Staff Writer- Emily Sustaita

By the simplicity of the title, you’d think that everyone would know this by now. But how many people truly understand this affirmation? The phrase sits in the back of our heads, yet some of us may feel a sense of guilt for doing so. Growing up, I was led to conclude that if I didn’t finish a book that I started, I was not disciplined enough with my reading, and therefore, not a true reader.
It was my rollercoaster of an experience with one particular novel that changed my perspective. It began in ninth grade, when I went to the school library to check out “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath. I read the first chapter and was absolutely hooked. The next day, I returned the book back to the library. Not because I finished it; not because I hated it; but because I decided I was reading too many books at the time and could not handle a fourth book. So I left the book and continued on with my school year.
Summer came, and I decided to pick up the book again, now that I had less on my plate. This time, I made steady progress; I made it halfway through the book. I then proceeded to mindlessly skim ahead and returned it to the library. At the time, I did not see the meaning behind the book and had no interest in continuing it.
At last, in the spring of eleventh grade, I picked up the book one final time. I was determined to finish the book once and for all! I buckled in and started the book from the beginning. After almost three years of on and off reading the novel, I managed to finish the book, and enjoyed it. Can anyone imagine a more tedious relationship with a single book? I think not!
Despite the time it took, I came to realize something valuable: it’s okay to put down a book. Not because I coincidentally happened to finish this book within my lifetime, but because I found the reasoning that truly supported such a statement.
To put down a book does not mean that you sign a contract saying you will never, ever pick it up again. It just means that at that moment in time that book isn’t what you are looking for—big deal. Chances are, you may return to that book later in life when it becomes something you feel interested in picking up again.
Furthermore, to put down a book does not mean that you are officially done with the act of reading–it just means that you now have the opportunity to try out another book. You can reassess your preferences, what you liked and what you didn’t like, and try something new.
Lastly, to put down a book does not mean that you are not dedicated enough as a reader–it just means that you are taking control over how your time is being used, and prioritizing what matters most to you. There is no use going around in circles with something you are not interested in. That being said, it never hurts to challenge yourself and stick with a book that tests your mind. But when reading a book leads to dread, boredom, or a lack of excitement, then it might be time to put it down.
To some, my reasoning may feel like a manifesto to give up books left and right. To that, I say this is a simple message for our fellow students who enter the school year with new classes and activities and need to decide how to prioritize their time. To fully understand that such an option exists can be an unconscious relief for those who enjoy reading. Reading was not made to simply boast about how many books you have read, or what kind of books you read, but rather made for the process to hear exciting stories, learn valuable lessons, and receive meaningful advice.
So when you pick up a book this year, read for the joy of it, and don’t be afraid to put down a book. It’s your choice and that’s what counts.