Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary day, a dilemma unexpectedly arrives. The most extraordinary situations are encountered in the pages of a book. We often imagine leading characters as fictitious two-dimensional people, who endeavor to change their circumstances by initiating a desire to go on an adventure. As readers, seeking unexpected twists and turns in a story, we turn the pages as willing participants. Words appear to fly off the page, creating vivid visual descriptions of suspenseful to thrilling scenes pertaining to important or minor names. Proceeding, of course, by short periods to catch a breath and exhale, we witness the characters tie their shoelaces, calm unruly locks, and consider the next course of action. This takes a defined period of time, just a page or two.
Great Lines
Of the thousands of books read from the first word until the last, the physical appearance and name of a character may not remain in our memory; instead, the traits, great quotable lines, and the noble actions of the fictitious person continue to serve a purpose in our transferring from book to real-life. Phrases such as, “Let it go!” “To infinity and beyond,” and “May the force be with you!” enter into conversations, influencing situations, and, with hope, make a difference. Other lines, such as, “Your identity is your most valuable possession; protect it!” or, “It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to your enemies, but a great more to stand up to your friends,” carry beyond the page and can be used to affirm personal courage. Even though the character may be an ice-princess, astronaut, Jedi Master, superhero, or headmaster with magical powers, the power of statements, even the ones that promote laughter, often have a greater purpose.
What is Fluent Thinking?
Sometimes, real life and the novel blend seamlessly together; so well, in fact, that fictitious characters often feel like friends. Positive influences can aid readers to become fluent thinkers by openly discussing their problems and viewing possibilities in new ways. Just as the process of problem-solving takes place not only in a thirty-minute increment, activities such as brainstorming with a friend, or just out loud, and reflection are part of the ongoing solution. It can be exciting to recall scenes from your own story, learn from those experiences, and quite possibly think creatively through problems to change familiar outcomes.
Constructive Dialogues
The concept of “problem and solution” begins with a reader’s need for the main character to escape danger and arrive safely at his or her destination. The journey is not easy. Some characters despair and feel the futility of hope. A solution often arrives in the form of a stranger. An exchange between the two characters occurs to demonstrate a process of thinking or planning, and show the passage of time. The realistic characters, who may indeed respond in frustration or tears, rarely storm off the page. They remain in the spotlight to solve the problem. Remember, every book comprises the same elements. One solution will not suit every situation involving love, friendship, bullying, despair, or anger. Plans will fail. Dialogue will continue. And, similar to real-world problems, the adventure also continues with the arrival of a sequel, a series, a compilation, or even a decalogy. The reader often picks up the new book just to see how additional problems are presented and solved.
Solving Universal Problems
Picking up a book and delving into the pages can solve universal problems, from mending a broken heart to feeling happier, teaching valuable lessons, or improving memory-boosting inspiration. Reading a few minutes every day has been proven to reduce stress levels by 70%. Sometimes, when problems arise, following a character into another world or time traveling to the past can aid in the process of pausing to reflect, analyzing the character’s plan, or just trying to find out how a story ended. We are main characters in our life story. Right in the middle of an ordinary day, we discover untimely adventure, obstacles, and layers of complication. The supportive role of our friends often personifies the very attributes of our favorite fictitious characters, who become the ideal depiction of the book-worm, the rule-breaker, the comic, and even the wise sage. Rarely does a great story include just one character. Even you can problem-solve your way over the towering wall and through sticky webs to find a better place. As a fairy godmother once said, “Even miracles take a little time.”
