So today is the day where the world tries to promote literacy, and I must say I wish they did this every day. I love reading and writing and I can't imagine my life without it. True, when I was a kid I complained about school as much as the next child and wished I didn't have to go - but I wasn't thinking it'd ever apply to reading.
Now, of course, I know most children aren't like me. There are baby photos of a me too young to speak properly, reading Dr. Suess books even though I had no idea what they meant. I always loved written words. I can remember, when learning to read in school, how I was one of the last to get it. I've a suspicion I would've been diagnosed with dyslexia if not for my determination - I was always mixing letters and words up even though I knew they were wrong. But I wanted to read so badly, I kept at it and ended up being the best reader in my elementary school. I even know the name of the first book I successfully read on my own.
I guess what I'm saying is, give reading a chance. While the Western world gives the opportunities, people still don't read. Maybe it's too hard, maybe they can't find something they like. Doesn't matter. Today, pick up a book and give it a go, no matter who you are or where you are.
Or, if you're horribly busy with something and won't really have time, donate money to a cause that will promote reading and literacy in poorer parts of the world. In someway, help to increase literacy in the world. Today is the one day a year where people think about it, so help out. It might not be much now, but we have to take things one day and one step at a time.
If you're looking for some heavy reading, I highly recommend A Song of Ice & Fire, by George R. R. Martin, Sevenwaters, by Juliet Marrillier (or any of her work), and The Wheel of Time, by Robert Jordan. If you want something a little lighter, try Percy Jackson & The Olympians, by Rick Riordan, Harry Potter, by J. K. Rowling, and The Scorpio Races, by Maggie Steifvater.
That's all I've got to say, but I'm going to end this post with a few of my favourite literacy quotes.
"You want weapons? We're in a library! Books! The best weapons in the world! This room's the greatest arsenal we could have - arm yourselves!" - The Doctor, Tooth and Claw
"There's no such thing as a child who hates to read; there are only children who have not found the right book." - Frank Serafini
"Why does every man have to pretend to be stupid and not know long words?" - Martin Freeman
"The journey of a lifetime starts with the turning of a page" - Rachel Anders
