There Are Still Teenagers Who Like Reading

Even I, as a reader, feel very happy when in this world where technology is very developed, I find a friend who likes to read. If you ever see us together with Elsa Halili, one of the topics we always love to talk about is BOOKS. Those are the only moments where you can find just the two of us, because when other friends come, as soon as they hear that our topic is about books, they leave.

I chose Elsa Halili to interview her because I thought she is the right person for this topic, as well as an excellent programmer. One of her successes was being the finalist of ICT AWARDS ALBANIA 12. She also makes time to read. Here’s how she responded to the interview:

Elsa Halili is a 14-year-old girl who likes to read books, especially those with mystery and events that keep you curious. Her favorite books are: Death on the Nile, And There Was No One Left, Mistress of Crime, and The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, all by Agatha Christie. She also enjoyed The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and The Explorer by Katherine Rundell.

• Why do you like these books?

I read a lot of Agatha Christie because she is a master of mystery and unexpected twists in the story. She creates situations that make you suspect all the characters, and the ending always surprises me. I like to think and try to find out the culprit myself before it is revealed in the book. Also, the way she describes the characters and details helps me to develop my imagination.

• What motivates you to read in this time where technology is developed?

I’m also a programmer, which means I spend a lot of time with technology. During the day I am often in front of the computer coding and creating different projects. For this very reason, reading for me is a way to disconnect from screens and relax my mind. I love getting into the worlds created by authors, especially Agatha Christie’s mystery books, because they give me the opportunity to use logic and imagination in a different way than programming. Reading helps me use my imagination and create pictures of events in my mind, which I can’t do by watching movies or staying on my phone.

• They criticize me for reading books, do they criticize you?

Yes, and I accept them positively. I think criticism helps me improve and see things from different perspectives. If they are constructive, they are an opportunity for personal growth.

• Is technology hindering teenagers today?

I think so, because technology often distracts us and makes us forget how nice it is to read a book or spend time outside with friends. However, it all depends on how we use it. If we manage our time well, technology can be very useful, but we also need to make time for off-screen activities and to connect with the real world.

In those moments when you start reading, it seems as if you are in another world and you forget everything from the real world. Try it once and it will be a hobby forever!