Why literature is important (to me)

As a part of my readathon for the Meningitis Research Foundation, I decided to finish my journey through Stop what you're doing and read this. This book is a compilation of ten essays each explaining why you should stop what you're doing and read a book. Inevitably, it got me thinking about my own personal experiences with reading and writing.

Just to warn you all: I have no idea what I wish to say in the blog post, I am simply just trying to put the thoughts in my head into words.. I might say my thoughts are stars I cannot fathom into constellations but that would be plagiarism and I just wanted to quote TFIOS, okay? hehe see what I did there.

The first "proper" book I remember reading is The Faraway Tree Stories. I'm pretty certain I was about six when I read this book so I'm pretty sure that during that point in my life, I was reading for meaning of the story rather than anything else. I mean, surely it's impossible for a six year old to read in order to escape everyday life like so many people claim to do today? Or it is really that impossible at all? Maybe I'd already discovered, at six years old, that fictitious worlds often made a lot more sense than the real one? Sorry, I'm digressing.. That is a debate for another time!

Anyway, my point is that people read books for all sorts of different reasons. Some people read in order to appear more intelligent. Some people read in order to escape their everyday lives. Some people read in order to find identification with both characters and situations. As a matter of fact, there are too many reasons to list.

People who opt against reading often class it as "a waste of time" when more important things could be done such as having a marathon of Orange is the new black. But I guess all I really wanted to say is that, no matter what your reason for reading (or not reading) is, the main goal is always to be happy. Whether that goal is achieved or not, it's still there.

So, whether you're reading a physical book or an electronic copy of it on a kindle, it really shouldn't matter. The words are still the same. If you're a fan of Twilight, like me, why should anybody care? It serves the same purpose as any other piece of literature. And yes all literature has different purposes but they all serve a purpose to make at least one person happy.

Really, all I'm trying to say is that books are good. Books are happiness. Well, at least I think they are. I'll shut up now.
If you've made it this far, you can have 7 points.