Vladimir Nabokov states that a good reader is made from someone who has “imagination, memory, a dictionary, and some artistic sense” (Nabokov 1). He also thinks that a good reader should start reading a book with an open mind and a clean slate in order to fully understand what they are reading without the previous biases of the mind. Nabokov stressed on the importance of becoming one with the characters and states that reading something can trigger memories or feelings inside of ourselves that allow us to bond with the writer.
I would have to agree with Nabokov on his definitions of a good reader. He defined the way I read exactly. In every book I read I become closer to the places or people in it. I think that imagination and open-mindedness are very important in starting a book. I believe that the most important characteristic a reader can have would be memory or comprehension of the reading. I pride myself on being a good reader. I try to be open-minded when I read a book and occasionally have to use a dictionary to look up words that are used. It gives me a better understanding of what the writer is trying to convey and allows me to see the bigger picture.
1. Nabokov, Vladimir. “Good Readers and Good Writers”. Page 615.
