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| http://www.allposters.com/-sp/Author-Vladimir-Nabokov-Reading-a-Book-Posters_i5326656_.htm |
Nabokov thinks that a good reader has “imagination, memory, a dictionary, and some artistic sense.” He also talks about how the reader should be able to be objective in order to truly create the world around him that the particular book is describing. Nabokov also discusses two different varieties of imagination in the reader’s case. First there’s the emotional reader that is reminded of something that happened to them or someone they know or knew when they read. Or the reader might be reminded of a time and place from their own past. Second, and he claims this is the worst thing a reader can do which is identify himself with a character in the book. He claims this is not the kind of imagination he thinks readers should use. He also talks about the importance of re-reading a book and how that is the best way to really take in all of the details. I do completely agree that this is important, but I rarely re-read books myself because I just want to get started on a new one already. If I do re-read a book its because its one of my favorites, I usually don't re-read something that I didn't really like or understand, even though I might end up understanding it better.
I think that I agree to some extent with what Nabokov is saying about a good reader, but I also disagree with some of it. I agree that a good reader should have the characteristics he listed, but I disagree with his ideas of it being a bad thing to identify with the character in a book. I understand that he’s saying this doesn’t leave much for the imagination and/or doesn’t allow the reader to take in what the author is trying to describe. I have to admit though, that sometimes I enjoy when I can relate to a character in a book I’m reading. Sometimes being able to relate to a character in a book is what draws you into the book in the first place and holds your attention.
I think that a good reader should understand what they’re reading, have an imagination as Nabokov claims, as well as his opinion of having a good memory. I don’t know if I agree with the artistic sense because I do consider myself a good reader, but I don’t consider myself artistic in any way, so I’m not sure how that really works. I am by no means a perfect reader; I definitely have room for improvement. I can also work on increasing the types of books I like to read and not just stick to the same kind all of the time. I imagine to Nabokov I am probably not a “good reader”. I like to read though, so that’s got to count for something.
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| http://artofmanliness.com |
I will admit this website grabbed my attention with the title alone, “The Art of Manliness”, what man wouldn’t want to check that out, right? When I did I found that I had read several of the books on this 100 must read books for the man’s library. I’m pretty sure every one of them was required for school such as Lord of the Flies (did not like this one) and Catcher in the Rye (really enjoyed this one but barely remember it). I also found out that I’ve seen more of them as movies than read the actual book. I consider myself somewhat of an avid reader, but I’m not known to read much classic literature for pleasure. Every once in a while I’m assigned a book from school and I enjoy it, but I have to admit I’m drawn to Harry Potter, James Patterson books, and murder/mystery or thriller type books. Occasionally I will enjoy more emotional books such as Marley and Me (I’m a dog lover and this made me cry!) or The Lovely Bones, and for my more feminine side I have read the Twilight books (I actually enjoyed them, don’t judge!). I read for entertainment. When I read a book it plays in my mind like a movie. I usually read books by my favorite author, James Patterson, or books that are recommended to me. After reviewing this “must read” list I’m starting to wonder if I should broaden my literature horizon? I just hope that I can pass a love of reading on to my son some day because I know this will not only make him a better student, but probably a better person.
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I’m also including this link to a website with lots of articles discussing the importance of reading to your children. This really speaks to me because I want to create the habit of reading to my 10 month old son every day, he already loves to look at books and listen to my wife and I read to him.
Hey Nate,
ReplyDeleteI really like how in depth you go to talk about the questions that were given to us. I like that you go your own way in saying that you do not completely agree with the artistic point of reading. I personally think that, that is a big part of making a reader a good reader. Although I suppose depending on what you are reading a lack of imagination in the artistic department may not hold a person back. I also think it was good that you stated that he believed there is two types of readers out there.
