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Well, I didn't mean to sound so critical. I guess I just feel defensive of what Dana mentioned, being viewed as eccentric for reading.
Let me clarify. It's not that books are inherently superior to TV, video games, movies, theater, etc. All of those things can be wonderful, but 9 times out of 10 they are pure crap. Some TV shows make you think and educate you, some entertain you in stimulating ways, and some just yammer at you. I have no problem with sitting in front of the TV to watch a show. It's turning the TV on even when there's nothing good to watch, just to have it on, and watching anything...that I have a problem with.
I do value the ability to be alone with my own thoughts - or with other people, in the absence of external noise. Reading requires a different kind of effort and not everybody can get caught up in a book, some people just read and comprehend. But I think that is something that comes with practice, and if you don't put in the time, it can't happen.
As for the kids, it makes me a little wistful and sad that they're not falling in love with books the way I did; you love someone, you want to make sure they get the chance to experience all the wonderful things you've experienced. Like...say, someone says they don't want to go for a walk in the snow at midnight, and you drag them out anyway, and it turns out to be a beautiful thing they're glad they did.
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