Written by Joyce Morris Kapong at CALC@UPMKB

“So Matilda’s strong young mind continued to grow, nurtured by the voices of all those authors who had sent their books out into the world like ships on the sea. These books gave Matilda a hopeful and comforting message: You are not alone.” Matilda by Roald Dahl

Choosing what to read is not just a decision; it's a chance to delve into your curiosity, develop self-reliance, and uncover facets of yourself. In a world overflowing with diverse narratives, genres, and writing styles, this choice becomes a journey that links your interests with emotionally moving stories. Whether it's the enchantment of the magical world of Harry Potter, the allure of mystery in the Glass and Steele series, or the insights of Tan Twan Eng’s historical fiction, your selection of reading material takes you beyond textbooks and classrooms, allowing you to truly engage with literature.

The Power of Personal Choice

When you have the liberty to choose your own reading material, you embark on a voyage of exploration like a ship's captain navigating the open sea. This journey not only sparks your interest but also instils a sense of control over your reading experiences. Imagine wandering through a library or bookshop, empowered to choose from a variety of genres and uncover hidden worlds. Here, you become an explorer in a literary landscape, where each book holds the potential to reveal treasures of knowledge and creativity. Your act of selection transforms into an adventure, introducing you to stories that captivate your imagination and arouse curiosity. As you navigate through the sea of options, you not only discover narratives but also cultivate a natural inquisitiveness that extends beyond the pages, enriching your life with a hunger for learning and excitement.

By choosing your own books, you shift from a passive reader to an active participant in your reading journey. This shift boosts your engagement and deepens your connection to the stories you encounter. The satisfaction you derive from your reading choices stems from your emotional investment in these stories. This emotional link ties personal experiences to the material you read, making it more pertinent and unforgettable.

A Bridge to Real-World Relevance

Stories serve as a gateway for you to explore real-world situations and challenges using your imagination. Different genres act as portals, encouraging you to investigate and understand actual events and issues through a creative lens. From heart-warming tales of friendship to personal dilemmas, the relationship between specific genres and reality highlights how literature can profoundly shape your perspectives and empathy.

Genres like social realism and romance resonate with young adult readers. Social realism paints a realistic picture of everyday life, showcasing both positive and negative aspects. As you delve into the lives of characters, you develop empathy, and a deeper understanding of the struggles others face. This genre prompts you to critically reflect, broaden your horizons, and advocate for justice within your community. A prime example of social realism in fiction is seen in Khaled Hosseini's "The Kite Runner." The story showcases social realism by entwining familial bonds, guilt, and redemption, capturing the characters' challenges and victories, and highlighting human connections and emotions that unite us. Meanwhile, in romance, you enter a realm that transcends the boundaries of fiction to explore the intricate layers of human emotions, relationships, and experiences. Often regarded as escapism fiction, romance reflects themes of love, intimacy, and challenges, drawing parallels to real-world scenarios that resonate emotionally. Novels like Jojo Moyes' "Me Before You" celebrate love's significance in life and inspire characters to chase their dreams even when they seem out of reach.

From Reluctance to Enthusiasm

Having the freedom to choose your favourite reading genres can turn you into an avid and lifelong reader. By tailoring your reading to your interests, you unlock relevance and connection, making reading relatable and enjoyable. If you were a reluctant reader, this shift in perspective can help you perceive books as personal adventures waiting for you. Furthermore, when you choose stories that truly captivate your interest, you create enjoyable reading moments that boost your confidence and bring you joy. This process also enhances your self-confidence and transforms how you see reading, changing it from something you must do into something that brings you happiness.

Having the freedom to select your reading genres also sparks curiosity and exploration, setting the stage for lifelong learning. The sense of adventure you find within book pages extends to other areas of your life, encouraging you to seek new experiences and knowledge. This habit, nurtured through the joy of exploring the stories you've chosen, lays the foundation for a lifelong passion for learning and a deep appreciation for the transformative power of books.

Practicing Freedom Responsibly

In any reading journey, autonomy and responsibility go hand in hand. While you have the freedom to pick what you read, it's also essential that your choices nurture personal growth and a sense of responsibility within society. This can be achieved by discussing your preferences openly, exploring diverse genres, and accepting recommendations. This strategy respects your freedom to choose what to read while ensuring your reading selections align with your personal development and your role in the community.

The act of selecting what to read transcends mere preference; it serves as an entryway to a realm brimming with potential. With the freedom to explore your literary interests, you not only nurture a passion for reading but also develop the capacity for critical thinking. These skills enable you to confront real-world challenges, transforming you into individuals who understand and empathize with diverse experiences. This transformation also extends to your role as active citizens, contributing meaningfully to your community. Therefore, embrace the journey that reading offers, for within each page lies a chance to learn, grow, and expand your horizons. Happy reading!

Tarikh Input: 16/08/2023 | Kemaskini: 16/08/2023 | lanz