Is There an Evolution of Readers?

            Throughout this semester, we have studied on the evolution of books and print. As the semester comes to a close, I wanted to discuss: Is there an evolution to a reader? Obviously science classes in high schools around the country teach about the evolution of humans, but is there such thing as the evolution of a reader? Are some born to like book and some are not, or does a love for books stem from something else?

            I am curious if the evolution of a reader is like the theory of human evolution. In human evolution, humans were forced to adapt to survive, creating characteristics and traits that we consider to be normal of human beings today (In simplistic terms, of course). When I think about it, reading is a necessity. This is why we start learning to read in Kindergarten, if not before. This is why there are reading portions on standardized testing and tests that exam how quickly and accurately you read aloud. If it weren’t so important, we wouldn’t have to go through all of those exams and efforts as a student.

            Yet, despite its importance, there are many people who genuinely do not enjoy reading. I am on the side of the fence that grew up as an avid reader, so I am curious WHY don’t people love it? Is it simply because it is not an interest of theirs? After all, we are all entitled to our own opinions, likes, and dislikes. Or is there a more interesting explanation for people’s varied love/hate for books?

            This is an entry of questions, questions that may irrelevant and not have an answer. I think that everyone starts at the same base level when it comes to reading. Some parents introduce their children to books and language sooner than others. This gives the brains exposure to reading, even when the child does not realize it. I also believe that people generally enjoy things that they are good at. So those who have been exposed for longer are going to be better at reading are going to enjoy it more and spend more time into doing it, therefore, getting better at in. On the flip side, individuals who initially struggle with reading are not going to enjoy it and consequentially, are not going to pursue it when they have spare time.