Questions and Answers
What are you defining as a better book?
A 'better book' is, to an extent, a subjective term. However, I have tried to make this website based on 'better books' for different reading abilities and by this, I mean that these books are designed not only to be engaging and fun, but also books to read to enhance your literacy skills. This might mean that these books are not the first ones that young people might read but they will make your reading, writing, vocabulary and grammar skills more advanced.
Why is reading a problem faced by young people today?
Reading is a huge problem for young people today. Faced with more technology and a rise in homework, young people seem to be loosing interest in books and not finding time to read. If they do read, many people choose to read similar types of books which they feel comfortable with and find it harder to extend their reading variety. A common example of this is the rise in 'flash-fiction' - the kind of book which is easy to enjoy but leaves no lasting impression or enhancement of literacy skills. I think that a wider range of reading is imperative for a range of literacy, speaking, writing and communication skills - all of which are useful in the world. Reading also increases knowledge and can be a good way to relax and boost your mental well-being.
How old do I have to be in order to read the 'Older Readers' books?
The 'Older Readers' books are not based as much on the age as they are on your reading ability. If you reading skills are more advanced than the average for your age, go straight for the 'Older Readers' section. Don't feel like your age always corresponds with your reading skills.
I don't have time to read a book. How can I make time?
Finding time to read can be really difficult. However, there are many slots where your can fit in a chapter or two. Reading before bed can be really relaxing, or on long journeys, if you don't get motion sick. Sitting for five minutes and reading between jobs at the weekend can be really good too, as well as reading whilst eating, if your not sitting with others around the table. Be careful not to spill your food on your book, too!
I struggle reading for long periods of time. What can I do to make my reading stamina better?
I would recommend reading little and often. Even ten minutes is fine, in you add on an extra minute or two each day, so that you hardly notice the difference. When you're engaged in the book, and build up your reading stamina, there's nothing to stop you eventually being able to read for and hour or two.
I was surprised to see your section on the 'Literary Cannon.' Do you think that this is something people should be more aware of when they choose which books to read?
Definitely. As I've said, I think many young readers today read the books they're comfortable with, but, sometimes, these don't have the variety that is needed. The Literary Canon is a wonderful thing to make people think about what types of books they read and why, and it is also a great way to get young people interested and talking about reading and literature. I think awareness should be raised regarding the Literary Canon, to promote different forms of reading and get young people talking about literature, and forming their own views on the styles of books which are most important to read today.
How have you decided on which books to recommend on your website?
So, I have read nearly every single book on this website, so I can recommend them from personal experience. The few books which I haven't had the chance to read yet I have written about based on opinions of people I know who have read them and other views on the books from online reviews. I have decided on how challenging a book is based on my personal experience, book reviews, recommended age ranges and the target audiences of the books. I have also tried to include as big a variety of books here as possible, so that they would appeal to people of all abilities, interest and personalities. I have talked to young people as well about what books they like to read and why and, with any further developments on books I've heard about and read, I can post them on the Blog to keep you updated.
What benefits are there to recommending books online on a website?
There are so many benefits. For one, this is an interactive and modern way to present a book list and recommendations, rather than a list of titles and names which can be lost, or hard to navigate, etc. Also, a website can be accessed by so many different people of different backgrounds and interests, and it is available online whenever you might need it. We can also get in contact easily over the Blog to share the new books we've been reading and what we think of them. But, finally, and, I think, most importantly, showing this on a website shows that reading is a modern and exciting thing to do and not all about labouring over an old, boring book for hours on end - reading is alive today, and a great way to guide you and help you in the future.
“Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read.” - Groucho Marx
“It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it.” - Oscar Wilde
“A mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge.” - George R. R. Martin
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