Reflective Essay: Learning To Read As Manguel

Reading is like a desk with a hidden compartment. There are nuggets in the unsecured drawers, but the truly valuable items will be hidden, unbeknownst to all but the most careful of searchers. The same is true with a book. One is able to glean information like plot events and facts, but nothing of substance. The true meat must be sought through careful reflection and introspection. I began learning to read when I was 3. After hearing good reviews, my parents purchased the Hooked on Phonics program, and my mom worked through it with me when I wanted to. Despite the fact that I was never forced to learn, I began to want to read books without assistance. So, I began to practice more, and I learned how to read through the phonics-intensive program.. …show more content…
In my failure to take ownership and “commune” with books, I have not only deprived myself of much knowledge, but also pleasure. One book that I want to “read” as Manguel argues is the Bible. It is both the one book that I do apply to myself is and also the book that I would like to appropriate more. I believe that the Bible has the answer to every situation, it just must be sought.Countless times, a verse says to meditate on, memorize, or let the Word lead one’s life. The concept that the Bible should guide one’s life is similar to the arguments of both Oatley and Manguel. They believe in using literature to either simulate or reflect on ones decisions. Similarly, in the Bible there are countless examples of how to live, and countless examples of how not to live. Some situations that I appropriate are the instances in Proverbs when it is said “My Son”. For example in Proverbs 7, Solomon details a young man, void of understanding, being enticed by a “strange” woman. Solomon also gives the way to prevent the enticement, wisdom and understanding. Manguel would argue that the correct way to “read” is to use this situation in order to prevent the same outcome for