Nabokov, “Good Readers and Good Writers”

Vladimir Nabokov,” one of the great novelists of the 20th century” (Vladimir Nabokov.com par.2), believed that as a reader one should have, “imagination, memory, a dictionary, and some artistic sense” (Good Readers and Good Writers par. 8). He stated that one’s imagination should not only rely on past-experiences but also on should be able to imagine through artistic eyes. Nabokov also said that rereading was the key to being able to use your imagination. I find a lot of truth in all of this. When I read a book, I try to imagine what the writer is seeing. I love the idea of new places and different ways of living. If I were to just use my imagination as far as my own experiences and never branch out beyond that, reading would be uninteresting to me. Since I am able to expand my imagination, I do believe I am a good reader when it comes to something that I am interested in. When the interest is not there, I find myself rereading a lot but I always find a way to take it all in.