Be a READER!

Do you READ or are you A READER?

What's the difference, you ask?

Years ago, my former boss mentioned a book that he was reading. "Oh!" I said. "Are you a reader?"

"Yes, I am. But I read only nonfiction."

"Then you read, but you are not a reader," was my reply. With that, I turned on my heel and didn't really discuss reading with him again. I will admit, I was a little ticked at his condescending tone that I would choose to read what he probably considered "fodder".

A reader reads it all.

A reader reads magazines, newspapers, comic books, graphic novels, fiction, nonfiction, religious texts, and anything else made of groupings of letters to form words, which form sentences, which form magic carpets to take you where ever you want to go.

You see, they all have merit.

Banned Book Week 2014 celebrated graphic novels. They put the spotlight on this much-maligned media, showcasing its worth. Simply put, a graphic novel is a long comic book. Per the ipl2.com website (sponsored by Drexel University), "Despite the name, not all comics are funny. Many comics and graphic novels emphasize drama, adventure, character development, striking visuals, politics, or romance over laugh-out-loud comedy."

I listen to National Public Radio quite often, and have for years. I will never forget a Wine-Talk segment in which the host, a Master Sommelier, was asked what makes a good wine. His answer was simple, and simply correct: "A good wine is one which you enjoy drinking."

That sums up reading to me. It doesn't have to be high brow, critically acclaimed, prize-winning, or otherwise in the spotlight. If you like it, it's a good book for you. Don't let anyone look down their nose at your reading choices. Instead, open their eyes to their own book discriminations.

Be a reader!!