Becoming a Reader: The Experience of Fiction from Childhood to Adulthood [Paperback]

J. A. Appleyard (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 28, 1994 | ISBN-10: 052146756X | ISBN-13: 978-0521467568

Becoming a Reader studies the psychological development of readers of fictional stories across the entire lifespan. The author argues that regardless of personality and background, readers go through a regular sequence of stages as they mature from childhood to adulthood which affects how they experience and respond to stories. Literary theorists, reading psychologists, and general readers interested in the power of reading will find this to be an insightful book.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...an excellent introduction to the kinds of fiction that appeal to school-age children, adolescents, and adults. It provides a rich and provocative as well as informative view of the why and what of experiencing fiction by readers of different ages. It introduces the basic ideas, assumptions, and themes in literary interpretation and criticism. It portrays the kinds of characters and stories that are recurrent in formulaic romance and adventure that appeal to all ages in different forms. As a basic primer on literature and literary experiences of children and adults, it is highly recommended." Thomas Trabasso, American Journal of Psychology

"...a thoroughly remarkable book examining the process of reading from a developmental perspective all the way from early childhood to adulthood....the whole tone of this book is one of patient, intelligent, encouraging fruitful inquiry into why people read the way they do, and what it means to read at all....If there is one book about the reading and teaching of literature that should be read by every teacher from kindergarten through college, this is it." R. Bruce Schauble, KLIATT

"...an adherent of no particular theoretical school, Appleyard has read widely among many competing schools of thought, asking questions about the interests, needs, skills, experience, and training of readers at different stages of life, all this in order to flesh out the hypothetical `reader' of current reader-oriented aesthetics. He manages to hold aloft at once a number of theories, examining and extracting the best and most sensible ideas before moving on." Dalhousie Review

"...As a compendium of what fiction is or can be in our lives, this book is a rare achievement. Include it in your book circle, a seminar on teaching literature, and your backpack of things for solitary contemplation." Sam Sebesta, Journal of Reading

Book Description

A study of the psychological development of readers of fictional stories across an entire lifespan reveals a sequence of stages--as they mature from childhood to adulthood--that affects their responses regardless of personality and background.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (January 28, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 052146756X
• ISBN-13: 978-0521467568
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,804,619 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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