Do you like to read books for fun or knowledge? Do you even like to read?

United States
April 30, 2007 2:48am CST
I prefer to read books that are more knowledgable myself. I enjoy a good fiction, mystery, horror, and even a sci fi. I just prefer to read a book that is helping me learn about the world and the things in it. What about you?
10 people like this
33 responses
@nkkyluv (83)
• Nigeria
30 Apr 07
I read a lot, horror, fiction, mystery, histroy, romance, crime, etc. but i prefer to read about history, past kings and their kingdoms, their kind of politics, where and what led to previous wars, etc. I read for both knowledge & fun and it has really helped me to know about the world and what happened before now.
3 people like this
@mystery5 (350)
• India
30 Apr 07
My attitude towards books is quite similar to yours. I have a very psychology-tilted, and from almost all the books I read, I tend to pick up human-behaviour related lessons. I typically read for leisure or for learning. When I read for leisure, I like to read murder mysteries or clean romantic books (very rare to find, LOL) Other times, I read psychological books, and alternative therapy healing books.
• United States
30 Apr 07
LOL. I like that "clean romatic books" I am a guy and I have NEVER heard that lol. Maybe, I just don't know woman who read those "clean" ones lol. Seriously though, I agree with you. Nothing wrong with a good intellectual book. It can even be fun to read those books sometimes. Depending on your own point of view about the topic, eh?
1 person likes this
• United States
5 May 07
Good point. It really does help to read them little at a time. I have to read all my college books, mainly about computers. It can be a hand full. So, I usually just read a few pages a day. Rather than a whole chapter.
@mystery5 (350)
• India
2 May 07
Well Eric Segals books fit that description, and I finished reading every single book he ever wrote, well before I completed my teens. Pity he wrote so few! There are a few more too. Intellectual books, yeah I agree. And you have to be in the right mood to read them too. I usually take much longer to read such books, since I like to read a little at a time, and then let it stay in my mind for me to absorb and digest.
2 people like this
@ElicBxn (63235)
• United States
30 Apr 07
I mostly read for entertainment. I do enjoy history or science books, but as my reading time has gone down so much, I find I read less in those subjects. I am getting to where I if I don't like a book I'll stop & let it go.
2 people like this
@AmbiePam (85497)
• United States
2 May 07
Yep. I'm at that point too. I just don't have enough time to invest in a book I don't even really like.
1 person likes this
@Modestah (11179)
• United States
30 Apr 07
Generally for more knowledge, but only because I find that, um, FUN! hehe. I used to read a LOT, but ever since joining mylot, sigh, I can not seem to find the time. I really need to kick my mylot habit. at least curb it somewhat.
2 people like this
• United States
30 Apr 07
I agree with you on the learning is fun. It really can be. You feel like you are accomplishing something, not just reading a book and saying "Oh! That was a good book!" you know? I should get on mylot more myself, I think I stayed off for like a week. Felt kind of like I was neglecting my friends on here lol. O well...
1 person likes this
@crackhead (1826)
• India
30 Apr 07
Reading books is time pass for me, mystery and horror i like them. Some time i like fiction books but i never read them and finish at a strech.
2 people like this
• Philippines
1 May 07
reading books had been my pasttime, too. i read about almost anything that catches my interest. those books which delve about the environment and about ethnic cultures are among my favorites.
2 people like this
@psyche49f (2502)
• Philippines
2 May 07
Definitely, I love to read almost anything from books to magazines, to newspapers, reference materials, and discussions from mylot. I love the books written by Sheldon, Steele, etc., and I read not only to gain knowledge but more so to enjoy and relax. Reading for me is a form of relaxation, and stimulates the brain, too. So whenever I have the chance to, I grab the latest newspaper or magazine. But for long periods of reading, a good novel will keep me glued to the book for a long time.
@kathy77 (7486)
• Australia
30 Apr 07
Yes I prefer to read books that are knowledgable to learn about things that I do not know about they are really interesting and I find that I have learnt a lot by reading them. I read about how to deal with the law, health books, gardening and house hold books to make it easier to live.
1 person likes this
• United States
30 Apr 07
Nothing like a good "How to..." book ehh???? Hehe. What's weird with me is I enjoy a good "history" book. Nothing like learning about how to avoid mistakes then to learn from some ediot in history :)
• China
30 Apr 07
I feel I really am an idiot in both history and geography....I should learn more about them.
30 Apr 07
I love reading, and have a large collection of books. These days, however, I prefer to read my fiction books, fantasy and sci-fi. I have often felt that while these books may be fictional, there is always an element within that makes me think that the contents of these books *could* one day become fact
1 person likes this
30 Apr 07
Thank you for the best response (May the Force be with you)- LOL
1 person likes this
• United States
5 May 07
LOL. And may the force be with you. :)
• United States
30 Apr 07
And that is the good thing about sci-fi. It can always become truth in the future. I also agree that all books have a "truth" about them. Most writers base their writing around a feeling or point of view. Good point :)
1 person likes this
• United States
1 May 07
I'm a voracious reader, and I read anything from educational books to novels to journals. As to preference, I enjoy reading mystery/detective, suspense, and horror novels (just like you, my friend)! I can't do away with reading informative and educational books because I'm a teacher and I would always want to know what's new. I'm always hungry for information. Happy reading, and happy myLotting!
