Read a Book or Watch a Movie?

Marília Silva

Hannah Griggs

Writing Practice

30.04.2014

Read a Book or Watch a Movie?

            Books and movies are an important kind of entertainment. Both are ways of leisure that nowadays are very widespread in our society, but which is better? Some people prefer to watch a movie instead of read a book. On the other hand, others like to read a novel rather than watch a movie that tells the same story. However, reading a book instead of watching a movie is a better choice because it has many advantages. By reading, we can associate leisure with learning and health.

            Some people say that it is easier to watch a movie because it is not necessary to pay attention or make much mental effort to understand it. Indeed, watching a movie is an easier process than reading. However, books are better for the mental health because they stimulate the imagination and nerve cells of the reader. Alan Bennett once said that "A book is a device to ignite the imagination." By reading, we can use the imagination to make our own movie in our minds. The article "Why To Read: 10 Reasons Why Reading Books Will Save Your Life" argues that "by reading a written description of an event or a place, your mind is responsible for creating that image in your head, instead of having the image placed in front of you when you watch television."

            Movies have shorter stories than books. Thus, it is a leisure activity that takes up less time. We can watch a movie in about an hour and  half while some people spend more than one month reading a book. Nevertheless some people like to spend time reading. They can take it wherever they go and read it whenever they want. Despite reading being a longer process, books have more details than movies. By watching a movie, we lose a lot of important details from the story. If we compare an adaptation from a book to film, we can see the differences between the stories. Oftentimes, the producer of the movie changes important parts of the story. They might add or remove characters, or even drastically change the end of the story.

            In addition, many times, a movie cannot transmit the characters' feelings and emotions to the spectator. Sometimes, this can happen because when the movie is produced there is not enough time to focus on these kinds of things. On the other hand, when we read, we do not take this risk. By reading, we get really involved with the characters because we can feel how they are feeling and we are able to know more about their personalities.

            A good example of this is the adaption of a book called "The Kite Runner". This book tells a sad story of a friendship between two Afghani boys. If we read this book and watch the movie after, we will clearly see that the book is better. We will realize that the book is richer in detail, and that the characters can transmit more emotions and feelings to the reader than the actors in the movie do. A lot of facts of this story are just better understood if we read the book.

            Some people argue that movies are better because they stimulate our senses. They have visual and sound effects that help the spectator to get involved easily with the story. In fact, this is true. However, some people can also be easily involved with the story just by reading the book. Furthermore, by reading, we can learn about a lot of things, even unwittingly. When we read a book, our knowledge about specific subjects increases. For instance, if we read a novel that takes place in New York, we can learn about the geography and culture of this place just by reading it. Besides this specific knowledge, in reading we can also learn about writing skills, literature, and language.

            The article called "The Benefits of Reading" provides five reasons why we should read more books. It can expand vocabulary, boost creativity, improve writing skills, enhance memory, and develop analytical thinking. According to this article, "reading is an indulgence that enhances our knowledge by making us use our brain and causing us to think more and therefore enhancing our intelligence" (Torres). Moreover, Laura Shocker adds that reading can help relax us, help us sleep better, and even stave off Alzheimer's disease.

          Movies and books are excellent leisure tools. Both activities are healthy and very enjoyable. However, if we have to choose one of them, books offer more benefits. Reading is a great activity that allows the reader enjoy a story while he or she can learn about many subjects. In conclusion, reading a book instead of watching a movie has many advantages such as stimulation of imagination and creativity, improvement of language skills, and stimulation of critical thinking.

                                                                                       Works Cited

Shocker, Laura. 7 Unconventional Reasons Why You Absolutely Should Be Reading Books. Huffington Post. 10 December 2013. Web. 22 April, 2014. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/12/health-benefits reading_n_4081258.html>.

Why To Read: 10 Reasons Why Reading Books Will Save Your Life. Why to Read. <http://whytoread.com/why-to-read-10-reasons-why-reading-books-will-save-your-life/>. Web. 23 April, 2014.<http://csupomona.uloop.com/news/view.php/65205/the-benefits-of-reading-5-reasons-why-you-should-read-more-books>.

Torres, Izbel. The Benefits of Reading: 5 Reasons Why You Should Read More Books. Uloop. 11 February 2013. Web. 22 April, 2014. <http://csupomona.uloop.com/news/view.php/65205/the-benefits-of-reading-5-reasons-why-you-should-read-more-books>.