Personal Narrative: My Stereotypes

One of the stereotypes that may exist about a person that spends a significant amount of their free time reading is that they have introverted personalities and isolate themselves from society. However, in my experience, avid readers are superior conversationalists and use their time reading to better connect to the outside world. When I began building a library of books and spending an increased time reading during middle school, I wanted to absorb as much knowledge as I could. I certainly would have qualified as an introvert then, but over time, my passion for reading has led to sharing and connecting with others in ways that would not have existed for a non-reader. My bookshelves hold wildly different styles of books, each influenced by …show more content…
I romanticized the idea of a library full of leather-bound books by authors long since passed. Therefore, I started with classic novels, the books everyone includes on must-read-before-you-die lists. I enjoyed Wuthering Heights, A Tale of Two Cities, and The Picture of Dorian Gray. My favorite thing about these books was the difference in language between then and now. I was able to introduce older vocabulary into my everyday speech that was more expressive than what I could have said before. I think the easiest way to improve one’s language and writing is to read great …show more content…
I went through the pledging process as a freshman and felt that I grew through its development process, however I felt that membership lacked the same level of continued development. I asked members to fill out surveys anonymously with books that they wished to read. I picked the two books that had been the most recommended and established a voluntary book club for members. The two books were Drive by Daniel H. Pink and The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss. Over the course of the semester, it was a pleasure to discuss what other members liked and disliked about the examples and studies shown in the two books. After reading these books, I have purchased similar titles such as The Tipping Point and The Power of Habit, which have both proven useful when talking to professionals that visit campus. A few weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to meet Maurice Clarett, the former OSU football player. He was on campus speaking about his life path and the company that he now owns. He spoke a lot about how reading got him through his three-year prison sentence and how the books he chose influence his conduct now. I am proud that I was able to recommend The Geography of Genius to him, which follows the way cities can influence the creative work and industry of their inhabitants. I believe that book will complement the books he discussed in our