward to pick up my usual reads, some of the classics, murder mysteries, and historical non-fiction.</p>
<p>^That's so true. I picked up the Narnia series again last year...and then read it in 2 days. I'm an English major, so I've done my share of the reading books for analysis, but I still find time to read at least a few pleasure books a semester (usually at the expense of my schoolwork).</p>
<p>When it comes to enjoying literature books, my policy is first and foremost, read the text. I usually take a pen and underline what I know are important phrases and passages, but I don't analyze them until I've finished the book/gotten to class. It's much easier to pick up on the analysis after you've taken in the text as a whole. It's also a lot more fun that way.</p>
<p>In terms of pleasure reading in general, I think the trick is to just browse a bookstore/library and just find a book that grabs your attention--yes, sometimes that means quite literally judging a book by its cover. Something that has nothing to do with class-just a book that interests you by it's subject matter, plot/content, writer/writing style...etc.</p>
<p>sometimes i think english classes can really kill the enjoyment of all reading. with all those analysis, interpretations, symbols, etc., it starts to seem nitpicky and so-obvious-why-are-we-even-talking-about-this. try not focusing on whatever it is you usually look for. try reading just for the plot the first round. and if it interests/intriques you enough, read it a second time, looking for themes, arguments, etc. i find it almost impossible to argue for too much after a first time read. reading is rereading anyhow. in one of my english classes, we had a film day, where we picked apart a movie we recently watched like a book. i loved the movie when i first saw it, but after so much picking apart, analysis, interpretation, etc., it wasn't that it wasn't interesting, it was just that i got so annoyed about making something that's supposed to be fun seem a nitty gritty chore. see, the first time, i was just watching for plot, so i did not notice most of what they said. reading children's books first can also motivate you. i actually read a few Dr. Seuss before i wrote for my poetry class.</p>
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we had a film day, where we picked apart a movie we recently watched like a book. i loved the movie when i first saw it, but after so much picking apart, analysis, interpretation, etc., it wasn't that it wasn't interesting, it was just that i got so annoyed about making something that's supposed to be fun seem a nitty gritty chore.
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<p>Off topic, but my favorite class I've taken in college was an interdisciplinary class with a decent bit of this, along with some analysis of all other types of media and their effects on society. I was lucky because the movies the professors (there were two) picked were almost all ones I wouldn't have liked on my own, so it didn't ruin them too much. However, a lot of TV was ruined for me for awhile, because every time I watched anything I would realize all the analysis stuff so much easier, even with commercials and stuff. So I'd be like, ha, I understand exactly how they're trying to fool me into buying their product. I got better at not thinking about it as much a few months after, but during/right afterward was killer.</p>
<p>I really only enjoy picking apart my absolutely favorite books and movies that I'll still love even afterward. I think it makes me appreciate them more. But for other stuff, not so much. </p>
<p>Also, I'm glad most everyone agrees with the children's books suggestion. I was sure everyone was going to attack me and be like, you're just not smart enough to appreciate real literature or something. (Not that I would be upset at being teased about it, it's just nice to see other people share my opinion and aren't all antagonistic.)</p>
<p>After this semester, I can't seem to find the pleasure for reading myself. Seems college kicked it right out of me. I have couple of books right now I been trying to submerge myself during this break.</p>
<p>I think this thread was made for me. Though I am not in college yet, I took AP Lang as a sophomore and AP Lit as a junior this year. Due to the teacher INSISTING that we look up every word we did not know, and answering study guide upon study guide of questions about the novel, the last two years haven’t been fun. Now when I try to read a book for leisure, there’s a voice in the back of my head saying “You don’t know what that word means. Look it up.” And while I appreciate the fact that I am learning new vocabulary, I just wish I could revert to a time where I wouldn’t have to compulsively look up every foreign word my eyes came across. </p>
<p>I think I just need to read my VC Andrews books again. I always enjoyed her.</p>
<p>start with contemporary writers, there’s more sarcastic humor and illicit sex. Don’t read The Count of MonteCristo just cuz you heard it was a classic.</p>
<p>Currently reading, and loving, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz.</p>
I think I just need to read my VC Andrews books again. I always enjoyed her.
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<p>Oh my God, that takes me back. I used to love VC Andrews! I used to think there couldn’t be more depth to a book. Good times. Now I’ve moved to more sophisticated books, like Gossip Girl. </p>
<p>Seriously, though, as someone who has trouble getting sucked into books, I recommend reading books that have movies/plays/tv shows based on them. Some people would argue that it damages imagination, but sometimes it’s extremely helpful to have a picture in your mind.</p>