A Rant: Reading Is A Waste Of Time.. Or So I Hear

Recently, I managed to overhear a conversation where several individuals voiced that reading was a waste of time. More specifically, it was decided that if it wasn't a work of non-fiction, it didn't warrant the time it would take away from other activities. GASP! To give you a little setup, let me first start by saying that I work in a corporate environment. The little start-up I agreed to work for was consumed acquired by a corporate giant. Things have changed a bit, mostly for the better, but we've all been overworked for quite sometime. We're Americans; it's in our bones. Let me be clear: I'm extremely grateful that I have a job. Yes, I'm grateful even when I feel like I haven't slept enough in weeks, or don't want to deal with another complaint for the rest of my life. Needless to say, many of us don't have a lot of free time (if any). However, to hear people say that if they did have more time they wouldn't waste it with book reading is something I can't ignore.


There are definitely moments that make me dream of the open road when certain conversations come up in the small, open space we inhabit (it's the hip thing to do), and conversations like this force me to step outside for a breather. To say that reading is a waste of time is to disregard the fact that you had to learn how to do so to even get an interview for the position you have (if you could even make it that far). Let's not forget that reading assists you in keeping your job, because I can say for certain that my inbox is always far (farfarfar) from empty. My blood begins to boil when I hear the same people go on and on about a certain Honey Boo Boo child that I have yet to lay eyes on, but know so much about because they discuss it so frequently. I may not watch television on a regular basis, and may not condone excessive bouts in front of the screen (that goes for any activity), I certainly wouldn't announce that watching reality television was a waste of time. I don't judge the fact that my co-workers spend the majority of their time watching professional sports, or the Honey phenomenon, or online gaming after their time in the office. Yes, even if they've admitted that they can't remember the last time they actually attempted a book. To each his/her own. I do, however, firmly believe that these activities are just as much a time waster as reading, if that's what we're calling it. But what do I know? And these time wasters, to some extent, don't provide nearly as many benefits as reading if we're going to really discuss it.

I'm surrounded by so many intelligent book bloggers, individuals I see rejoicing in book award announcements, classic novel clubs, and get excited about finding a new independent book store, that I fail to realize that much of the world doesn't share our fervor. I've heard so many comments during my 25 years of reading life, suggesting that it's an incredibly pathetic use of my free time, and noticed the looks of surprise when I mention I blog about books, that I probably should have been much more prepared for the announcement. Perhaps these people don't realize that reading and discussing is a way to keep your brain active. To challenge yourself. To meet people that share something you love. To meet people that are intelligent and make you feel great. There are so many reasons I read books. I learn new words. I realize new emotions. I recognize genius and feel inspired.

Reading could never be a waste of time. Society wouldn't stress learning to do so at such a young age if it were. Fiction creates children with active imaginations, individuals who become innovative leaders and benefit the world. I'd hate to live in a world where reading was deemed a waste of time, but apparently I do. To some small extent, anyway.

I can't stress how much I appreciate this little area of the world, a place where I can blab on and on about character development and plot lines. You guys are truly wonderful. Reading is such a wonderful use of my time and I can only hope that my children and the generations that follow will feel the same. I can only read more and blog more and get more involved to combat this ideology. And I know you will too. Thanks to all those bloggers out there that make me feel so great, and for keeping a "dying" activity alive.

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