Getting Into (or Back to) Books

by Raegan Densmore

There is something so draining and time wasting about spending all of my free time scrolling through Tiktok. It feels like I should be doing something more, or different. In school, I read a lot of books; some that I loved, and some that I fought hard to get through (or secretly dropped) because they were so boring. However, I found myself procrastinating actual school work by reading books. To be honest, it made me feel less guilty because I was still doing something for school, it just was not the top priority. Regardless, I miss reading, and I think it would be fun to get back into it. 

Reading an interesting book is an extremely good feeling. Before classes, I would cram in as much as I could read, and then I would spend the whole day waiting, eager to pick up that book again. The last book we read in my English class was Severance by Ling Ma. Despite most of the books in this course being older, this one was published in 2018. I found it quite intriguing and was quite shocked when my classmates disagreed. There is a lot of filler and what may seem like “unnecessary content” but I believed that to be important to the story regardless, part of the point of it. The story seemed to bring light to how overconsumption can take over our lives, how we rely on so many man-made things, and how buying stuff makes us feel something. There was a lot more to this story, but I found that this aspect of it people seemed to view as weird or unnecessary. The story takes place in a virus outbreak throughout the world, and also deals with themes of immigrancy, feeling isolated, and largely of nostalgia. I highly suggest it; it is a short, but excellent read.

In my courses, I read a lot of philosophy books. Going through and analysing each philosopher was very thought provoking. Despite it sometimes hurting my brain having to compare them for my essays, I actually learned a lot and am glad I got to experience each writer. One of my favourites was Rene Descartes. I do not necessarily agree with his views, however, I enjoyed reading his writing and how he portrayed his thought process, views, and arguments. I think I read his Meditations at least three times this year and each time, learn more. Descartes’ Meditations on First Philosophy is a great introduction to philosophy. His writing about the existence of God and the distinction of body and soul, is actually quite easy to read and understand and his thoughts are intriguing and mind boggling. I am excited to read more philosophy next year and hopefully will pick up some more this summer. 

In Toronto, I often had the urge to go to a cafe and read a book. And every time I watched a good movie, I had the urge to buy the book. Living right next to an Indigo did not help. This summer, I think it could be fun to go to the beach, somewhere outside or simply in my own bed and read. Sometimes these urges did get to me and now I do have plenty of unread books to finally pick up if I decide to do this. Two of these books include Pride and Prejudice and The Silence of the Lambs, however the latter, I have actually been avoiding watching the movie so I can experience the book first. I have watched and read Girl, Interrupted, which is what started this obsession with reading and watching things. I have lots to say about both and I love being able to compare the two. So this summer, I plan on reading and finishing at least one of these books to be able to compare it to its movie adaptation. 

This procrastination of mine must end so I can actually pick up a book instead of scrolling through my phone. I have much evidence to prove that reading books comes with much fun and benefits but yet, I always tell myself, “another day”. I plan to change that this summer and read the books that I choose because I want to and not because a class requires me too. Because one of the best feelings is reading a great book.