1 person likes this
• United States
5 May 07
Indeed. Nothing more intertaining for me than information. My brain absorbs it. As you said, reading helps keep you up to date. It also expands your imagination, which sadly seems to be slipping away from most people :(
@charms88 (7538)
• Philippines
1 May 07
Reading has always been a part of my life and I'm an extensive reader for many years. I always hop in to my favorite bookshop to grab two or three books at the same time. If the book interest me so much, I can finish the whole novel in one day. Like you, I like to read mystery, horror, sci-fi as well as medical books. Self-help books like improving your station in life is also a favorite of mine. I don't like the romance type of story though. The thing is, the more you read, the more it will sharpened your mind. You also get to learn new English words and to exercise your imagination well.
• United States
5 May 07
Very well put. I was just conversating to someone else about this. "Exercise your imagination" I wish more people would do this. There is nothing more entertianing in life (in my opinion) than the imagination. :)
@sweetsue (758)
• Philippines
30 Apr 07
I read a lot too. I love to read self help books, inspirational books and magazines. I love reading OG MANDINO's books. They are very helpful.
@samrat16 (2442)
• India
30 Apr 07
I'm a big reader. I've been that way since I was little.It could be because I was read to alot when I was young.If its a good story I will read just about anything EXCEPT for westerns.I just can't get into them. The stories hold no appeal to me. Most of my books come recommended from friends and family.They give me the basics of the story and tell me to give it a try and other than going to the library I read alot of books that I borrow from them.Have you heard the saying that ....the book was better than the movie? Well,that's usually true.For example...The Davinci Code, I don't read alot of intrigue murder mystery books, but I couldn't put this one down.With reading you use your own imagination and you visualize what the characters look like in your own mind.Other than books, I read the weekly newspaper, and I will flip through the occasional magazine.To answer your question on how often do I read..well everyday..we all do, but if you are referring to sitting down with a book then I would have to say at least 4 days a week for various amounts of time.
• United States
5 May 07
I agree with you on the westerns. My dad was HUGE into reading lewis lamore. I just can't get into most westerns. I guess thats why God made us all different, eh??
@LouisJ (488)
• Turkey
30 Apr 07
yes i like to read for fun and to learn things.its fun sitting and listening to music while reading
2 people like this
• China
30 Apr 07
Generally I read books for more knowledge, such as some books to improve my skills or something. Sometimes I feel I need read some books to make myself have a quiet mind, to appeciate the world around me more. Here I'd like to recommend a book to you, A House On Mango Street, which I finished a month ago. It is an excellent book.
1 person likes this
• United States
30 Apr 07
I think I will check that out. Thank you for the referrence. I enjoy reading a book on skills. For me, I love computers so I enjoy reading up on new software and hardware for it.
• United States
30 Apr 07
That is awesome. I am a student right now for CGI or computer graphics intellegence. I enjoy everyday that I get to go to class. I use photoshop sometimes as well, but mainly I use autocad.
• China
30 Apr 07
SO do I. I major in Network Engineering now, and I like to know new softwares, especially about making pictures such as photoshop and painter.
1 person likes this
@minnie_98214 (10557)
• United States
2 May 07
I love too read a senseless mystery. I dont read too learn I read to be creaped out. I love a good old scarey creepy demented book. Some think I have issues cause I get a kick out of reading true crime books. But I promise im not a psyco or anything just a little weird I guess.
1 person likes this
@aidonia (4209)
• Greece
4 May 07
I love reading books since i was a kid.They never didn't need they *push* me for I read any book.Still now at 37 age of mine I read books but so much as I want,the free time I have is so little. Anyway reading help with many way and the more important *open* the mind of the people and add many information.Now I try learn my son loves books and as I see he start reading and asking for new books.
1 person likes this
@lkbooi (16070)
• Malaysia
4 May 07
I like to read books that I find interests like science fictions, historical stories and detectives etc. I also like to read books which will provide information or knowledge of various fields, for example books on gardening, health care, stock market, tourism and so on.
@AmbiePam (85497)
• United States
2 May 07
I used to read a whole lot. Especially fiction and inspirational. Now days I don't read as much because of time and comfort. But I do think I read more on average than someone else my age. When I pick up a book it is usually historical, Christian, autobiography, biography, true crime, and all that jazz.
1 person likes this
@easy888 (10405)
• Australia
30 Apr 07
books - I have never finish reading a book.
Hello.LordGregoroftheSith,honestly, I do not have much interest in reading,I have never finished a book,I may have flipped it over and chuck it away.lol.But I still can get some knowledge from the books,I will read something I like and skip the part which I have no interest in.
• United States
30 Apr 07
Atleast you pick up a book :) I know friends and family or just people, that NEVER read. Some can't. They have never tried. Very sad. I am glad to hear you alteast read the "important" material. :)
@jc_star10 (953)
• Indonesia
4 May 07
I like to read book for both. Knowledge is needed for me to understand many things, to give your brain a little information. I read book for fun, to give me a little break after exhausted day. After reading, you will felt a little bit more relaxed.