Reading? What's that? Is it work related? I'd much rather play a video game. If schools encourage reading you'd never know it. Seems like people read less and less every day. More than 33% of the people that graduated from high school have not read one book since that time. How sad is that?

I am happy to say I read my first book when I was five and I have been reading voraciously for the last 65 years. I read one book after the other and I have reviewed every book I've read for the last ten years (perhaps 200). Why review books, why take the time? Because I know well-written honest reviews help authors sell books. My first novel, Bristlecone Magic, is a YA Christian fantasy and I hope those that take time to read it will also take time to review it. A pat on my back, I now have 11 five star reviews and I am thrilled to mention it.

Have you ever wondered what reading can do for you? Terry Kay summed it up in a poem entitled While Reading. (If you do a search for Terry Kay While Reading you will find a link on the net)  

                   Just a few thoughts...

!) Reading can and will strengthen your vocabulary. It's your chance to learn more words and what they mean without even knowing it.

2) Reading can broaden your horizons, make you smarter and more well-rounded. It can take you to places and times you've never experienced. Ever wanted to travel back in time? Read Time and Again by Jack Finney or H G Wells The Time Machine.

3) Reading can give you a well deserved break from all the junk in your life or all the crap happening around you and you deserve it.

So, if you'd like to get back into reading, start small and read a short story; it might only be 500 to 1000 words but it's a start. Check out Story Star. You'll be glad you did.

If you see this news article and you like it or feel it has merit, please pass it along to someone you think could use a reading boost or a jumpstart. I hope you're having awonderful day. Happy reading!