A Conversation with a Young Man About Reading

Yesterday I asked one of my senior boys how he was doing.

"I'm tired," he said.

Seniors are tired this time of year. They are busy with college applications and school and work.

I asked him when was the last time he read a book for pleasure.

He had to think for a few seconds.

"I don't know. A long time." Thinks. "The Knife of Never Letting Go."

I brighten, because I love this book.

"Yeah. That was four years ago."

I sag a little, because that's a long time to go without reading a book for pleasure.

I asked him if any of the books he'd been assigned during his school years appealed to him.

He liked 1984 and Fahrenheit 451.

I asked him which books he didn't like.

"Tale of Two Cities. I hated it. I didn't even read it. And to make them do it in the 9th grade. That's just not good."

So I asked, "What is the best book that represents the kind of reading that spoke to you least?"

Instant, reflexive reaction about this book. Since the author is still alive, I do not want to say which one it is. My boy expressed his opinion about it succinctly and vehemently.

And I get it.

I taught English for a long, long time. I know that not every book will speak to every kid.

But why isn't there room for kids to choose books and do more with them than write book reports?

I hate book reports.

What's wrong with just reading because it is a good thing to do?

So I made part of my student's assignment to read The Ask and the Answer, the sequel to The Knife of Never Letting Go, by Patrick Ness.

Just read.