National Read Across America Day

I am a reader!  For those people who know me any at all, this may be stating the obvious.  In order to succeed to any degree in life, a person must become a proficient reader.  Television and the internet have their places, especially when sourcing for news and political commentary, but old-fashioned reading of the newspaper and books is never a lost art form.  Reading increases intellectual growth, including sharpened reasoning and analytical skills, along with greater breadth in and proper usage of vocabulary.  Another peripheral benefit is the ability to converse on about any subject.  Becoming a better conversationalist takes practice, but reading makes for a great beginning.  Reading proficiently doesn't occur overnight, it also takes work and many years of continued, diligent use.  Challenge yourself in what types of books and magazines you read.  Read to yourself out loud, or read to your children.  Doing so will help you, as well as instill the love for reading in to your family.  Books are so much better than their movie versions.  The theatre of the mind is the imagination.  What is seen on that screen makes Hollywood pale in comparison.  For today's obscure holiday, begin making the habit of daily reading by picking up a book or magazine.  You will be glad you did.