By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
Readers come in all shapes, sizes, and ages, but one trait they have in common is their enthusiasm for reading. Some prefer short nonfiction or fiction pieces while other readers reach for full-length nonfiction or fiction.
Avid readers devour one book after another while many prefer to linger on each word. Word lovers highlight and underline passages that excite them. They return to these passages to recapture the intensity of the first time they appeared.
But what criteria make a reader enthusiastic? For certain it doesn’t mean age, gender, type of reading, if the process is done fast or slow, or if the reader needs to hold a physical book or swipe pages with their finger.
The following are 7 habits of a highly enthusiastic reader.
- An enthusiastic reader processes the piece for value. Everything read has a purpose: to entertain, inspire, encourage, inform, and/or educate.
- An enthusiastic reader applies worthwhile information to life. Every moment is filled with potential for enrichment.
- An enthusiastic reader often donates a completed book to another person or organization. We are a culture that places sentiment on books given to us or signed by the author. That’s great! But contributing to the reading of others is an investment in someone’s view of the world.
- An enthusiastic reader records finished books and may add a brief statement of what the book was about. This helps to make an informed recommendation and in selecting subject matter for future titles or written by the same author.
- An enthusiastic reader discusses what has been read. Conversations about books are an invitation to step into another reader’s mind. All benefit in the exchange of opinions and views.
- An enthusiastic reader challenges his/her habits to select different genres of books. We live in a diverse world, so why not be diverse in our reading?
- An enthusiastic reader admits when a book isn’t interesting and puts it aside. Don’t be afraid not to finish a book or short piece that doesn’t appeal to you. There are many books out there awaiting your attention.
- An enthusiastic reader introduces new concepts into their lives by exploring the world of fiction and nonfiction.
What about you? What habits shape your reading?
