The Self Actualized Reader

A study examined the commonalities that "voracious" readers share, and how their experiences can guide parents, teachers, and librarians in assisting children to become self-actualized readers. Subjects, 25 adults ranging in age from 20 to 67 years, completed a questionnaire concerning their reading histories and habits. Respondents varied in educational attainment, occupation, and types of materials read, but all were classified as prolific and active readers. Through a series of protocols, subjects relayed personal accounts of their introduction to and life-long obsession with the written word. Results indicated that (1) all subjects had positive reading self-concepts, and their reading histories were essentially devoid of negative experiences; (2) avid readers were concerned about having something good to read next after they finished a good book; (3) the "music of enthusiasm" did not lend itself to words; and (4) learning to read was as natural as learning to speak. (Contains 27 references.) (RS)