What makes a good reader?

So this past week, I gave my AP literature students an article titled, "What makes a good reader and writer?" by Vladmir Nabokov. In the article Nabokov mentions many qualities of a good reader, one of them being that the reader should not be emotionally vested into a character when reading a novel. Nabokov goes on to say the reason for this is because when then the reader is emotionally involved they can no longer see the big picture. I agree with Nabokov, but many of my students did not. They argued that if they can't get emotionally involved, what is the point of reading the novel? I reminded the students that there is two types of literature: entertainment and literary literature. As with many entertainment novels (think Twilight and Harry Potter) the reader easily gets emotionally involved with the characters because of the way the text is written. My challenge to the students was if they were to re-read these books, and remain objective, might they see more to the story or view the story differently? To continue to further challenge their thinking, I asked the students to come up with a list of qualities that make a good reader. Here are some of the things they said:
*Don't let your opinions as a reader get in the way of liking the novel
*See the conflict in the novel from both sides
*Don't judge the characters right away
*Have an open mind and remain unbiased
*Have a good memory for detail
*The reader should want to read the book
*Have google handy
*The reader should be able to learn a lesson from what they read
*Appreciate the dialect in which the novel is written

It is interesting that after we discussed (and they disagreed initially) that they shouldn't be biased when reading, many of them listed that a good reader is one who remains unbiased when reading! So my question to the general public is: "To YOU what makes a good reader?"

Another book (or two, or three...) another day!

So it has been a while since I have posted, I have been busy reading and visiting with family this summer. I have read quite a few books this summer, and they have each continued to define me as a reader.

One of the most recent books that I have read, is a fiction book, Riven, Jerry Jenkins. I read this book for my July book club, and I have to say I have mixed emotions about the novel. I found some of the topics fascinating to read more about (prison, capitol punishment, the court system), but the overall plot and character development left me wanting me more. I have read a few books by Jerry Jenkins, and I wanted the plot to be quicker and the characters deeper, like other books that he has written. Honestly, I think that my standards as a reader are high, due to always comparing writers to the "greats" like Shakespeare, Fitzgerald etc. I know this is not a fair standard for writer's of today, but as an avid reader, I can't help it.

I have also been recently been reading more poetry. I have many poetry books that sit on my shelf or I use as decoration in my house, but I never read them! I just mentioned the other day to my husband, that I would like to make it a goal of mine to read a poem a day. Although I don't know if I will always remember to do this, I am committed to read more poetry. I find poetry to be very moving despite the brevity. In fact, the other day, I was reading a poem written by a Chinese poet and it moved me to tears. When a poet is able to use precise and profound language to convey meaning, it is powerful!

new beginnings

I decided to embrace 2010 and create a blog where I can share what is happening in my life. I do have another blog, but I decided that this blog should be more about what is going on versus me talking about one specific area in my life.

I am so excited that it is summer, so that I can spend more time with Jonathan as well as family and friends. Not working has proven to be harder than I thought, as I have to come to realize I LOVE my job. I knew that I loved teaching before I had a baby, but I think it sunk in more after I had him and I wasn't at work every day. I know a lot of people think that I am crazy for loving to work, but that is why I went to school all those years (and I am still going to school), to find a profession that I am passionate about and wake up excited every day. Don't get me wrong, I would love to stay at home too and spend time with my family, and if I could I would have both at the same time. I can't though, which is why summer is WONDERFUL!

Another way that I have been enjoying my summer is reading. Since I got my kindle for my birthday I have already read two books on it. They are: House Rules and Every Last One. I have found that since getting a kindle, I am reading much faster. There is something about not needing to turn a page, and clicking a button instead, that makes reading faster and more enjoyable. I can't believe I am saying this, but I actually prefer to read a book on my kindle versus paperback. I know this goes against publishing companies being able to make a larger profit on printed text, and I am not saying that I will never read a paperback book, I just prefer my kindle. It is lighter to carry around and doesn't take up as much space in my purse. Also, I can't read the ending of the book before I am finished. There I said it, as an English teacher and lover of reading, I read the ending of the book before I finish. I know it is a bad habit and one that I shouldn't probably tell people, but I always want to know where I am going in the book. Maybe that is why I don't like surprises because I always want to know what is happening. Regardless, reading books on my kindle is forcing me to break this habit and just enjoy the ride!