Do you think reading is an escape?

Question

As in, do you see opening up a good book as a way to escape from everything? I do.

kdancer_girl: Yeah, you don't know what you're missing, lol.

Doctor_Hand: Then I guess you've never felt the joy that comes from reading a truly amazing book, huh? So sad.

Answer 1

An escape through the pages of a novel to better times, quieter locations, or more exciting conversation is sometimes what we all need! Some people prefer the escape route through television but I prefer reading. Even though I may be running away from my problems, for a short hiatus, at least I am improving my vocabulary. And another benefit... readers are scientifically proven to live longer than non readers. READ ON!

Answer 2

Here's my essay on the topic:
A recent survey by the American Psychological Association found that almost 6% of Internet users were addicted to the World Wide Web. With new “addictions” being discovered all the time, it makes you wonder what is next. Have they researched TV addiction? How about book addiction?

The questionnaire asked if the participants used the Internet to escape from their problems, tried unsuccessfully to cut back, or found themselves preoccupied with the Internet when they were no longer at the computer. The same types of questions are used to determine gambling addiction.

Most of the questions above could apply to television watchers as well. Individuals use it to escape their problems. They give up other activities so they won’t miss their favorite show. They can’t seem to limit their time spent watching television. Since that behavior is so common, most people don’t see it as a problem or an addiction.

I’d like to see more “book addicts”. Wouldn’t you rather have addictive personalities turned onto reading rather than to drugs? Just imagine, if teenagers after school couldn’t wait to get a book instead of seeking out their local drug dealer.

At what point does an addiction become a problem? When an addiction disrupts a marriage, leads people to commit illegal acts or to spend too much money, then it definitely is a social problem. Some people try to hide their addictions. They realize their behavior, whether it is excessive drinking or drug use, is not socially acceptable.

If they were reading addicts, no one would try to change their behavior or ask them to get therapy. Reading, even in large amounts, is generally viewed as a positive activity. Everyone would admire such a wide background gained through reading. Maybe I am a binge reader. Sometimes I go weeks without reading, while at other times I devour several books in a row. I might read late into the night, not able to put the book down until the very end. I know I’ll be sorry in the morning when it is hard to get out of bed. A novel is sometimes so compelling that I just can’t tear myself away. Reading a really good book creates the desire to read more.

I hope therapists never label it as a psychological disorder. Libraries would become those dens of iniquity where the reading addicts get their fix. Books would carry labels warning “CAUTION: this book could lead to addictive reading”.

Maybe a ten-step program could be developed. People would attend the meetings, stand up and say, “My name is ___, and I am a compulsive reader”. When they felt the urge to read, they could call another member who would help talk them out of it. Until that time, enjoy reading as much as you want.

Answer 3

Reading a good book is always an escape for me! I think that's why I love to read so much. I can leave my own life and enter another life where I know longer have to worry about the things in my life. Books open up new worlds for me everyday.

Answer 4

It depends on what you read I suppose. Many read and watch certain movies just for that reason, so they can escape the mundane reality of the life they live. On the other hand, there a alot of books out there that can awe you with reality you may be unaware of. Overall I do agree. Soon after opening a book you can find yourself entering into a world all your own...kinda like "The Neverending Story"

Answer 5

Yes, sometimes you just need a break from the real world and a book can be anything you want. I always think of books as time machines and I have traveled all over the place. I hope I die reading a book, just fading away slowly into the dream.

Answer 6

Like most everything, a book is what you make of it. A book cannot take you anywhere by a book can show you the way to anywhere. Understand why you read and you understand what the book can do for you. We would probably find each other's books boring, but that's not important. How do you find your books?
Vaya con DIOS

Answer 7

Oh yes, more than an escape. It's a route into another world. A better world where anything is possible. We can imagine things that don't exist. What an incredible thing we take for granted. I have been reading (and writing) all my life, and it's absolutely essential to me.

Answer 8

yes. I absolutely LOVE to read. when a day goes by that I DON'T read....I feel like I missed out on a lot. I just have to be careful what I do when I read for example: right now I have almost no time to read because I'm usually busy. so I read at meal-time. well, I've come to associate eating with reading so when I want to read I almost always want to eat too. I think that's part of why I'm always "hungry" is because I want to keep reading. it can be a bad habit.

Answer 9

Certainly. They're a wonderful form of escapism and it's great to dissappear from the craziness and drama and sometimes suckiness of real life into a different world where you know everything will usually end up well. Plus, it is incredibly relaxing.

Answer 10

I love reading to escape at work during breaks and potty breaks lol. I go into whatever it is I'm reading and I'm living it. I read Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles, they transported me to a fantasy world that seemed real to me lol. Right now I'm trying to finish the Davinci Code ( I saw the movie..)and Stephen King's "Everything's Eventual: 14 dark tales".