People believe good readers are those who can read anything that comes their way, those who can read fast, read much and read well, or have a set of preferences developed over a period of time with reading experiences. Vladimir Nabokov describes a good reader as a passionate, artistic, and aloof individual. A good reader establishes an artistic harmonious balance between his mind and the authors mind. Someone who takes pleasure in the inner weave of a given masterpiece. I believe a good reader feels passionate about what books he/she will conquer next. It’s the artistic side and aloofness of the reader that captures the full mental grasp of what the author is implying. A creative reader is a good reader. Creative reading isn’t the flair to read between the lines and understand author’s inherent intentions, suggestions or embedded allusions. It is the quality to be able to discern the genre and reading strategy of the book, to know if and when the author’s intrusion is necessary to enjoy the book to its utmost, to be able to classify the books and authors according to varied parameters and know the time their reading will be best suited. My reading comprehension is very poor. I do not believe for one second that I fit in the category of a “Good Reader”. I have improved and continue to acquire the necessary strategies to be considered an accomplished reader. My fiancé is a fantastic reader and a wonderful companion to read with. I feel my weakness is text structure. I have not read many books. I found it most difficult to grasp the meaning of what the atmosphere is like inside the authors mind. I could not get a picture; I lacked imagery in my reading. I never understood how people could imagine the scenery of where the characters are or what they’re wearing and run with it till the end, like a film. As I continue to expand my genre of reading, I’m beginning to understanding books more while I familiarize my self better with English grammar.
Teresa
ReplyDeleteI agree with your feelings on what makes a good reader. A good reader will connect with a story. A good reader will experience and embrace what the author is writing about.
I also feel that what we comprehend and take away from the story, all depends on our own lives and personal experiences.
I could see how reading in a different language, would make grasping concepts a major challenge.
Teresa
ReplyDeleteI’m one of those people that believe a good reader is someone that can read fast. I think they can understand the reading as they read. As for me I have to reread a reading a couple of times so I can understand the reading. Nabokov mentions that a good reader rereads a reading and I don’t consider my self a good reader. I’m like you, I lacked imaginary in my reading, but now that I read more I have improve in understanding readings a little bit faster. Wow, I can believe you don’t consider your self a good reader, what you wrote is really good. It seems that you really understood what Nabokov wrote. I agree with you in what makes a good reader.