Saturday, June 21, 2008

• Twerd and Proud of it!!!

  So the first topic is one very close to my heart, almost an obsession really. I have chosen to disclose this information and blog on this topic for women who to this point have thought or still think they are crazy, as I did until recently (and sometimes still do). For any to whom this topic is still a mystery, it is Twilight (my newest obsession), and reading in general. 

  From the beginning…

  When I was young I HATED reading. I remember being forced into reading due to required recreational reading for school. I remember most days I would grab a book and sit on the couch pretending to read, while I sat listening to my family, the TV, or ANYTHING but reading, frequently falling asleep. From the time I was very young, until about age 27 I was not a reader, and just assumed that is who I was. I avoided classes that required too much reading, and procrastinated when I could not avoid it. I tried occasionally to read a book for fun, and IF I finished it, it would take me several months to as much as a year to do so.

  I stated earlier that this frame of mind lasted until about 27, but this is only partially true. It was then that a good friend of mine, despite my insistence that I am not a recreational reader, coerced me into attempting to read Harry Potter. I reluctantly agreed, sure it would be a monumental waste of time, borrowed her book and began to read. Much to my surprise, not only did I enjoy it, but I finished it in just a few days time eager to begin the next book in the series. It took my less than 2 months to finish all of the books (which at the time were just 4); I was so thrilled and I was ready to try again. I picked up a few books here and there from the YMCA, where I used to workout (they had a bookshelf to borrow from), but only managed to finish one. I tried several times, with many different books, but nothing captured my attention. So back to Harry it was, and I stuck there for many years. I read and re read the series with each new book and movie, or just for fun.

  From 27 until this year I read nothing but Harry Potter books (which was also very much an obsession to me so I did not mind), and Inkheart. I had been given so many recommendations, and I tried a few, but I was there was nothing else out there I could get into. Once again I was coerced, but, having been there once, I gave in quickly; this time I was actually EXCITED about the books that EVERYONE seemed to be raving about and ready for the challenge.

  Twilight was everything everyone claimed and more. From the first page I was hooked, and my family fell victim to my indulgence. I finished them in about 3 weeks (or less) and I was in awe. I was thrilled, and depressed all in one. I LOVED them, but the thing about becoming so captivated by a book the way I was with the Twilight books, is the hole they leave when your finished. I thought I was nuts, it was a book why should it have this hold on me. I read anything and everything I could, and I plan to re read the series a few weeks before Breaking Dawn is released. I would not dare tell anyone, they would commit me for sure. And I kept it to myself, until I read a post from friend. I was sooo relieved I looked for more to see if I was just one of two nut jobs out there, only to find other readers who felt this way. I still feel INSANE, but I am finding that I am not alone, and happy to know that I am not as crazy as I feel.

  I have since come to the decision that if the desire to read is there, there are books for everyone. If you are not a reader, you have not found the right books. I am now reading the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich, and when I finish them (not to mention my repeat of the twilight series with the release of Breaking Dawn), I  will begin the pursuit the of more books. I am excited for the journey, to give my TV a much deserved break, from me anyway, to search for the gems among the many pages waiting to be discovered.
  

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