irmamay37's webcam video August 29, 2010, 07:47 PM

Vladimir Nabokov 

GOOD READERS AND GOOD WRITERS

A good reader is “one who has imagination, memory, a dictionary, and some artistic sense” (Nabokov 615). Nabokov believes that no generalizations should be made. A good reader should look at every book with a new eye no matter what you have learned or may have read before. A good reader must create their own values. Nabokov states, “A good reader, a major reader, an active and creative reader is a re-reader” (Nabokov 615). He believes that in order to receive the “big picture” that the author is trying to convey you must read the book many times. When you read a book for the first time your mind is focusing on the chore of reading and oftentimes is unable to imagine and expand in order to create the story in your head and really make it come to life. Most readers read books to relate. They are reminded of a past experience or place and identify themselves with a character in the story. This is not good reading. A reader must display an artistic and scientific temperament. A good reader portrays impersonal imagination and creativity.

I agree with many statements that Nabokov makes. I agree completely that you must use imagination in order to be a good reader. There are so many books that require you to think outside of your life and the lives’s of those around you and really dig deep in your reading. The impossible oftentimes becomes possible in many books and without the use of your creative imagination you may not receive the same picture the author was trying to convey through his writing. I disagree a little when it comes to his view on good readers being double readers. I have read many books and received the full message or picture from only reading them once. I believe we see what we choose to, if you are compelled and focused on a reading of your choice, and become truly interested and engaged you are able to receive the full substance in my opinion. If you are uninterested in your reading is when it becomes cloudy and vague and oftentimes not worth understanding. I believe it takes imagination, creativity, an open mind, and the ability to clear your head to be a good reader. When you have a lot on your mind reading becomes difficult. I consider myself a selective reader. I enjoy reading when it is something of interest to me. Although I have an open mind I am not a good reader if the reading is dense. I am an excellent reader when I clear my head, use my imagination, and really read a book I am interested in. 

One of my favorite books is A Million Little Pieces by James Frey, if you have yet to read it I recommend it. It really takes you into the life of addiction and gives you a first hand glimpse of drugs, and the harm they cause. It has been stated that this story was said to be real and turned out to be fiction, in all honesty real or not, it is amazing. I inserted a link of an interview with the author and his take on people criticizing his work for being untrue. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyLZ76HzlQw