Books Don't Ring

One of my favorite hobbies is reading. I just love it so much. Books can take you to a different world. You do not need anyone else to read. Books are a low cost/free hobby. (For me it has been a little more expensive as I love to collect the books I read.) There is just so much magic in a book and in reading.
I am always disheartened when I see the youth of today taking no interest in books. A tween asked if he could borrow my Lord of the Rings books. This simple request made my week. I was so happy. I personally do not like Lord of the Rings all that much, but I was overjoyed with the fact a youth had asked to borrow a book.
It truly breaks my heart how literature is not valued. Technology now is even getting rid of the new book smell with inventions like the Kindle, iPad, etc. Alright talking about the new book smell is nerdy enough. I will move on.

Today in a seminar someone asked how many of us would like to read books, but do not have the time. Everyone raised their hand. Then he mentioned why we do not read books.
"The answer is simple" he said."Books don't ring."
Three very simple words. However, they really blew my mind. Books do not pressure us to read them. They do not interrupt our emails and daily life with their needs, problems, or plots. They do not call us or message us demanding our attention. Books are just passive creatures who rest on our shelves or nightstands. They are the shy little kid in the back of the class who is there to be noticed if you give them the time.
The most upsetting thing about my college experience is my lack of reading for enjoyment. I do love psychology and those texts are exciting for me, but I am talking about the pure fiction here. After coming to college I have read less than five books for fun. That is so depressing.
"Books don't ring." That is something I am unwilling to accept. I am going to make books ring in my life! There is going to always be a book demanding my attention. No longer will I allow him to be the shy kid in the back of my class. I am always going to call on him. (Even if he is not constantly raising his hand and demanding my attention like everything else in my life.) I will be carrying a book in my purse so I have one wherever I go.
The next time you have a free moment and are checking all those alerts on your phone or your inbox, turn it off. Pick up that book instead and read all of it's messages.
It's simple really:
Make. Books. Ring.