Writing Task — What lies between the covers of books?
I haven’t read a book in at least a year (apart from Twelfth Night which we were forced to read for school last year). I think reading can be very beneficial and educational, as well as a good way to get away from technology. I used to read a lot in primary school and even my previous old school, but I can’t remember the last time I read a book at my time in Melbourne High. My reading habits have changed significantly. I can’t make the typical excuse of not having enough time, but rather I focus my time on other things when I have free time.
Currently, I have very few days after school where I am free because I have a lot of homework and assignments to complete for school and I work outside of school. On the days that I do have free time, I am often physically, but more importantly mentally exhausted and I usually sit down to watch videos on the internet or play videogames. This helps me to keep a balance between entertainment and work/school life. I find that reading still leans towards the work/school life, because it keeps you thinking and nowadays I don’t enjoy reading as much as I used to. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as I can’t find any good books to read and I don’t want to put in the effort to find really good books.
The Dylan Thomas poem is true but only for some people. I used to be that passionate about reading but I’m not as passionate anymore. I also strongly agree with Neil Gaiman that reading is essential for young children. However, it is arguably not as important for older students as they have already developed skills such as empathy and using their imagination through reading.
- I haven’t been reading at all in the past year.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — the best Harry Potter book which has a solid plot and fast-paced story.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid (any book from the whole series) — this is something that I grew up with and I have many memories from it.
The Nest — a fast-paced thriller which is written by one of my favourite childhood authors (Paul Jennings).
Holes — a book that deeply intrigued me and one with a unique plot.
Evil Genius (any book from the whole series) — a series that I could relate to and one written in the modern setting.
Runner — a book set in a familiar setting and something that I could relate to even though was based in the early 20th century.
To Kill a Mockingbird — perhaps the most interesting book out of these 10 which had strong themes and made me think deeply about things such as racism and how it is prevalent in today’s society.
The Da Vinci Code — a thriller that I really enjoyed because of its intricate plot.
The Hobbit — an enjoyable and fast-paced book that was completely ruined in the movie adaptation.
Wind on Fire Trilogy — a series that I read in primary school that I strongly remember because it was so memorable and enjoyable.
