Why Do You Read? Why Do You Blog?

Do you read to learn?  to escape into a different reality?  to be challenged by new thoughts?  maybe to get a glimpse of the written word as an art form?

I've been thinking about this a lot lately because I've had a few experiences that make me feel rather disconnected from others in this area.  Such as the whole Twilight phenomena and other mega-sellers. I think that the sales volume of these hugely popular books goes to show that many people read for the entertainment value alone--not necessarily to think deep thoughts or appreciate the writing quality.  Not that this is bad, (I'm glad people are reading something,) but it's just not why I read.  I read to learn, to think new thoughts and challenge or develop my beliefs.  I read to experience truth and clarity, justice and injustice.  I read to absorb the beauty that materializes when words are thoughtfully put together.


So, what drives you to read?  What makes you pick up a book and not want to put it back down?  What makes a book a 5-star book for you?


For the Book Blog Hop this week (if you've never done this, you should! it's a great way to connect with other bibliovores!) Jennifer said: Tell us your Name, and Why you Started Blogging...so here's me:


I'm Melody, a lover of books since day 1.  I started my family blog to keep all my out-of-town people up to date with the happenings around my house: it was my way of letting go of the guilt of not keeping in contact with everyone while getting to do some writing at the same time (fun!).  I started my book blog so that I wouldn't have to keep boring those people with all my book thoughts.  It's a great way to keep track of my book life and get all my swirling thoughts pinned down on [virtual] paper.  And I'm loving being able to connect with other book blogs out there--thank you, Jennifer for hosting the Book Blog Hop!