English Honors

3/15/06

The Importance of Literacy

The glowing embers of the fire warm me while the winter wind lashes against our house. I sit in our family chair, the upholstered pattern barely discernible from years of use. With a mug of hot chocolate in one and my favorite book in the other, I commence my relaxing evening doing what I love best: reading.

Reading has always been important to my family. Both of my parents read to my sisters and me when we were young. I believe that is why, to this day, reading is one of my favorite pastimes. Reading has the power to soothe and relax me after a long day; there is nothing I look forward to more. Literature enchants me. I remember the first time I read the Harry Potter books--they transported me to a completely different place. I felt as if...