Cultivating Reading Habit

Sugam Gautam

At various gatherings and during festivals, my relatives and neighbours barrage me with a string of questions about literature. Their primary concern revolves around the rewards and outcomes of my devotion to reading and writing. While they nod approvingly at my answers, I sense that deep down, they perceive my passion as merely a way to pass the time. Only those acutely keen on literature can truly understand why I am always immersed in newspapers and novels. In my case, not a single day passes without flipping through a newspaper or leafing through a novel. Some of my friends find it taxing to sit at a table with books laid out in front of them. In contrast, I can continue reading endlessly, sometimes to the point where they need to conspire to get me away from the table.

My passion for literature did not burst forth suddenly. As I reflect on my childhood, I vividly recall events that suggest I had an uncanny grace for reading books. As a child, I would borrow books from my neighbour friends who had an abundance of them in the well-resourced library of their schools. In return, I would offer something that captivated their interest. This prolonged exchange between books and other items allowed me to develop an eye for discovering beauty in written texts. During those days, I read children's books written in Nepali, and over time, I delved into English literature, which I found to be the most enjoyable. By now, I have read hundreds of books, and I can proudly say that cultivating the habit of reading is the best thing I have done in my life.

One strange observation among readers is that each reader has their own favorite genre and writers. Some may prefer self-help books to enhance productivity, while others may choose fictional novels to wash away their weariness. Regardless of the genre, readers are filled with knowledge and an understanding of diverse cultures. Self-help books inspire good living habits, promoting health and contentment. Books on politics and history provide accounts of the country's transformations over time. As a fiction reader, I enjoy delving into the psychology of characters, allowing me to understand complex human sentiments. Strangely, over the years, my reading habit has transformed me into a compassionate being with an easy-going personality.

Reading not only enhances one's personality but also boosts communication skills. My writing continues to improve with each book I read, significantly benefiting my academic pursuits. The benefits one can derive from reading books are limitless, and it is a must for people of every age, irrespective of their gender or profession. If someone claims they can't read due to a busy schedule, they must know the fact that business tycoons like Warren Buffet and Bill Gates also make time to read books of their interests. While forming a daily reading habit can be challenging, one can start by reading at least 10 pages a day and gradually increase the number of pages. Children who enjoy scrolling through phones should be introduced to books, as this life-altering habit can sow a healthy seed for the future.