When was the last time you read a book? Do your daily reading habits center around tweets, Instagram captions, or the directions on reheating last night’s pizza? If so, you should consider reading books.

Many students at Miami High like to read, and they read a lot.   Sophomore Kiara Rosario has read between 10 and 15 books in the past three months. “And that’s not including plays from Shakespeare,” she said.

In the last three months Kelly Garcia has read about 6 books. “I’m currently reading Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” she said.

Freshman Nathaliy DeLeon said, “I feel like reading distracts me from the mentally-cluttered life I have, and I read in the morning because I enjoy it more when the sun is out.”
Freshman Justin Torres reads as much as he can. “I usually read in my living room when it’s quiet, because I feel like I can take in the story more when I’m by myself,” he said.

“I enjoy reading because it creates a whole new world to imagine,” said sophomore Mingli Yactayo, who likes reading during the late hours of the day.

Other students at Miami High find it difficult to make time for reading. Sophomore Kelly Garcia said, “I like to read, but due to my busy life, I don’t have time to read that often.”

Senior Henry Martinez said, “I would read every day if I could, but I have to pick my little brother from school and then I have to go to my job.”

“I don’t like to read,” said freshman Justin Montes de Oca. “Even if I did want to read, I wouldn’t have the time to because I have to take care of my little brother and help my mom out around the house.”

 If you’re looking for a good read, listen to what Miami High’s big readers are suggesting. Sophomore Ryan Rodriguez likes science fiction/fantasy because “I enjoy being able to immerse myself into a story which couldn’t possibly be real.”

Mingli Yactayo loves the mystery genre because itis so suspenseful throughout the book and you never know what might happen.

Some of those big readers even recommend certain titles. Senior Leonardo Cedeño, who just re-read Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut Jr., said, “I’ve come to appreciate it more the second time. I would definitely recommend the book to anyone.”

Senior Anthony Ara recommends, The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. “In this epic fantasy, the protagonist goes through a journey that everyone should read about,” he said.

Junior Emily Garzon recommends the last John Green book she read, Will Grayson, Will Grayson. “I would recommend it to anyone who likes emotional books,” she said.

Many Miami High students are not big readers, and they have their own ways for dealing with required reading in school. “Whenever my teacher assigns me a book, I read it and try to understand as much as I can,” said senior Henry Martinez. “If I need clarification on something, that’s when I’ll use SparkNotes to give me a better understanding of the book, rather than being unable to comprehend it at all.”

Junior Manny Lopez said, “I usually use SparkNotes if I don’t find an interest in the book. Most of the time, I usually immerse myself in the book while, other times, I just can’t read past the first page. I like calling it ‘Reader’s Block’.”

Big reader Emily Garzon doesn’t use SparkNotes. “It takes away from the learning process by giving you the answer and doesn’t allow for the student to work out the problems for themselves. By not using SparkNotes, I get a deeper understanding of the book and am able to discuss it more thoroughly.”

The modernization of books has led to e-books, but some students still prefer physical books. Nathaliy DeLeon likes them more because they cause less strain on her eyes.

Anthony Ara said, “I like the way the paper feels against my fingertips when I flip a page; using a digital book all you do is press a button.”

Senior Anthony Chavarria said, “When reading a physical book you can actually feel like you’re holding a book in your hand. Digital books don’t allow you to show off to others when reading a book.”