"The Effects of Reading" - a paper by John Chancey

I have been an outspoken proponent of reading for years and years. The discipline of reading (whether one loves to read or not) is essential for intellectual growth. It is also essential for spiritual growth, since the source for spiritual growth given in Scripture is the Word of God itself (I Peter 2:2). Therefore, a reading habit can be the difference between growing as a Christian and NOT growing! Honestly, though, my paper focuses more on reading as a source of "fun."  (And it really is fun!)

Yesterday, I ran across a short paper that I wrote for Creative Writing class my freshman year of college (almost 12 years ago!). The paper is called "The Effects of Reading," and it is not scholarly in any way, shape, or form. I will include my thesis and outline, followed by the body of the paper itself. Don't laugh.... In actuality, it was a fun class - and every outline and paper in THAT class (unlike the research papers of other classes) was written solely from my own mind. No research or footnotes required! This is the reason my thoughts are not well-developed....  

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Thesis: Many benefits result from reading books.

I. Reading ingrains lasting virtues.

     A. Patience

     B. Prioritization

II. Reading instills a larger vocabulary.

     A. Understand the word for recognition

     B. Understand the writer's thought for remembrance

III. Reading ignites a love for variety.

     A. Expansion of reading tastes

     B. External variances (other than reading)

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The Effects of Reading

      At one time in the world, there were no such things as televisions or computers. There were no video games, nor were there CD players or stereo systems. What did people do to entertain themselves? They read books! Books are an incredible form of entertainment. Some writings are merely recorded knowledge, some writings are works of fiction, and others are philosophical speculations. Many benefits result from reading books.

      To begin with, reading ingrains lasting virtues. The book itself may not teach virtuous truths. I am speaking more of the act of reading itself. Readers learn patience. It takes time to read books. Some people do not have the patience or determination to finish a book once they have started. Readers also learn to prioritize. While reading a book, the reader must focus on what he is reading to comprehend the message. This requires the reader to block every outside distraction from his mind.

      Secondly, reading instills a larger vocabulary. Generally, when a reader finds a word that he does not know the meaning of, he looks up the definition. This act not only satisfies his curiosity, but it also helps the reader remember the word later. The knowledge gained will also enable the reader to understand what the author was trying to convey in the first place.

      Finally, reading ignites a love for variety. The average reader is drawn to a particular style of writing. Someone who reads more than average is quickly challenged to step outside of his normal selections and expand his taste. The regular customers in the bookstores can attest to this fact. How often do you see people just roaming around a bookstore waiting for something to grab their interest? This happens frequently. This is bolstered by the fact that there is an inexhaustible supply of material from which the reader can partake. Variety in reading can also lead to variety in other areas.

      Reading can be a very enjoyable past-time, but it is not without benefits. Reading can produce lasting virtues, a larger vocabulary, and a love for variety. To reject a good reading habit is to rob oneself of the experience and education of others. The author is reminded of a quote from Erasmus which states: "Whenever I get a little money, I buy books, and if any is left, I buy food and clothes." Learn to love to read, and you will find that it is more exciting and educational than any modern form of entertainment today!

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(By the way, I got a 100 on this paper. The professor wrote at the bottom: "Excellent! May I have a copy?") 

If you really like this one, I'll publish another paper of mine from that college course - maybe my paper about hacky-sacks!

"Blaze of Glory" by Major Jeff Struecker and Alton Gansky

*ALERT: SPOILERS BELOW*
In the second fiction offering from the combined talents of Jeff Struecker and Alton Gansky, Sgt. Major Eric "Boss" Moyer and his Special Operations team are once again thrown into a desperate situation - this time, it is to prevent a suicide bomber from taking out 20 of the world's leaders. But that is not the only crisis they face... Their mission will take them to Mexico to face a ruthless drug lord.
A new character is introduced to the team to replace a man they lost in their last mission (read the first book). But the new guy, Jerry "Data" Zinsser, suffers from PTSD after his previous team was mostly wiped out - and his flashbacks may compromise this new mission and put his team at risk.

I absolutely loved their first book, "Certain Jeopardy," and the second book is just as good. The writing is well-done, the characters are real and believable, and the pace is perfect. The action scenes will keep your heart racing until the last page.

If I had a criticism (and this is entirely a matter of preference), the humorous lines may have been a tad too numerous - especially in the tense moments. But, at the very least, they helped to break up the drama, and give your nerves a second to ease up. And mostly, they seem to be in-character for the ones who are saying them.

Besides that one minor thing, the book is everything you want in a military fiction - without the swarms of swear words and the unnecessary sexual scenes you find in other works. The characters are so real, you feel sympathetic for them without even realizing it. Your heart pangs for the ones who lose loved ones and friends as they weep. When Zinsser contemplates suicide (multiple times), you want to reach into the pages and shake him back to reality. The authors do a great job of painting a picture of a man tormented by PTSD. This is an issue that is hard to grasp for those of us on the outside looking in. As in the first book, the character J.J. - who is the lone Christian on the team - has to wrestle with his own conscience when he takes the lives of his enemies.

I appreciate the authors for tackling difficult subjects with grace. After reading Struecker's autobiographical book, "The Road to Unafraid", I have a lot of respect for the man. And Alton Gansky has proven himself to be a talented writer who can weave a great story.

Get these books - you won't be disappointed at all.
5 out of 5 stars.