Derek’s recent post on reading was not only spot-on, but it dealt with a topic that I’m musing on in preparation for a workshop at Jubilee in a few weeks. I wrote a piece for the March issue of Comment (coming soon!) on the same topic recently, and talked to a number of people about why they read.

Derek gave some great reasons for reading. Here’s a few more that I think about:

Reading helps us empathize with those who aren’t like us. Derek mentioned this a little, but it’s worth emphasizing. The IAM Readers Guild exists for this very reason. As Mako said in his book Refractions,

“What reading and writing can teach us is a deeper empathy that leads us to desire the best for others who are entirely different from us, and to long to communicate with them.”

Reading is active, but also rejuvenating. When I have free time to relax, I like to tuck into a good book. But I’m not just sacking out, the way I often do when I watch television. My mind is awake and active, absorbing and evaluating what I’m reading. I might be scribbling notes or laughing over witty observations. In other words, I’m engaged. I’m not passive. There’s no entertainment “hangover” at the end – just a feeling of satisfaction and an expanded mind.

Reading is solitary. My work life over the past few years has evolved from a relatively quiet, solitary existence to a career that brings me into contact with people constantly – students, colleagues, visitors, email, phone, Facebook . . . Reading a book gives me a great reason to put down the iPhone, shut the MacBook, and close the door. It’s just me and the author in the world of the book.

Reading is social. You read that right. In the last year, I’ve started two reading groups (one with friends, and one at IAM). I also started FiftyTwoFiftyTwo, where a number of people (some who I know, and some who are new to me) have been writing about what they’re reading. I’ve continued to enjoy Goodreads, reading reviews by my friends and discovering new books. Reading connects me to people in a way that many other activities just don’t. (Derek’s reading seems to have had a similar effect!)

There’s more, but I suppose I should save something for Jubilee – where you’ll have the great opportunity of checking out Byron Borger’s Hearts and Minds book tables!