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Taking inspiration from John Wesley, here’s why I have read, re-read and continue to read the classics (and everything else, for that matter).

John’s List:

1. Bigger vocabulary.
2. Improved writing ability.
3. Improved speaking ability.
4. Fresh ideas.
5. Historical perspective.
6. Education entertainment.
7. Sophistication.
8. More efficient reading.
9. Develop a distinct voice.
10. Learn timeless ideas.

My List:

1. Become a better human. We all suffer from ignorance one way or the other. Reading brings you into the minds and lives of other people – heroes and ordinary Joes, bad people and good people, people from cultures, religions and countries different from yours. Immerse yourself in another point-of-view for a while, and you come out a different person. People often compliment me on my ability to talk in different registers, and to “get” other people’s perspective without them having to explain much. Part of that is coming from a working class neighbourhood and going to a few grad schools, sure, but I was already there before I was able to travel or go to university. And don’t be a book snob. I know John is recommending the classics, but I grow with a good detective novel as much as I grow with a classic. I’ll confess my nertitude and say I read several hundred books a year, and have since I was in kindergarten. I won’t stop :)
2. Heal. I’m not talking self-help books, either (perish that tripey thought). My concept of grace and maturity and introspection comes from novels. I’ve experienced what happens with the wrong choices (soap-style, where the characters hide something to “protect” someone else, all the way over to self-involvement or manipulation to cowardice) and what happens with the right choices (taking the high road, facing a challenge, or NOT saying or doing something because it would hurt someone else). And in understanding those choices, I’ve put my own life crises in perspective, and been able to give myself other paths to follow, because I’ve read about someone else doing it.
3. Get witty. Be a shiny, funnier you. And sexy too. Great dialogue inspires you to use your vocabulary and sense of the absurd. It can be a touchstone among other readers, or impress the heck out of the opposite sex. Play with language and ideas, and take the piss out of pomposity. You’ll like it.
4. Stay young. One of the things we associate with “young” is an interest in new ideas, topical events and cultural changes. Well, you read the books, you know what’s going on. I’m thinking about non-fiction here, but the latest prize-winning novel keeps you actively engaged in what is going on around you, as does the zeitgeist of a new author. And don’t be afraid to read edgy, quirky, scatalogical and genre-defining. Maybe it’ll help avoid the Alzheimer’s too :)

I know people will ask for book lists, so I’m thinking I’ll do those in different posts, since choosing my favs is an intense process requiring scotch and research and intense discussions with Melle. Until then, read. Read.