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Nabokov thinks a good reader is one with imagination, memory, a dictionary and artistic sense. Having imagination allows the reader to place themselves in the story and follow the actions. Having memory allows them to pull the details from the story as it flows. A dictionary may be needed to define terms that are new, different, or unheard of. An artistic sense allows a reader to identify with different aspects and situations in a story.
I agree with Nabokov and his four requirements of a reader. I find I use all of the same things, and I will admit that now that I have an iPad I have a dictionary much more at the ready than I did before when I used old fashioned books with those things called pages. I actually find that to be helpful now that I am using that feature to expand my vocabulary as well.
I believe I am a good reader and have the characteristics I find important to be a part of that definition 'good reader.' I think I have a keen imagination, a sense of adventure, a desire to be put in a story, a good memory, a very open mind, and a temperament that allows me to be patient with a story and keep up with the flow.
I find reading to be essential in my life. I look forward to the time in the day when I get to sit and read, even if it's the newspaper. I crave a good story and love to share reading with my son, my parents, anyone who enjoys the same art as I do- reading.
Heather,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments on my post. As I read your post I notice that you mention using your IPad as a dictionary. Technology is a wonderful thing, I use my IPod touch with the Webster app to look up words when I'm reading. I have found that it has made a tremendous difference in my ability to enjoy the books I read, especially the older books where the vocabulary was more sophisticated than what we are accustomed to now. I consider myself to have a fair vocabulary but am constantly amazed at the new words I learn every time I pick up a good book.
I also think it is awesome that you, too, enjoy reading so much and make it a point to share it with the people in your life.
Hello
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, also i found Nabokov very interesting, one of the things that a good reader has besides open mind, good imagination, artistic sense etc. is that he also Re-reads. I found that very interesting because in my case When i apply this technique i found more things that i didn't captured before by reading the article, or book once.
Rigo
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post. I agree with your assessment of Nabokov and the characteristics of a good reader/writer. I also enjoy reading. Unfortunately I don't always get the luxury of a good novel but I always make time to enjoy the newpaper and a few choice magazines articles. I enjoyed your statement about the dictionary on your ipad. I am not very techno so currently it's still the good old paper dictionary for me. I am trying to teach my young daughter the "tried and true" ways of real books, considering she is learning about modern technology more quickly than I am. Maybe she will have her own kindle before I will.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI really found your post so thorough and well written. It is so true how you said that an artistic sense allows a reader to identify with different aspects and situations in a story. Do you think this means that younger people can't bring as much to a book as someone older who has more experience with life and its cascade of different situations? This is a question I had when reading Nabokov and wanted to know your thoughts on it. thanks for writing such a great post and I look forward to sharing this semester with you!
Hi Heather,
ReplyDeleteI very much enjoyed reading your post on Good Readers and Good Writers. I too find myself desiring to be put in the story that I'm reading. I find it easier to read through a book when I do this, especially if the introduction doesn't catch my attention. When I can find the time to read, I also like to share what I have read with others who it might strike interest. Thank you for your post, it was a pleasure to read!