JL

School has only slightly affected my outside reading. I find that I can easily separate the analysis techniques taught in a classroom from my own independent reading. When I read at home, I generally proceed at a much slower, and more contemplative pace while reading most books. That sounds really pretentious, but I often feel like I'm forced to read that way when digesting religious works and non-fiction. I would just miss so much if I sped through them.
On the other hand, when I read fantasy or science-fiction, I rarely if ever look for symbolism and rather just imagine the story itself. When reading authors like Ursula Le Guin, I tend to project the world visually in my own mind. I often find that I disregard elements of the setting and fill in my own, yet this method of reading seems chiefly entertaining. It may not help me see the hidden symbolism, but it is simply enjoyable.
When reading 'traditional fiction' such as the so-called 'classics', I consciously approach them with a sort of ingrained reverence. I always analyze these classics, regarldess of their content, but rather that it is simply 'regarded'. I find that this analysis generally furthers my enjoyment of the novels slightly as I am forced to closely examine all of the story elements. In most school settings, I dislike this analysis due to the external pressure of 'doing it right', but when I attempt this independtly without any pressure, I find that I find the process significantly less stressful.
I'm trying to adopt this slight analysis to all books I read outside, because it simply makes reading more enjoyable. I read significantly less outside of school than when I was in elementary school, as I find my time not only eaten up by 'school', but rather by the 'internet' and other distractions. Really, although some lack of time can be contributed to school, I think that I am truly to blame for not finding the time.