Lindsey Meredith
Hey Nate, great job on explaining your point of view on such an important topic like reading. As you know from reading my post, I have to go with Nabokov on the whole "identifying with a character" thing. I think that when you identify yourself with a character, you start to make assumptions about them. You assume that you know how they will react, or what type of decisions they will make (because that's what you would do). As opposed to just reading a characters story for what it is, and following them throughout their journey knowing nothing other than what an author has told you. Such a beautiful thing if you as me!
ReplyDeleteMore importantly, I agree with you so feverishly about reading to children. There are so many kids at my boys' school who have trouble sitting through a 5 minute Dr. Suess book. Their little attention spans are no bigger than the length of a television commercial. Books are such an easy way for us to show our children to SLOW DOWN. BREATHE. REFLECT. Things that most children in new generations have so much trouble with. So good for you that you are reading to your son. It will impact him much more than a lot of parental things you will do for him throughout his life =)
Hey Nate, I enjoyed reading your blog. In your 1st paragraph you talk about re-reading. My thoughts were similar. I, like you, do not re-read books that I have read and enjoyed. In contrast I always re-read text book material that I fully did not understand to help me comprehend the meaning behind it. In your 2nd paragraph, when you talk about relating to a character in a book, I fully agree. There are many books that bring memories back to me or lead me to a feeling that I may have had in the past, some memories or feeling mirror the feeling of a character in a book; this makes the book more enjoyable to me. When I am able to read about others who feel the same way as me or who have felt the same way.
ReplyDeleteWhile I was reading your blog I stumbled upon this quote from you, “I read for entertainment. When I read a book it plays in my mind like a movie.” I was stunned! In my blog I wrote, “My imagination is very vivid; while reading a book I always play the scenes out in my head. It’s almost like I’m viewing a movie in a private theatre.” I guess great minds think alike!
I liked how you referenced to only re-reading your favorite books. I do not understand why a person would stop during a book to re-read some details, if you were reading critically at first re-reading wouldn't be necessary. I also liked how you referenced to the visuals reading can give a person, it's like a bunch of little movie clips being played out, only in the way the reader thinks it should be. I also liked how you added an emphasis about the importance of reading to children, it is a shame how many kids do not like to read in today's world. Many very good points! Great Job!
ReplyDeleteHey Nate,
ReplyDeleteFirst I wanna say that I totally do the same with books... I never reread them. I have over 100 books from my grandparents and about 25 that I bought myself. I have a book shelf for books that I have read and a book shelf that I haven't read, once I read a book I'll move it to the read shelf and never touch it again. maybe when I am older I will come back and read them... but not anytime soon. :)
I feel like you saying that you can work on increasing the types of books you read should be something I need to start doing... I read the same kind of books you do, James Patterson (love the Women's murder club), my last name is Cullen so I HAD to read the twilight books.
Anyway I like your ideas on reading and I look forward to reading future post's!
Hi Nate,
ReplyDeleteBefore I comment on your Reader post, I just wanted to say I too was interested in the Radiology Program at YC and intend to come back to YC later in life for it. I would like to recommend to you the EMS131 class as a great elective to take that will get you familiar with basic health care and human anatomy. Perhaps even get you into the hospital as a Tech 1 while you go school for radiology.
As for your post, I never gave relating to the character much thought. I do agree with you. I recall reading the book Fight Club after watching the movie and relating not to the characters', but more so the authors thinking. I don't know where that places me in Nabokov's eyes, however, I do think that in some particular cases putting yourself in the shoes of the character could give you that extra suspense while reading.
Hi Nate,
ReplyDeleteGreat Post! I agree 100% about passing the joy of reading on to our children. My babies are 2 and 3 years old and I try to make a point of reading to them every day. If we don't read, we use our artistic abilities to invent a story together.
I think using your imagination is a form of artistic ability. If you can visualize the scenery, and imagine the characters in your mind, you are using your artistic side.
Earlier this year I bought myself a Kindle, it is an awesome tool for those who like/love to read. It is also great because I don't have any unread books hanging around and collecting dust.
I definatly agree with your analysis and feel that you did above and beyond. You were able to analyze each aspect. Great Job! good luck with this semester
ReplyDelete