AC

When I sit down to read an assigned book, I approach it completely differently from when I read a book because of my own interest or drive to do so. In my opinion, to read a book out of free will is a totally different experience. If a book has been recommended to me or is about something I find interesting, I am able to become engrossed in the material and take my time to enjoy (or loath) it. Obviously, my honest opinion of a book is influenced by it’s reputation or others’ opinions, but I find the ability to get lost in a book much easier without the pressures school places on reading. The pressure to read at a certain pace suffocates the actual purpose of the writing: entertainment. However, there are definite advantages to being taught a book in a structured environment. When in class, I usually find my teachers or peers are able to point out parts of a book I completely missed or didn’t understand. School has given me the ability to recognize certain literary devices and background information, but has also impaired my ability to enjoy a piece of writing simply for the story it tells.