What and Why do You Read?

Simply put, I love to read. My enjoyment in reading began at a young age, probably around first or second grade, and has held strong to my present days. While I enjoy reading a variety of genres, my favorite type is historical fiction. I enjoy delving into the past and experiencing the different events. Reading allows me to not so much as escape the world, but open my mind to different possibilities. Quite often, after I finish a particular historical novel, I end up researching it. I have learned so much in the way of history because of my fascination with this genre. There is a brilliance attached to the authors of historical fiction. To write a good, gripping, historical novel an author must stay true to many of the historical facts, perspectives, fashions ect. of that time. It takes copious amounts of research and patience to craft a historical novel. That is one of the many reasons I have so much respect for these authors in particular. As a reader, when I pick up a book, I expect to be swept into an enticing story. It is quite disappointing when a book fails to do that. As of late, I have found that I do not have much time for leisure reading as I used to in high school. In my high school years I would finish a book about every week or two weeks. Nowadays, I'm lucky if I finish the book in a month. Hopefully, I can find some time during the summer to pick up some books.