Why read?

[€uroMeinke]

It differs from book to book. The good ones stick with you but maybe in different ways. Lately I love Murakami, but some of that may be where I'm in in my life - I identify with his protagonists and suddenly see the magic and mystery of ordinary life. I feel differently about myself and the world when I read his stuff and find I need time to savor before I start something else.

Some books I appreciate, but know I read them at the wrong time - I was way too old when I finally picked up On the Road, but i can imagine how good it would have been had I read it right out of high school.

I used to love reading sci-fi, but found as I got older the genre has become less and less compelling. I used to think that was the place to find the most innovative thinking, but now I only pick something that's been recommended by more than one person.

I read to be entertained, to be educated, and be challenged - I like most the books that make me think differently about things. That might not always be a page turner, but usually the most satisfying to me.