As a person who is reading challenged, I can tell you, it's just not something you openly tell, or admit. It is just not a subject you bring up, out of the blue, in casual conversation. It's somewhat embarrassing, really. I did admit to it today; it came up in a conversation. I say 'reading challenged' because I am fair reader (slow). I read aloud very well - with inflection, diction, and emotion; no monotone. Kids enjoy it when I read. My challenge is the retention of what I read - very poor. Consequently, I am a slow learner. Once the 'light goes on', I'm good to go. Of course, it doesn't help that I am my own worst critic.
In school, my most favorite subjects were things having to do with letters, words, writing ... I always did well (A to B-) in spelling, penmanship, English, parts of speech, word definitions, etc. They didn't test for things back then, like they do now. I was one of over 500 graduating class and kind of fell through the cracks. When it came to book reports ... uh oh ... not good ... D- to F and it didn't matter whether it was written or oral.
Being a person with a thirst for knowledge (like anyone, things that interest me), I was determined. By reading things that interested me, it was easier to stay focused. I found I enjoy reading material that is short, to the point, and full of impact. Oddly enough, I love adjectives and flowery language, yet am not a novel reader. If and when I read a
book, complete, it's probably something that will educate me, on some level. Fiction is just not my bag (bookbag), get it?! Ha!
I had kind of an epiphany the other day - that I've missed a lot in my life by convincing myself my learning abilities were hampered because of my reading difficulties. I didn't think I was smart enough. I'm unable to remember details - ask me about a novel - I can tell you if I liked it or not, but can't quote any lines. Because of that, and the frustration of slow learning, I've given up on things I wanted to learn. Now, isn't that silly? I'm the first person to encourage people to never give up. I helped a friend get her GED so she could go to
college, which she did. I have no degree, but am a high school graduate.
Looking back, because of on-the-job training positions or work where there was no one to train me, I've taught myself a plethora of skills and abilities, without a college degree. In spite of the appreciation for my dedication and skills mastered, it didn't make me rich. I was never paid my worth, because I was and am not 'papered'! I did it all, for me, not for money.
We do what we have to do, in life, to survive. I realized how difficult and boring life would be, if I couldn't read. I was right. And yet . . .
Ironically, I write better than I read! ~nrl