Reading BooksSince I came to college, now nearly two years ago (finishing Sophomore year), I pretty much abandoned my interest/desire to read books.
Since I came to college, now nearly two years ago (finishing Sophomore year), I pretty much abandoned my interest/desire to read books.
I came up with a lot of excuses like this one: “I just do not have time to sit down and focus on reading a book.” Honestly, though, it was true! I was already so busy with classes, work, and other things — that reading books always sat down low on my list of priorities.
I do not think this is a unique compromise that people make. It is not just students. Many of us leave “reading a book” out of our day to day schedule because we believe we do not have time for it.
Besides, there are so many other sources of information we consume — blog posts, podcasts, news, etc. — we make up for it! Right?
No. I think there is something inherently special about reading long form books. Books are written with an extreme amount of purpose. They sit on shelves and are timeless. They are incredible stories.
Other forms of media, while good in their other ways, are far more transient. I think consuming both is ideal.
I want to start reading more books. I still do not have more time to read books. So…What I am doing is listening to audio books using Audible. I started last week — just listening in between classes when I am walking around.
It is incredible.
I listen on 2x speed. I hear everything. And while I may comprehend the material maybe 95% as well as I do while physically reading it, it is still far better than doing nothing.
I started last week.
I listened to one book already. And I am halfway through the next.
I am going to become a voracious reader (listener). It will change my life.
Let’s see how it grows.
Originally published at gonen.blog.
By jordangonen on April 26, 2017.
Exported from Medium on February 17, 2018.